By Clint Thompson What was inevitable has now become reality for North Florida watermelon producers – downy mildew disease in this year’s crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the presence of the disease in Levy County during his weekly email alerts. “It’s something that …
Florida First Detector Training
Registration is ongoing for a Florida First Detector training, scheduled for June 3 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center. It will last from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free Florida First Detector training will highlight identification and management for pests of concern that could impact sugarcane, rice and leafy …
Prolonged Drought: Dry Weather Expanding Across Southeast
The prolonged drought that persists across the Southeast is intensifying and expanding in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida’s dry conditions remain in the southern part of the state. Most of the prolonged drought conditions are now moderately dry with some severely dry conditions in Glades and Palm Beach counties. …
Drought Worsening Across Southeast
Drought conditions are worsening and expanding in areas across the Southeast, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst conditions in Florida reside in the southern region of the state. From Hillsborough, Polk and Osceola counties to as far south as Broward and Miami-Dade counties, the areas are either in an abnormal drought or moderate drought. Parts …
Florida Tomato Leader: Not a Formula for Success
By Clint Thompson South Florida tomatoes appear destined for an earlier finish to the harvest season this year. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, discusses how much longer consumers can expect to see Florida-grown tomatoes fresh from the field. “I would say the Manatee Ruskin area, which normally goes until the 5th of June will probably …
Plum Curculio Currently Not a Concern for Florida Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Plum curculio is not currently a pest for most Florida peach producers. But that shouldn’t deter growers from keeping a watchful eye and ensuring the insect does not become a problem in the future. Amanda Hodges, an Extension scientist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomology and nematology department, discusses the impact …
Mite Pressure Varies Across Florida
Mite pressure is increasing in various fields across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Two-spotted spider mites have increased significantly on late-season tomatoes, eggplant and okra around Homestead, Florida. They are also impacting ornamental nursery and tropical fruit trees. Broad mites are also observed in corn, tomato, squash and okra. Broad mites have also been persistent …
Florida Blueberry Grower: We’re Getting Squeezed
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers continue to feel the sting of increased imports from Mexico. What should have been a profitable year for those growers who had a crop this season was anything but. It was due to Mexican blueberries stealing the marketing window away from Florida blueberry growers, believes Florida farmer Ryan Atwood. “Considering as little of volume …
Dry Conditions Persist in Southeast
Much of the dry conditions that developed in recent weeks in the Southeast remain in Florida and Georgia, while most of Alabama is drought free, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Florida’s dry conditions are concentrated in the southern part of the state. A severe drought is being experienced in parts of Glades and …
Pepper Weevil Impact in Florida
High populations of pepper weevil are being reported in various fields across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high in all locations across the Southwest Florida region. Some younger plantings may not be harvested at all due to most fruit being infested. Adult pepper weevils are feeding on buds and flowers. The same …