Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried pleaded with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) that Mexican imports of cucumbers and squash are devastating the domestic market, especially her state’s farmers. In testimony delivered as part of the USITC hearing on the effects of imports on Southeast markets on Thursday, Fried pointed to the statistical impact of both commodities. From 2015 to …
Muscadine Grape: Key to Sustainable Florida Viticulture
By Manjul Dutt and Ali Sarkhosh Native to Florida and the southeastern United States, the muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) is a lesser known relative of the European grape (descended from Vitis vinifera) that is popular worldwide for fruit consumption and wine production. A related species (Vitis munsoniana/Vitis rotundifolia var. munsoniana) is commonly present in the central and southern parts of …
Chilly Outcome: Cold Temperatures Damage Some South Georgia Crops
Cold temperatures and a late-season frost could lead some South Georgia vegetable producers to replant some of their crops, namely watermelons and cantaloupes. Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, said his plants survived most of last weekend’s temperature drop, other than some cantaloupe plants in Worth County. “Cantaloupes got burnt a little bit in some …
Crop Progress: What’s Happening in Southeastern States?
The United States Department of Agriculture released its crop progress reports for each state this week. Alabama: Temperatures in March were comparable with or up to 7.9 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than historical averages. Rainfall ranged from 2.6 inches to 14.6 inches, though heavy rain was recorded during the latter part of the month. It improved drought conditions but also halted …
Mite Management on Southern Highbush Blueberries
By Oscar E. Liburd, Lorena Lopez and Doug Phillips Mites can cause significant damage on blueberry plants if not properly managed. Mite species that feed on southern highbush blueberries (SHB) include the southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis) and the false spider mite or flat mite (Brevipalpus yothersi). The southern red mite is the primary mite pest feeding on blueberry plants …
‘We Believe in Florida Citrus’ Is More Than Just a Rally Cry
Learn why this new initiative is about a community of people who for generations have grown fruit for a grateful public.
Blueberry Decline: Imports, USITC Contribute to Florida’s Dwindling Industry
What was once a booming industry in Florida is now running on fumes. Mexican imports and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) have made it almost impossible for Florida blueberry producers to compete like they used to. “Florida went through an increase from 2000 to 2015 or so. Now, I don’t know of anybody that’s putting blueberry acreage in because …
Record-Setting Populations: Asian Bean Thrips Spiking in Some Florida Fields
It was a record-setting week on some South Florida farms with respect to Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations. According to UF/IFAS, across most farms in southeastern Hendry County, ABT populations averaged 0.2 ABT per bud and ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 per bloom (at full bloom). But in an isolated located, reports were as high as 10.0 ABT per bloom …
Devastating Disease: Bacterial Spot a Problem for Some Florida Producers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease is active in tomato and pepper fields on the east coast and around southwest Florida. It is present at moderate levels in older hot pepper plants. Bacterial spot disease flares up after rain events and with fog in tomatoes and non-resistant peppers across the southwest region of Florida. …
Florida Farmer: I’ve Got a Bad Taste in My Mouth for Mexico
Count Kim Jamerson as another Florida vegetable producer who is being negatively impacted by imports from Mexico. “I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth for Mexico,” said Jamerson in Fort Myers, Florida. She farms approximately 1,280 acres of produce in south Florida, including eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber and green pepper. Jamerson struggles to keep pace with Mexican imports …