By Maegan Beatty Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an evergreen perennial vine that produces a tropical fruit. The most cultivated type of passion fruit in the United States is the purple passion fruit. The fruit thrives in tropical climates and grows exceptionally well in central and southern Florida. In April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
Pepper Weevil Update Throughout South Florida
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Hail Damage in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Hail damage in some North Florida watermelon fields should prompt those producers to take action to preserve the crop’s well being amid the current harvests. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talks about the damage sustained last week. “I don’t want to make …
Pepper Weevil Update in South Florida Vegetable Crops
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Neopestalotiopsis Disease Management Update
By Natalia A. Peres and Vance Whitaker As the Florida strawberry season comes to an end, it is a good time to reflect on what has been learned over the past five years about managing the emerging disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis sp. This fungus has been present for as long as strawberries have been grown but was considered …
Spider Mites in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Spider mites have been observed in North Florida watermelons. While the pest is a common occurrence in dry weather, most are very isolated and require minimal action on the part of the grower. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses what growers are …
Blueberry Cultivars in North Florida
By Maegan Beatty Blueberries are a popular commodity throughout the state of Florida and the entire southeast region. Scientists and researchers are working to create new cultivars that can sustain hard freezes during those difficult winter months, especially throughout the North Florida area. Dr. Jeff Williamson is a part of the Horticulture Sciences Department at the University of Florida Institute …
Powdery Mildew Discovered in North Florida Melons
Another week of watermelon production in Florida’s Suwanee Valley region, another confirmation of a potentially devastating disease. Fortunately, it appears that producers were ready for powdery mildew disease, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It is confirmation, sort of like the downy mildew situation, where they’re …
Blueberry Quality, Quantity High in Most of Florida
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are winding down across Florida. Quality and quantity were high in certain fields, though others observed negative impacts from Hurricane Ian last September. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the state of harvests across Florida this year. “Quality wise for sure, it’s been a good …
Powdery Mildew Confirmed in North Florida Melons
By Clint Thompson Another week of watermelon production in Florida’s Suwannee Valley region, another confirmation of a potentially devastating disease. Fortunately, it appears that producers were ready for powdery mildew disease, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It is confirmation, sort of like the downy …