Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Overall worm pressure varies from low to high in southwest Florida. It mostly depends on location, crop and date of planting. Scouts indicate that sweet corn fields experienced low to moderate, but constant pressure from fall armyworm on young and silking corn. Beet armyworm laid …
Strawberry Management: Spray Intervals for Neopestalotiopsis Tighten in Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers normally do not have to be as aggressive with their fungicide sprays in the fall. That mindset changes, however, with Neopestalotiopsis (Neo). Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said growers can not wait as long between fungicide sprays if they have the disease present in their fields. “Generally, if it’s …
Florida Blueberry Survey Summarizes 2025 Season
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association recently hosted its annual meeting in Lakeland. The event drew a good crowd, and speakers addressed pest management, new varieties, labor issues and more. One highlight of the event was Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, presenting the results of his annual survey of Florida blueberry …
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Celebrates 100 Years and New FrontiersÂ
By Frank Giles The annual Florida Ag Expo, which is held in early November at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), took a break this year to make way for the recognition of two milestones — the center’s centennial celebration and groundbreaking for the Center for Applied Artificial …
November Management Tips for Blueberry Growers
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers management tips for blueberry growers in November. Growers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. As far as insect pests, producers should begin monitoring for blueberry gall midge and spray recommended insecticides when adults are seen. If traps are not being implemented, spray right before floral …
Bed System Benefits Citrus Production
A bed system used in citrus groves is still under research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. But one researcher is already convinced that the system, which includes fabric mulch, is beneficial for growers. “This system is better for them. It’s already being used in …
Fort Pierce Research Center to Host Open House
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) will host its annual open house on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2199 South Rock Road in Fort Pierce. It will offer tours of the research facility, interactive workshops and glasses of fresh orange juice. The event provides …
Pruning Young Citrus Trees
Pruning is an important management tactic that cold-hardy citrus growers need to implement, especially during the early stages of tree development. Fernando Alferez, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus horticulturist, discussed pruning during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop in Quincy on Oct. 1. “Pruning is important because it will give the tree …
Freeze Tolerance Is Key to Diversification
Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …
Florida Avocados Face Threat From Sunblotch Viroid
Florida avocados, a signature staple in kitchens, a favored fruit tree in landscapes and a source of pride for the state’s growers, face a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). The disease can severely stunt avocado tree growth, deform fruit and silently spread through groves. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are …



















