Hurricane Recovery Differs Among Crops Impacted

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Hurricanes delivered devastating impact on fruits and vegetables this year in the Southeast. Whether it was Debby, Helene or Milton, each storm wreaked havoc on the region’s specialty crop production. But how long it takes to recover differs from storm to storm and on the commodities that were impacted, says Christa Court, University of Florida Institute of …

success

CUPS Success Rate a Relief for Researcher

Dan CooperCUPS

The success of citrus under protective screen (CUPS) in protecting Florida citrus from citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing or HLB, was not surprising to Arnold Schumann. The professor of soil fertility and water quality at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center is thankful research had yielded a temporary solution …

Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Hosts Annual Meeting

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson This year’s Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting brought together experts and Extension agents from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) with North Florida producers to highlight the industry and certain trends that will impact production next season. Mark Warren, UF/IFAS Extension agent in Levy County, discussed the meeting that was held on …

Intermittent Irrigation Can Save Strawberry Growers As Much As 67% on Water

Clint ThompsonFlorida

As we enter Florida’s strawberry-growing season, establishing young strawberry plants in the field requires substantial water. New University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research shows that growers can save as much as 67% — or up to half a million gallons per acre per season by alternating sprinkler cycles on and off — and achieve the …

florida

Climate Change in the Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Weather

Climate change is a key reason that citrus production has progressed in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama, the area known as the cold-hardy citrus region. As more varieties, other than satsuma mandarins, continue to be planted in the area, warmer temperatures are needed for trees to flourish. Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the …

citrus canker

Citrus Canker Spreading in Cold-Hardy Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Disease

Citrus canker has long been a presence and concern for Florida’s citrus growers. Growers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama should be wary of its potential spread into the cold-hardy citrus region. Clive Bock, a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoke about the disease during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Meeting at the University of …

Sign of Resilience: Florida Growers Ensure Fresh Strawberries Are Available This Season

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

Florida strawberry growers are a resilient bunch. They’ve survived the back-to-back punches from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Through hard work and efficient problem-solving, they have planted the fruits you’ll enjoy from December through April. Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, works regularly with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) breeders, Extension agents …

Risk Takers: What Strawberry Growers Should Remember About Neopestalotiopsis

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson The serious threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry plants this fall means growers need to be aware of the management options at their disposal. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed the available options for producers who risked this …

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Florida Ag Production Losses Top $40 Million

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The agricultural production losses Florida experienced due to Hurricane Helene have an estimated value between $40.3 million and $162.2 million, 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 economists distributed to producers.  …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: 2024 Hurricanes Rock Fruit, Vegetable Producers

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The fall of 2024 will not soon be forgotten by specialty crop growers in the Southeast after Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared ashore bringing far-reaching impacts to crops and infrastructure. While the true fallout of the storms will take months to realize, early reports show the level of damage growers are dealing with in …