Dry conditions spreading in Florida

Web AdminWeather

Drought-like conditions still exist across some areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst areas are still located along Southwest Florida, starting as far north as Hernando County and stretching southward to Lee and Collier counties. Extreme drought is observed in parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. A wide stretch …

Drought Conditions Across Southeast Region

Web AdminDrought, Weather

Abnormally dry conditions are starting to spread more across Georgia and Alabama, while dry areas persist along the west coast of Florida, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. A couple of areas in Georgia are abnormally dry. One is located along the Georgia-Alabama state line. It starts as far north as Floyd and Bartow counties and stretches …

Starting Clean Key to Florida Strawberry Success

Web AdminFlorida Grower, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are close to planting this year’s crop. Success this season will hinge largely on how “clean” the plants are that producers get from nurseries, believes Dustin Grooms, a producer in Plant City, Florida. “Getting good plants is the beginning of it all. If you get problematic plants, you’ll fight with it all year. You …

‘Clean Plants’ Vital to Success for Florida Strawberry Growers

Web AdminFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are close to planting this year’s crop. Success this season will hinge largely on how “clean” the plants are that producers get from nurseries, believes Dustin Grooms, a producer in Plant City, Florida. “Getting good plants is the beginning of it all. If you get problematic plants, you’ll fight with it all year. You …

Drought Monitor Update: Decreased Dry Conditions Across Southeast

Web AdminDrought

Drought conditions remain minimal across the Southeast. The only dry areas are located along the west coast of Florida and in northern Alabama, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The only part of Florida that is experiencing dry conditions is located along the west coast in the southern part of the state. It starts as …

From Start to Finish: Chilli Thrips Remain a Season-Long Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is just around the corner for South Florida producers. One part of production that growers will have to be ready for is managing chilli thrips. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed chilli thrips …

Florida Watermelon Growers Lead in Total Production 

Web AdminWatermelon

While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …

Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Watermelon

While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …

Leaf Rust Problematic for Florida Blueberry Growers

Web AdminAgriculture Research, Blueberries, Disease

By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …

Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …