By Clint Thompson Before Florida specialty crop producers begin treating for guava root-knot nematodes, they need to understand what kind of nematodes species is impacting their fields. Not all nematode species can be treated the same, says Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and …
Roe Honored during Citrus Packinghouse Day
Over 60 citrus industry representatives gathered Aug. 25 for the 61st annual Packinghouse Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. They heard updates on H-2A visa options for packinghouse workforce needs, an overview of citrus fruit export requirements and an update on food safety auditing. Faculty from UF/IFAS presented …
Weed Control: Know What’s Problematic in Your Field
By Clint Thompson Weed control is vital to a specialty crop producers’ success. They contend with crops for water, nutrients and sunshine. So, wouldn’t it make sense for growers to know what specific weeds are causing problems in their fields from year to year? That’s the argument that Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida …
Sneak Peek: September 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights various alternative crops that Florida growers can take advantage of. These include pongamia and sorrel, which show potential in the Sunshine State; and bamboo, of which producers have formed an association. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are also searching for the next breakthrough crop. Potential …
UF Research to Help Plants Cope with Parasitic Nematodes
Parasitic nematodes are responsible for about $125 billion in annual crop loss worldwide, and they can cause farmers to lose up to 80% of their tomato yield. “The situation with nematodes is exacerbated by an emerging concern in agriculture: the effect of warming nighttime temperatures. This unprecedented trend is causing critical challenges to crops,” said University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
All In For Citrus Podcast, August 2022
The August episode of the All In For Citrus podcast takes listeners on a deep dive into the use of plant growth regulators like gibberellic acid (GA) to help fight fruit drop. The episode features an in-depth conversation between Michael Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, and Tripti …
Tropical Fruit Production: Start with Clean Plants
By Clint Thompson Tropical fruit production remains an option for South Florida producers. But there are inherent risks that accompany with producing these crops in the southern region of the state. Jonathan Crane, associate center director and tropical fruit specialist at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, highlighted the challenges with producing passion fruit, lychee and avocado during last …
UF Research to Help Plants Cope with Parasitic Nematodes
Parasitic nematodes are responsible for about $125 billion in annual crop loss worldwide, and they can cause farmers to lose up to 80% of their tomato yield. “The situation with nematodes is exacerbated by an emerging concern in agriculture: the effect of warming nighttime temperatures. This unprecedented trend is causing critical challenges to crops,” said University of Florida Institute of Food …
Minimize Mite Pressure in Citrus
Hot temperatures and dry conditions in some parts of the Southeast add up to ideal conditions for mite populations to increase in citrus groves. Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor and entomologist, said citrus can tolerate some spider mite pressure. Increased pressure, though, can leave an impact. “You can handle some amount of …
Florida Organic Blueberry Production a Challenge
By Cint Thompson Interest in organic blueberry production in Florida has waned in recent years. The late freeze event in January was not helpful in convincing growers to convert production. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida, discusses the state of the industry in Florida. “Growers have converted a few acres in some cases to …