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By Clint Thompson Paper mulch research continues to yield results that would benefit North Florida watermelon growers, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. He spoke with AgNet Media about the ongoing research during the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting. “The paper mulch project has …

By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers in Florida’s Suwanee Valley Region are a little more than two months away from planting next season’s crop. There’s plenty to think about and consider heading into next season, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. He discussed next year’s growing season during the …

By Frank Giles Chilli thrips have been a thorn in blueberry growers’ side for several years, but the pest is now growing an appetite for strawberries. With a host range of more than 200 plants, chilli thrips has plenty of options to sustain populations and spread to other areas. In strawberries, the pest can strike early in the season and …

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, thrips pressure is being observed at high populations in Homestead, Florida. Dakshina Seal, entomologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center, has observed high population levels of melon thrips and Asian bean thrips on beans, cucumber and eggplant. Overall populations are …

By Frank Giles In October, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association hosted its annual meeting in Lakeland. Educational sessions focused on a variety of topics that are top-of-mind for growers. Grower Survey Results Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, shared results of his annual grower survey. There were 61 growers responding, covering …

Imagine sipping on a bubbly, refreshing drink at your next holiday gathering, surrounded by family and friends. But this time, the mixture in your hand isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious. That’s what you get when you make holiday mocktails with Florida-grown produce, and they pack a punch in terms of health benefits. Fresh citrus fruit juices from oranges, …

By Clint Thompson A preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program shows wide-ranging impact on vegetable crops from Hurricane Milton. Production losses estimated for vegetables, melons and potatoes suffered an economic impact of $52.5 million to $233.2 million in the affected area. Approximately 71.1% of vegetable, melon and potato …

Hurricane Milton caused agricultural production losses with an estimated value between $190.4 million and $642.7 million in Florida, according to a preliminary report by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and surveys UF/IFAS agricultural economists distributed to producers.  Milton …

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon acreage does not figure to decrease in 2025; not after the successful seasons farmers have experienced the last two seasons, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think if we settle that there were 1,000 more acres last year, …