By Clint Thompson Low temperatures in the forecast this weekend means Florida blueberry producers need to apply freeze protection to their crops, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “It’ll definitely get low enough to where folks will be freeze protecting. I know in central Florida, depending on the site because …
UF Research: Mixing Turf Varieties Helps Lawns Last Longer
University of Florida research has determined that lawns containing a mix of turf varieties maintained their aesthetic quality longer than lawns with just a single variety. They are better at managing disease and pests. This reduces the need for pesticides, which lowers the environmental impact and financial cost of maintaining turf, said Adam Dale, senior author of the study and …
ABT Populations Low Across South Florida
Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations were low this week across South Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The largest population counts were reported in snap bean blooms in central Hendry County. Even then it did not surpass 0.5 ABT per bloom. There was also only a few ABT on sticky traps, and counts …
Downy Mildew in Lettuce: Growers Need to be on Preventative Program
By Clint Thompson One of the most important diseases of lettuce was found last week in a Florida field in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Richard Raid, a professor in plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, discusses the disease’s impact and why he encourages growers to be on a preventative program. “Lettuce downy mildew …
ABT Hotspot Reported in South Florida
A new hotspot of Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations was reported this week along the Lee County/Collier County line in Florida, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Scouts indicated a population of 0.5 ABT per bloom was observed in one planting with pods forming and some flowers remaining. Another planting experienced 2.4 ABT per …
Effects of Heavy Rain on Pre-Emergent Herbicides in Vegetables
By Ruby Tiwari, Nirmal Timilsina and Ramdas Kanissery Heavy rainfall received in vegetable-growing regions of Florida frequently creates standing water in fields (Figure 1). These farms are often in an early or mid-growing season during such severe weather events. Pre-emergent (residual) herbicides that are integral to vegetable production to suppress weed emergence are applied during this period. Most pre-emergent herbicides …
Downy Mildew Discovered in Florida Lettuce
Richard Raid, a professor in plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), advises lettuce growers that downy mildew disease was found last week in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Downy mildew is a foliar disease of lettuce that impacts the crop’s yield and quality. In addition to losses in the field, downy mildew’s impact …
Blueberry App Puts Information at Growers’ Fingertips
By Doug Phillips The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeding program has developed a phone app resource that includes several tools for Florida blueberry growers. It is available for download on both iOS and Android systems. Blueberry breeder Patricio Muñoz developed the idea for the UF/IFAS Blueberry Growers Guide app. He had a vision …
Blueberry Management Tips for January
January remains a busy time of year for Florida blueberry farmers managing this year’s crop. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds growers that it is essential to monitor for disease development, especially with Botrytis flower blight. Once bloom occurs, growers need to monitor for the disease during cool and wet periods. Producers need to …
Target Spot Flaring in Florida Tomatoes
Target spot disease is present in numerous tomato fields across south Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The disease is increasing in eastern Palm Beach County. It is present in most all of the tomatoes in the Manatee Ruskin area and will continue to worsen amid foggy weather and harvest activity. Target spot continues to move …