University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists want to help Florida farmers and U.S. producers grow a cantaloupe to satisfy consumers’ tastes and one that’s protected against powdery mildew disease. Even with fungicides, producers struggle to control powdery mildew, a disease that can damage or kill the fruit. Thanks to UF/IFAS research, growers may now implement …
Uncertainty Surrounding Alabama’s Peach Crop
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama’s peach crop is deficient in necessary chill hours this year. There is some uncertainty regarding the upcoming harvest season, as Alabama growers are currently evaluating the state of their crop. Seasonal temperatures play a key role in providing the best size and flavor of peaches through chilling hours. Edgar Vinson, an Alabama Extension commercial horticulture …
Labor Leads List of Grower Concerns
By Zhengfei Guan and Kuan-Ming Huang In a packed conference room at an industry event, a Florida grower sitting in a discussion panel was asked: “You wake up at 2:00 in the morning. What worries you the most?” “Labor,” answered the grower without a second of doubt. Labor has been an issue that bothers not only Florida farmers but those …
Downy Mildew Discovered in Florida Lettuce
Lettuce downy mildew disease has been discovered for the first time this season in the Everglades Agricultural Area by Glades Crop Care scouts. As environmental conditions are favorable for the disease’s development, fungicide applications should begin at about the 1- or 2-leaf stage and continue through the crop’s lifespan. Applications must be made prior to infection if adequate control is …
FBGA Spring Field Day and Meeting 2023
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association welcomes all Growers and Industry Suppliers to the 2023 Spring Field Day and Meeting, Thursday March 9th at the UF-IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. Get the latest updates from University of Florida IFAS Researchers. Featured sessions will include: Dr. Rachel Mallinger – Assessing honeybee hive strength, pollinator activity and pollination …
Blueberry Producers: Manage Leaf Spot Diseases to Protect Next Year’s Crop
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about next year if you are a blueberry producer. In fact, growers need to manage for leaf spot diseases if they expect to make a crop the following season. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, discussed the situation during the Alabama Fruit and …
Florida Blueberry Harvests Should Begin Soon
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are only days away for some growers in Florida. Location will determine when producers will start harvesting fruit, believes Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “Some places will start picking early March, depending on the location. Some of the South Florida farms that didn’t have a …
Sneak Peek: March 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The March issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights Georgia specialty crop producer Drew Echols. Diversification is the key to his success. He produces peaches, strawberries, apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables on more than 600 acres. He discusses how Jaemor Farms has increased in size and stature in North Georgia. Fruit and vegetable farmers face a …
Florida Blueberry Harvests Should Begin Soon
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are only days away for some growers in Florida. Location will determine when producers will start harvesting fruit, believes Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “Some places will start picking early March, depending on the location. Some of the South Florida farms that didn’t have a …
State of Organic Produce 2022 Report is Released
In a report released by Organic Produce Network, the performance of individual organic produce categories displayed a wide range of results last year (2022). Though total organic produce sales had a 3% increase, and the volume showed a -3.7% decrease, the performance of the top 20 categories varied greatly due to inflation and other factors of a complex market environment. …