By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Whiteflies have grown into one of the top concerns for specialty crop growers in the Southeast. The memories of the 2017 outbreak are still fresh in the minds of many who lost entire crops to the swarming clouds of the pest. According to “The 2017 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates” report compiled by Elizabeth …
Watermelon Replant? North Florida Producers Must Consider Options Following Wind Damage
By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …
Blueberries: A Healthy, Tasty Snack from Florida Farmers
As we head into the heart of Florida blueberry harvest season, which generally lasts from March through May, growers are shipping the fruit to market to meet statewide and national consumer demand. You can find Florida-grown berries in stores, farmer’s markets and U-picks from the Panhandle through South Florida. Along with vitamin C, manganese and fiber, the fruit is known …
Rye’s Benefits as Windbreak for North Florida’s Watermelons
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to spout the benefits of rye as a windbreak in watermelon fields in the Suwanee Valley. Their value has been undisputable this year, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He noted in a recent email to Florida growers that rye can protect …
Specialty Crop Grower: Can Biodegradable Mulches Save Labor, Improve Yields?
By Frank Giles Plastic mulch provides growers numerous benefits in establishing beds to grow crops. Some of those benefits include improved pest and weed management, water conservation and better yield and crop quality. But what do you do with the mulch after growing the crop? It creates an expense for growers to deploy labor to remove the plastic from the …
Pre-emergent Herbicides Preferred for Weed Management
It is best for citrus growers to implement a proactive approach to weed management. Being reactive puts producers behind the eight ball with regards to controlling certain weeds in their groves. That’s why Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), is preaching the importance of pre-emergent herbicides. They …
Florida Blueberry Producer Optimistic About Crop This Year
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood is a couple of weeks away from harvesting substantial volume. But he’s already feeling optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think at the beginning of the season, you always feel optimistic. But I feel good about the timing,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of …
Lettuce Downy Mildew Detected in EAA
Downy mildew disease has been detected in lettuce (LDM) in multiple locations in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) noted the disease’s observance on Saturday. This year’s detection is later than normal, since prior detections in 2023 and 2024 were reported in February. The weather forecast noted weather conditions …
Florida Citrus Show Once Again a Success
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show was once again a success. It united the specialty crop industry, informed farmers about trends impacting citrus and vegetables, while preparing growers for the upcoming season. And it never hurts to enjoy tailgating treats that were prominent among participating vendors. It was an impactful event, says Morgan Assaf, show organizer for AgNet Media. …
Chlorpyrifos Insecticide Update: June 30, 2025 Cutoff Date
Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos should be reminded that the insecticide can only be applied on food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be available for sale and finding alternatives to …



















