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 …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Persist Across Southeast
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist in certain areas across the Southeast. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are detected in the northeast part of the state, along the Atlantic coast. These range from Nassau County to Volusia County. Dry conditions are also being experienced in Southeast Georgia, along the Atlantic coast in Richmond County, …
Dry Conditions Starting to Persist Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions are starting to persist across the Southeast region. In Florida, abnormally dry conditions are present across the north-to-northeast part of the state; as far west as Hamilton County, stretching to Nassau County. Dry conditions are present along the Atlantic Coast, stretching as far south as Brevard County and Indian River County. In Georgia, abnormally dry conditions are located …
UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook in Stock for Florida Producers
The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) 2021-2022 vegetable production handbook is in stock for Florida producers. The 19-chapter handbook, which is updated every production season, provides guidance on vegetable production throughout Florida. The handbook also includes extensive pesticide tables for each crop that is covered. Growers are asked to contact Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across Florida
Caterpillar pressure continues to vary across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee-Ruskin region reported that populations are increasing. Melonworms in cucumber and squash were reported at moderate levels. Beet armyworms, cabbage loopers and a few hornworms were reported sporadically. Caterpillars have also been very active in the North Florida region. Scouts are …
Networking a Key Part of Florida Ag Expo
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo’s return means more networking opportunities for South Florida producers and industry leaders. That is one of the show’s main benefits it will provide when it returns on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. “It’s not just …
S.C. Producer Named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
South Carolina fruit and vegetable producer Robert “Bob” Martin Hall was named the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year on Tuesday during the 43rd annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Hall, from York, South Carolina, is in his 42nd year of farming. He produces strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, melons, blackberries, blueberries, sweet corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, squash, …
Fall Watermelon Production Not Recommended in North Florida
By Clint Thompson Josh Freeman, University of Florida (UF)/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Associate Professor in Horticultural Science, is completely honest when assessing the potential of fall watermelon production in north Florida. “To be completely frank, we would not recommend watermelon growers grow watermelons in the fall,” Freeman said. His blunt assessment is attributed to the multiple variables …