Much-needed rainfall helped alleviate some of the drought present in some parts of Florida, specifically along the Florida Panhandle and in Southeast Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, drought-like conditions persist in most areas of the state. An extreme drought is still present in counties along the west coast of the state, starting as …
Downy Mildew Disease Confirmed in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in North Florida watermelons. South Georgia and South Alabama watermelon producers should be wary since the disease can spread easily by the high winds being experienced this week. “With the way the winds have been blowing here recently I think we’re in a situation where it’s relatively high risk throughout the …
Positive/Negative Weather Impacts on Florida Blueberries During Harvests
By Clint Thompson The current dry period persisting through Florida is impacting harvest season for the state’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, believes extended periods of dry weather has had positive and negative impacts on growers attempting to harvest this year’s crop. “It’s good news in that you …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Persist in Southeast
The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to show areas of the Southeast that are suffering through lack of rainfall. An extended stretch of counties along the west coast of Florida are in an extreme drought. These include Levy, Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Most of the rest of Florida is either in a severe drought or moderate drought. …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Advised to Implement Daily Irrigation Practices
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Should Implement Multiple Irrigation Events Daily
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
Florida Peaches Expected to be Smaller This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach producers are well underway in harvesting this year’s crop. The peaches this year are undersized, due mostly to the warm spring leading up to harvest, says Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Down south in central Florida they’ve already been picking U-F Sun and U-F Best …
Florida Peach Crop Expected to be Undersized This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach producers are well underway in harvesting this year’s crop. The peaches this year are undersized, due mostly to the warm spring leading up to harvest, says Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Down south in central Florida they’ve already been picking U-F Sun and U-F …
Drought Lingers Throughout Most of Florida
The extreme drought present in southern Florida has moved up the east coast, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The extreme dry conditions are now present in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. A severe drought continues to be observed throughout most of the state, starting as far north as Dixie and Gilchrist counties …
Redesigned Florida Grower Citrus Show a Sweet Success
By Clint Thompson The reinvigorated Florida Grower Citrus Show was a crowd-pleaser in its first year hosted by AgNet Media. The annual event was relocated to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) facilities in Fort Pierce. It was streamlined from a two-day format to a one-day event. The show brought …