While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Alabama Growers Moving Forward from Disappointing Peach Crop
By Will Jordan Peach losses were unfortunately common for growers in the Southeast. Due to an unseasonably warm February and a freeze in March, much of the crop was devastated, especially in Alabama. Producers can take action to mitigate future crop damage in the future. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn …
Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference in September
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey highlighted what growers and industry specialists can expect at this year’s event. “Our goal is to make it useful …
New Research Looks to Pollen for Plant Heat Stress Resilience
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are investigating how to improve plant resiliency to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, is looking to how pollen …
Leaf Rust Problematic for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Algorithm to Help FAWN Be Even More Reliable
A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting them know when readings are out of a normal range, said Rick Lusher, director of …
Florida Tomato Conference Scheduled For Sept. 13
Florida tomato growers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Tomato Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Labelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and university scientists about the latest trends and …
Mark Your Calendar: Florida Tomato Conference Scheduled For Sept. 13
Florida tomato growers should mark their calendars for the upcoming Tomato Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Labelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The conference is presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Tomato Committee. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and university scientists about the latest trends and …