By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
Neopestalotiopsis Observed in Alabama Strawberries
The strawberry disease that has been observed in Florida and Georgia this season has now been observed in Alabama. Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot and fruit rot has been detected in two Alabama counties. The fungal disease was reported on leaves at strawberry farms in Chilton and Baldwin counties during the first couple of weeks in April. The disease is still new …
Florida Peaches Expected to be Smaller This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach producers are well underway in harvesting this year’s crop. The peaches this year are undersized, due mostly to the warm spring leading up to harvest, says Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Down south in central Florida they’ve already been picking U-F Sun and U-F Best …
Florida Peach Crop Expected to be Undersized This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach producers are well underway in harvesting this year’s crop. The peaches this year are undersized, due mostly to the warm spring leading up to harvest, says Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Down south in central Florida they’ve already been picking U-F Sun and U-F …
Weather Impacts on Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Steady rainfall this production season has increased disease pressure in Georgia strawberries. Diseases like anthracnose and phytophthora root rot have been common occurrences in strawberry fields this year, said Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “There have been several things in strawberries that have been problematic this year, and diseases have been …
Scenes From the Show
The Florida Grower Citrus Show was a hit! Check out some photos from the event. Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024
South Florida Facing Higher Populations of Pepper Weevils
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
High Populations: Pepper Weevils Wreaking Havoc in South Florida
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …