Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Scouting detected ABTs at a rate of less than 0.1 per bloom across most of the monitored fields. The one exception was eastern Immokalee, where populations reached 0.5 per bloom late in the crop cycle. …
Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers
Mites are widely present in crops across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Spider mites have increased in cucurbits, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and potatoes around Southwest Florida. Some fields have even required treatments by farmers. Spider mite populations are also high in some cucumber, pepper, tomato and eggplant in fields on the east …
Pepper Weevils a Problem in South Florida
Pepper weevil populations continue to be high across South Florida. Growers should be scouting as populations are expected to intensify when warmer temperatures return to the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high around Southwest Florida and along the East Coast where weevils are being observed not long after fruit development. Respondents also report …
Thrips Pressure Expected to Increase in South Florida
Thrips pressure is expected to increase in South Florida vegetable fields. Growers are reminded to monitor populations and implement management tactics early, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. This is especially important for commodities that are vulnerable to viruses vectored by thrips. Populations are reportedly low in central Florida, though they are expected to increase as the …
South Florida Turfgrass Field Day Scheduled for March 31
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Turfgrass research will be highlighted as part of the 33rd Annual South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Exposition, scheduled for March 31 at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event is organized in partnership with the South Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The field day will include tours …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across South Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies among crops and regions in South Florida, according to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Everglades Agricultural Area report most worm pressure on sweet corn is low, but lesser corn stalk borers are moderate in some sandy areas. Caterpillar pressure is low around the southwest Florida area, though there appears to …
Blossoming Future for Vanilla in South Florida?
By Clint Thompson There is potentially a bright future for the vanilla industry in South Florida. Strengthened by a recent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and renowned research from Alan Chambers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Tropical Research and Education Center, the prospects of vanilla production …
ABT Populations Low Across South Florida
According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to show a downward trajectory in South Florida. The only scouting reports with ABT detected in blooms were observed in both the Clewiston and Loxahatchee areas. Both reported at 0.1 per bloom. Respondents in Homestead indicate that populations seem to be lower …
Aphid Update in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, aphid populations are starting to build up in certain areas. Respondents on the east coast report a few aphids are showing up in pepper and squash. Along the Everglades Agricultural Area, aphids are present in celery, cabbage and other crucifers, though pressure is light to moderate. Aphids are also present in …
Whiteflies Impacting South Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are in abundance in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers around the Immokalee, Florida area. Immature whiteflies are active in older plantings. Wind, rain and cold temperatures knocked them back for a few days, but are expected to worsen again once temperatures improve. Whiteflies are present in pepper, tomato and …