According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease remains a problem in tomato and susceptible pepper plants around the southwest Florida area. In some instances, bacterial spot and speck have been observed moving to the top of the plant and infesting stems, new growth and fruit. Bacterial spot also remains a significant issue in multiple locations …
Minimal Diseases so far for Florida Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson The extended dry period in South Florida has been a boost for strawberry production. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes weather conditions have been favorable for strawberries early in the season and diseases have been minimal so far. “It’s been pretty quiet. We’re good, I …
Drought Conditions Persist in Southeast
Abnormally dry conditions are persisting across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Georgia is abnormally dry, with even a few counties in east-central Georgia experiencing moderately dry conditions. This includes Burke, Jefferson, Washington, Richmond, Glascock , McDuffie, Columbia, Wilkinson and Lincoln counties. Southeast Georgia counties have received sufficient rainfall. Abnormally dry conditions are being experienced …
North Florida Watermelon Growers Depending on Strong ’22 Market
By Clint Thompson There’s never been a question of North Florida watermelon growers being able to produce a crop. The question always lies with what the market is when that crop is ready for harvest. Maybe more than any other year, that market needs to be productive for farmers in 2022, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food …
Thrips Populations Vary Across Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips populations vary across the state. Chilli thrips are present in pepper crops in central Florida, mostly in low to moderate numbers. But they are higher in other locations. Florida flower thrips, western flower thrips and melon thrips have been observed in low numbers. Asian bean thrips have been reported on …
Citrus Greening Detected in Leon County, Florida
Citrus greening disease has been detected in a backyard in Tallahassee, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommended to the homeowner to have the tree removed. It’s the first occurrence in Leon County, according to Xavier Martini, UF/IFAS assistant professor at the North Florida Research and Education Center. According to the UF/IFAS, citrus greening or …
Florida Ag Expo Once Again a Success
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo was once again a success. Attendees flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on Thursday, a year after the event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Josh McGill, Florida Ag Expo show director, estimated around 800 were in attendance, between vendors …
Improving Productivity of Florida-Grown Peaches
By Tripti Vashisth Unlike citrus, peaches are deciduous fruit trees. Deciduous trees shed their leaves during the late fall and early winter and undergo dormancy. During this dormant stage, a certain amount of cold weather (measured by an accumulation of chill units) is needed to resume normal growth in the spring. When the cold weather requirement for dormancy is fulfilled, …
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whitefly pressure remains low to moderate in various locations throughout South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee Ruskin area report seeing widespread infestations across all vegetables. Growers and scouts in Southwest Florida report that whitefly numbers remain low in tomatoes, though adult numbers have increased in multiple places. Nymphs are being observed …
ABT Populations: Insect Not High Enough in Florida to Warrant Insecticide Use
Asian bean thrips (ABT) are at such low populations that growers are not recommended to apply insecticides at this point, according to University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. ABT have been detected via traps in southeastern Hendry County, at a rate of less than 0.03 ABT per trap per week. It is 1/10 of last year’s levels. They …