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 …
Guava Root-Knot Nematode More Aggressive, Reproduces Faster
By Clint Thompson The guava root-knot nematode can reproduce faster and be more aggressive than other nematode species. Those are two factors that all specialty crop producers should be mindful of. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed his findings with …
Registration Deadline for Tomato Conference
Florida tomato growers and industry leaders have until Monday, Aug. 29 to pre-register for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The cost is free for employees of Florida tomato growers/packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. The cost is $50 for other attendees. Registration after Aug. 29 …
USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced details this week of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $300 million investment, including with American Rescue Plan funds, in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of non-certified …
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 …
Whitefly Populations Increasing
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Extension specialists are alerting specialty crop producers that whitefly pressure is on the rise in the Southeast. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, said populations have increased in recent weeks. While the increased activity is normal for this time of year, it still is a concern that growers should be …
Peach Production: San Jose Scale Populations Down
By Clint Thompson Normally a persistent pest of peaches, San Jose scale has not been as impactful this year for growers in the Southeast. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said this is normally the peak time for scale pressure to increase in peach orchards. That has not been the …
Georgia Citrus Growers: Be on the Lookout for Lebbeck Mealybug
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialists are alerting Georgia citrus growers about an invasive pest that’s impacting Florida’s crop. Lebbeck mealybugs have yet to navigate their way to Georgia. But it is only a matter of time, says Lauren Diepenbrock, UF/IFAS assistant professor and entomologist. “It’ll get up to Georgia probably. We’re doing our best …