By Ramdas Kanissery Weed management is fundamental in successfully growing vegetables in Florida using a plasticulture system. Traditionally, this production system was reliant on fumigants like methyl bromide to control various soilborne diseases, nematodes and weeds. However, the phaseout of methyl bromide resulted in a lack of broad-spectrum activity and consistency in weed suppression in plastic mulched raised beds. This …
Freeze Events Impacted Southeast Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Florida’s conventional blueberry growers dodged the proverbial disease bullet this past season following a late January freeze event that impacted the Southeast. Georgia’s producers were not so fortunate with a mid-March freeze event, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. “The big story early in the year was the late freeze. …
GFVGA Executive Vice President: Price Challenges are Still There
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s specialty crop producers are in the process of planting this year’s fall crops. It comes on the heels of one of the most challenging spring/summer seasons they have ever experienced. The changing weather patterns of persistent rains to hot and dry conditions were a small part of this year’s challenge. The biggest hurdle remains diminished market …
Understanding Fumigation and its Benefits
By Clint Thompson A better understanding of fumigation would allow specialty crop producers a better chance to succeed with their upcoming production season. Different products accomplish different objectives, says Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. If they are used in combination with each other, …
Blueberry Cultivation in Soilless Substrates
By Gerardo H. Nunez Blueberry production in containers filled with soilless substrates is rapidly expanding throughout the world and in the Southeast. Blueberry bushes are notorious for their strict soil requirements. They prefer well-drained, acidic soils with high organic matter. These soil characteristics are not common in many parts of the world. Thus, blueberries have traditionally been grown with soil …
Sneak Peek: August 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The August issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights blueberry cultivation in soilless substrates. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida in Gainesville, talks about the practice which is increasing in popularity across the world. While blueberry bushes are known for requiring drained, acidic soils that are high in organic matter, these characteristics are not common …
Watermelon Day at N.C. State Farmers Market
RALEIGH – Giant watermelons, watermelon royalty and free slices of the summertime fruit – what’s not to love about Watermelon Day, scheduled for today at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, North Carolina (N.C.). Activities including a giant watermelon contest, visits by the N.C. Watermelon Queen Emory New and the National Watermelon Queen Bethany Barfield, live music and face painting …
Rains Force Early Finish for South Georgia Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson The extreme heat this summer nearly took its toll on farmer Bill Brim’s specialty crops. The persistent rains the past couple of weeks definitely did. Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, discussed the impact that the saturated conditions had on his specialty crops like pepper and squash. “On pepper it finished us …
Southeast Alabama Specialty Crops Fizzle Under High Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Southeast Alabama specialty crops prefer dry weather conditions. This season’s prolonged drought was not detrimental to production season. However, they don’t like it extremely hot at the peak of harvest season. But that was the scenario farmers faced in the Southeast in June. It significantly impacted fruits and vegetables in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, said Neil …
Fall Blueberry Conference Scheduled for Oct. 20
Florida blueberry growers can mark their calendars for the Florida Blueberry Growers Association’s annual Fall Conference and Trade Show, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Registration details will be released soon, as will information regarding the meeting’s agenda, educational sessions, sponsorship opportunities and vendor information. Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower …