Integrated Pest Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberries

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Research, Strawberry

By Sriyanka Lahiri Currently, strawberry production in Florida is particularly susceptible to infestation by chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). Although chilli thrips had been reported as a pest of ornamentals in Florida before, it wasn’t until 2015 when strawberry fields started to be severely impacted by this invasive pest. CHEMICAL CONTROLSChemical control is the predominant tool to manage chilli thrips. However, …

Early Start for North Florida Watermelon Planting

Web AdminFlorida, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions meant an early start to watermelon planting for Florida producers in the Suwanee Valley area. Hopefully, it will translate to early harvests that meet the Memorial Day window. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact, which included some …

More Active Housing Market Means Improved Business for Nursery, Greenhouse Industries

Web AdminAgri-business, Alabama, Research

By Clint Thompson A more active housing market equates to improved business for the nursery and greenhouse industry. It was especially evident during the past year. Wendiam Sawadgo, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension economist, shared those thoughts during the latest Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series. “I think we saw a sharp dip starting around March of 2020. We …

Asian Bean Thrips Population Down Compared to Last Year

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Vegetables

Good news for South Florida vegetable producers, Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations are less widespread than last year and are only being reported at moderate levels in some locations. According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian Bean Thrips are only being observed at 0.4 to 0.6 per bloom in a limited number of fields. …

Pecan Producers: Monitor for ‘Active’ Ambrosia Beetles

Web AdminPecan, Pests

By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers need to protect their crop against ambrosia beetles, which are active right now. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan blog, growers who have had problems with the pest in the past or who have newly planted trees need to apply sprays of a pyrethroid like Bifenthrin. “Due to the number of …

Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across South Florida

Web AdminCorn, Florida, Pests

Caterpillar pressure varies among crops and regions in South Florida, according to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Everglades Agricultural Area report most worm pressure on sweet corn is low, but lesser corn stalk borers are moderate in some sandy areas. Caterpillar pressure is low around the southwest Florida area, though there appears to …

No More Satsumas: The Time Is Ripe to Diversify

Web AdminAgri-business, Citrus

South Georgia and North Florida industry leaders preached diversification to citrus growers at the Georgia Citrus Association annual conference. The event took place Feb. 28 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Conference Center. No longer should satsuma mandarins be the crop of choice for potential growers. There are other viable options for farmers to choose from, said Lindy Savelle, …

Rabbit Management: Conserve Habitat for Predators

Web AdminUncategorized

By Clint Thompson Management of a South Florida pest starts with conserving the habitat for its predators. That’s what sugarcane and vegetable producers need to keep in mind when managing rabbit wildlife. “I’m going to quote a gentleman who heard about our (rabbit) workshop. He’s a producer in the western United States, and he said they had similar problems out …

Industry Expert: Number of Georgia Hemp Licenses to Decline in 2022

Web AdminAgri-business, Georgia, Hemp

By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia producers applying for a license to grow hemp is expected to decrease in 2022. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said the level of interest among growers has dropped significantly from previous years. “It’s marketing and the financial side of things. Basically, there’s so …