By: Ruth Borger, 517-803-7631, rborger@ufl.edu LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida (UF) researchers hope to discover new methods to help citrus growers fight the deadly citrus greening (or Huanglongbing) disease with cost effective, long-term sustainable treatments with the support of recently awarded federal grants. Three teams of scientists from UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences received nearly $4.5 …
Climate Outlook for the Southeast
University of Georgia Agricultural (UGA) Climatologist Pam Knox provided a climate outlook during a recent Georgia Citrus Update webinar. According to Knox, a strong La Niña is in place in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the winds are now in sync with the ocean conditions. This signifies that La Niña is likely to continue through the winter months and into …
Whiteflies Vary in Impact in Florida Vegetables This Fall
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whiteflies are varying in impact in vegetables in South and Central Florida. Around the Central Florida area, respondents report that whiteflies remain active in tomato and melons at mostly low numbers. Growers and scouts in Southwest Florida report that whitefly pressure has declined with recent rains. Scouts report finding mostly low …
Extension Economist Doesn’t Expect Hemp Acres to Increase in Southeast in 2021
With hemp harvest beginning across the Southeast, predictions are already being made about what next year’s crop might look like. One Extension economist believes there will not be an acreage increase in 2021. Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist Adam Rabinowitz does not expect acres in the Southeast to increase until the market shows significant recovery. “I don’t think …
Florida Preps for Algae Blooms from Lake Releases
(NSF) — Measures are in place to offset potential blue-green algae blooms after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started Wednesday to schedule water releases from lower Lake Okeechobee, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. A news release late Wednesday said the department and the South Florida Water Management District are prepared to use “innovative technology” if needed …
What’s up With Growing Lemons in Florida?
Adventurous producers are still seeking ways to squeeze profit out of this appealing citrus fruit.
Establishing an Olive Industry in Florida
By Michael O’Hara Garcia With weather and soils similar to the Mediterranean Basin, olives grow in Florida and throughout much of the southeastern United States. Currently, Florida has approximately 800 acres of olives under active cultivation by 60 to 80 individual farmers in 20 counties. The groves range from backyard hobby plots with several trees to high-density commercial operations of …
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Names New Board Chair, Vice Chair
MAITLAND, Fla. (Oct. 2, 2020) – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named Aaron Troyer, president of Troyer Brothers in Fort Myers, as its chair for 2020-22. David Hill, president of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, was named vice chair. In addition, FFVA members voted to appoint three new directors to the board: Jon Esformes of Pacific Tomato Growers, Chris …
South Georgia Producers Facing Mounting Obstacles This Fall
South Georgia vegetable farmers are facing their share of challenges this fall. Between heavy whitefly infestations, increased disease pressure and extreme cloud cover over the past two weeks, producers continue to deal with obstacles during this fall production season, according to Jeremy Kichler, University of Georgia Colquitt County Extension Coordinator. “When (Hurricane) Sally came through, we got anywhere from 5 …
Whiteflies Flaring Up in Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, whiteflies are flaring up in tomatoes and watermelons in Southwest Florida. In the Central Florida area, growers indicate that whiteflies are present in tomatoes low numbers, although some of the early plantings were hit hard by whiteflies. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus pressure remains less than 1% but it is …