By Clint Thompson Bacterial wilt disease is a relatively new problem for Florida blueberry farmers, according to Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. He said that though the ralstonia pathogen, which causes bacterial wilt in other Florida crops like tobacco, tomato and pepper, has been around for more than 100 years, some blueberry producers …
Another Frost Event Likely for Parts of Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The Southeast is not out of the woods for a late frost event, which could be costly for peach producers and blueberry growers in Georgia and Alabama. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension climatologist, said some blueberry farmers are especially concerned since their plants have already started producing a crop. “Because it’s been such a warm …
Hemp Diseases in Florida
By Nicholas Dufault Diseases will be a major concern for Florida’s hemp production systems as they can limit profitable production of the plants. There are more than 40 known hemp diseases listed on the American Phytopathological Society’s educational resources page. These diseases are caused by viruses, fungi and bacteria. Some southeastern states, such as Kentucky and North Carolina, that produce …
Florida Farm Values Reported at Land Conference
Reports on 2019 land sales for row crops in Central Florida and several crops in the Homestead area were released at the Feb. 27-28 Lay of the Land Florida Land Conference in Lakeland. The reports were prepared by SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate. A report declared that sales in 2019 far exceeded those of 2018 for row crop …
Tomato Fertilization Recommendations for Florida
By Phillip Williams Tomatoes are grown statewide in Florida in a diverse manner depending on the region of the state. Sandy soils make up the dominant soil type for tomato production in Florida. Sandy soils are prone to leaching mobile nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and even phosphorus by heavy rain or excessive irrigation. Therefore, sandy soils must be managed …
What it Takes to Ramp up Citrus Rootstocks in Florida
The Florida Citrus Research Foundation makes plans to bolster seed supply of high-demand selections.
Florida Strawberry Festival’s Featured Fruit Comes From UF/IFAS Research
(UF/IFAS) — When you hear the words “Plant City,” what comes to mind? Strawberries, probably. As thousands of people come to Plant City for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival this month, many will eat various types of the fruit. They may be surprised to learn that University of Florida scientists toil in nearby labs and fields to develop the best …
Rising to the Challenges of Florida Farming
Problem-solving skills and a thirst for knowledge allow Chuck Obern to run a thriving vegetable farm. By Kendal Norris To be successful in farming requires a good deal of stamina, flexibility and determination, along with a love of the art of growing things. Charles “Chuck” Obern, owner of C&B Farms, Inc., embodies all these qualities. He is also curious, with …
Soil Health Matters! A Tale of 2 Florida Citrus Groves
A look at different approaches that have brought orange plantings back from the brink.
Taters No More! This Florida Farm is Now Growing Sweet on Citrus
Tater Farms has worked to diversify its crop mix and is finding new tangerine plantings are progressing well in more northern climes of the Sunshine State.