By Clint Thompson Tailgating treats and insightful information highlighted Thursday’s Florida Ag Expo event. Specialty crop farmers and industry leaders flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Seminar sessions and field tours provided attendees valuable insight into how they can remain sustainable in crop production …
Southern Corn Leaf Blight Disease on Rise in South Florida
Corn growers in southern Florida should be wary that Southern corn leaf blight disease is on the rise, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The disease is starting to appear in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Incidences are low but increasing in corn. Low levels of southern corn leaf blight were reported in a few fields in Southwest …
AI Set to Supercharge Ag Research
By Frank Giles In the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has gained worldwide attention as breakthroughs like the large-language model ChatGPT wowed users with its capabilities and nearly humanlike feel when delivering results. As the technology rapidly advances, it also has set off alarm bells for some who believe that computer technology might outpace human ability to control it in …
UGA to Hire Citrus Researchers Next Year
Georgia citrus growers will soon have research support from the University of Georgia (UGA), says Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. She confirmed the news at the recent Cold Hardy Citrus Field Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Mite Pressure Update
Mite pressure is low but increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern red mites were reported in blueberries in central Florida. Broad mites were reported in a few pepper fields across Southwest Florida. Broad mite infestation increased to low levels in pepper fields along the east coast. In eggplants, two spotted spider mites …
Cold-Hardy Citrus Growers Gather for Field Day
Production in the cold-hardy citrus region was under the spotlight during a recent field day in Quincy, Florida. Growers and industry leaders visited the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) to learn about various facets of citrus production. Topics like controlled-release fertilizers, crop diversification and implementation of artificial intelligence …
The Future of Florida Blueberries Driven by Automation
By Frank Giles Last week, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) hosted its annual fall meeting in Lakeland at Bonnet Springs Park and Event Center. The meeting’s education program covered a wide range of topics, including production, labor and the farm bill debate. Leonard Park, FBGA president, noted in his welcome address that last season was a struggle for Florida’s …
Registration Open for Florida Lettuce Advisory Committee Meeting
Registration remains open for the in-person Lettuce Advisory Committee meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. The scheduled topics include discussions on the lettuce mosaic virus, a coordinated disaster damage assessment and FSMA (Food …
Seminar Sessions Scheduled for Upcoming Florida Ag Expo
By Clint Thompson Seminar sessions are scheduled for the upcoming Florida Ag Expo, slated for Thursday, Nov. 9, at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, highlights what attendees can expect with the general session in the morning and breakout …
Registration Open for Florida Lettuce Advisory Committee Meeting
Registration remains open for the in-person Lettuce Advisory Committee meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. The scheduled topics include discussions on the lettuce mosaic virus, a coordinated disaster damage assessment and FSMA (Food …



















