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 …
Not All Microbes Damage Crops
By Juan Carlos DÃaz Pérez The microbiological revolution in agricultural sciences may benefit crop production uniquely. We are only starting to understand these complex interactions among crops, microorganisms, insects and other organisms. Plant diseases are relatively rare despite plants being exposed to numerous and diverse microorganisms. A myriad of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) live on the surface of plants’ leaves, …
Middle Georgia Peach Crop: About 5% Remain Following March Freeze Events
By Clint Thompson Peach lovers already know there will be slim pickings with this year’s crop. Unfortunately, that equates to about 5% in middle Georgia, estimates Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “We really don’t have anything to harvest. If we have peaches, they’re going to be mid-June to …
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 …
Whitefly Pressure High Across South Florida
Whitefly pressure remains high across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High populations are reported on all crops in southwest Florida, though recent rainfall in some parts might help reduced levels. Jawad Qureshi, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, also reports high …
Persimmon Production and Challenges
By Maegan Beatty Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a round fruit crop that is native to China, Northeast India, and northern Indochina. In the United States, it is typically grown in California, Florida and southeastern Texas. While California is the leading state in persimmon production, Florida is a close second. Farmers and researchers across the state are implementing new practices in …