Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Blueberry Varieties in Demand

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles The Southeast has become a major production area for blueberries, thanks to strong breeding programs at land grant universities in key states. Here’s a look at several popular, new and under-development varieties from those breeding programs. University of Florida/Breeding Team Lead: Patricio Munoz Sentinel Sentinel is a vigorous, early-season, high-yielding cultivar with no known disease issues, although …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Technology Making Irrigation Smarter

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Technology applications in agriculture have blossomed in recent years. In irrigation, moisture sensors, weather stations and system control software are making applications much more efficient and well timed. From Citrus to Sweet Corn Several smartphone applications have been developed that can allow specialty crop growers to up their irrigation game. The University of Florida Institute of Food …

UF/IFAS Vegetable Crop Specialist Driving Research, Crop Diversification to Small Farms

Clint ThompsonFlorida

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90% of Florida’s agricultural operations are small farms with gross sales under $250,000. In South Florida, small farmers benefit from an ideal subtropical climate but need more options for high-value fruit and vegetable crops to grow profitably and meet demands. “Farmland acreage has decreased due to increased urbanization in South Florida,” said Xiaoying …

UF/IFAS Researchers Pioneer Techniques to Boost Passion Fruit Production

Clint ThompsonFlorida

With Florida in peak passion fruit season, researchers are eyeing the sweet tropical fruit as a cash crop. At $3 per fruit at some supermarkets, farmers are able to receive $5 per pound for their harvest, according to Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticultural sciences department. This price shows …

Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Pre-Registration Closes Aug. 16

Clint ThompsonCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo

By Clint Thompson The Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo, slated for Aug. 21-22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, appeals to fruit and vegetable growers from across the Southeast, including those from Georgia, Alabama and North Florida. It will offer seminar sessions that highlight specialty crop production while also offering opportunities to discuss business with the many vendors that …

Important Week for Sweet Corn Producers

Clint ThompsonCorn, Florida

By Clint Thompson The week prior to Memorial Day weekend is usually prime time for Florida’s sweet corn producers. This year is not any different, according to Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply chain at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). “In terms of supply, we’ve got excellent supply in Florida for the holiday. I think you …

Mango Season Taking Shape: UF/IFAS Experts Offer Views

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Mangos

The 2023 mango season erupted with an abundance of fruit last year. Will that be the case for 2024? What can researchers tell mango devotees as the early signs of fruiting begin to show? It is a busy time for two experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in Homestead, as they begin to …

Attention Avocado Growers: UF/IFAS Survey Aims to Learn More About Disease Management

Clint ThompsonFlorida

There is no shortage of consumer appetite for avocados. Frequently incorporated into appetizers and desserts, avocado demand has surged in popularity. Meanwhile, production of avocado in the United States is under constant threat from diseases like Laurel wilt (LW) and Phytophthora root rot (PRR). They can devastate orchards if left unchecked. There is still much to learn about how growers …

Rain Impact: Sweet Corn Production Increasing Following Slow Start

Clint ThompsonCorn, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn volume should ramp up during the first couple of weeks of April. The increased production will be much needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. “We had a little bit of a slower start this year. There were some rain skips in the fall and …

Citrus Health Forum Helps Cold-Hardy Growers

Dan CooperCold Hardy

Production in the cold-hardy citrus region is still in its infancy. Growers and industry leaders need events like the Citrus Health Forum to obtain the necessary information to help this young industry continue to flourish. The latest forum took place at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy …