Registration Open for Upcoming Florida Citrus Show Event

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Citrus Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce. The Florida Citrus Show combines educational seminars for both …

Early Watermelon Plantings a Concern?

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon plantings are starting earlier and earlier in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. That’s concerning to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, though he understands why producers are putting plants in the ground at the end of February. “These watermelon farmers, …

Fusarium Wilt a Lingering Concern for North Florida Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are on the brink of planting this year’s crop. One lingering problem that still concerns growers is fusarium wilt, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County. “I think one of the things that scares our guys the most is this topic of …

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Three Hurricanes’ Financial Impacts on Florida Tops $400 Million

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Three hurricanes – Debby, Helene and Milton – left a devastating and expensive toll on Florida’s agricultural industry. Christa Court, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) director, confirmed that following the financial assessment of Hurricane Milton the cumulative total of all three storms topped $400 million. “The way …

Sweet Corn Conference Scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Sweet Corn Conference, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. The conference will start at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Topics will feature research and expertise pertaining to weed management, insect management, …

Worth the Investment: Paper Mulch a Huge Benefit to Florida Watermelon Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

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 …

A Lot to Consider for North Florida Watermelon Producers Ahead of Planting Season

Clint ThompsonFlorida

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 …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Tiny Pest Becoming Big Problem in Strawberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida

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 …

Christmas trees

Repurposing Christmas Trees Following Holiday Season

Dan CooperAgriculture, Environment

Christmas trees are synonymous with the Christmas season. But homeowners who prefer live Christmas trees must determine how to dispose of their tree once the season is over. Murilo Morato, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Agriculture (UF/IFAS) and Natural Resources Extension agent in Escambia County, advises that trees can be a given a second life …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Thrips Populations Update

Clint ThompsonFlorida

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 …