With tensions high during the coronavirus crisis, move to allow fruit into U.S. raises alarm. See what some are saying about it.
Cristobal Expected to Bring Rain to Southeast
By Clint Thompson Tropical Depression Cristobal’s expected movement into the Gulf of Mexico should bring much-needed rainfall to North Florida and South Alabama. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist, says rains over the next week should alleviate some of those drought conditions. “The whole Florida Panhandle and then stretching west into the Mobile (Ala.) area has been …
Hemp interest still strong in the Southeast
By Clint Thompson The Southeast is primed to ramp up its hemp production. Alabama is ready for its second year of production, while Georgia and Florida are just getting started. If the number of grower applications is any indication, interest in hemp is extremely high in all three states. Hemp drew 166 grower applicants and eight applications for processor permits …
Florida Farmer Looking Forward to Next Season With Optimism
By Clint Thompson A devastating hit to the South Florida’s produce industry by COVID-19 has not deterred Toby Basore from looking forward to next season with optimism. “I don’t care where you’re at, if you went into your grocery stores during this, there wasn’t any toilet paper on the shelves. There wasn’t any Lysol or hand wipes. The cheaper meats …
Hot, Dry Weather Impacts Florida’s Tropical Fruits
By Clint Thompson Florida’s hot and dry weather this winter and spring has impacted its tropical fruits, according to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida tropical fruit crop specialist. From lychees to avocados and mangos, none were immune to high temperatures over the past few months. Lychee requires exposure to cooler temperatures. If they don’t get much of that, they don’t …
Pepper Weevils Out of Control in Florida Vegetable Fields
By Clint Thompson Florida produce growers need to be wary of the pepper weevil, which is running rampant in the state’s vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are out of control on the East Coast in Florida vegetable fields. Growers are also seeing damage increasing in eggplant. Damage is so extreme in …
Presence of Powdery Mildew a Concern for Southeast Vegetable Growers
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew disease is present on older squash in various vegetable fields across South Florida. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, respondents report that the disease has also started to show up on watermelon crops across the region as well. It’s also reported that powdery mildew is showing up on squash and cantaloupe …
Downy Mildew Disease a Problem for Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease is present in cucurbits like squash and cucumber around South Florida and is getting worse. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, respondents report that the disease is showing up in most watermelons and infections have increased in areas hit hard by rainfall. “Around Manatee County, respondents report that downy mildew …
High Whitefly Pressure Reported in Florida Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Florida vegetable farmers are struggling to manage high whitefly pressure amid trying to produce this year’s crop. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, tomato growers in central Florida are really struggling with heavy whitefly pressure. It noted, “Some growers have already experienced whitefly and virus issues in spring crops and have pulled up …
Florida Mangoes Soon Will Be Ready for Harvest
By Clint Thompson Florida mango lovers will soon be able to sample this year’s crop, according Alan Chambers, University of Florida Assistant Professor/Genetics and Breeding of Tropical Fruits. “The mangoes are just beginning to ripen now,” he said. “Fresh mangoes from Florida will soon be available. We had multiple mango blooms this year in response to multiple cold spells. As …