High populations of pepper weevil are being reported in various fields across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high in all locations across the Southwest Florida region. Some younger plantings may not be harvested at all due to most fruit being infested. Adult pepper weevils are feeding on buds and flowers. The same …
Nutsedge Control During Fallow Period
By Clint Thompson There are ways to control nutsedge during the upcoming fallow period. Cover crops are not an effective solution, however. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and associate professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses why cover crops are not recommended to manage nutsedge, which can grow up to …
Less Availability, Higher Transportation Costs Lead to Increase in Sod Prices
By Maria M. Lameiras Prices for sod, including rolls of University of Georgia-bred turfgrass varieties, will be higher for homeowners and landscapers this year. Low inventory of some varieties, combined with economic pressures exacerbated by supply chain and global issues, are pushing the price of a manicured lawn higher this spring. Depending on the specific variety, it might be more …
Nematode Control in Potatoes
By Clint Thompson Potato producers need to be diligent in applying nematicides. Nematode control is essential every year, especially for farmers in Northeast Florida, says Zane Grabau, assistant professor of nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The main thing is you can’t take a year off from applying a nematicide. If you do, …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Diamondback Moth Update
Diamondback moth populations remain at low levels across the Southwest Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Moderate levels are being observed in cabbage and other brassicas around the Everglades Agricultural Area. Insecticides are being reported as effective. Moth pressure remains moderate to high in cabbage along the East Coast. Populations were reported between 2 and …
What To Do About Anthracnose Fruit Rot in Blueberries
By Philip Harmon and Doug Phillips Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR), also known as ripe rot, is a significant disease on southern highbush blueberries. Caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on southern highbush blueberries in Florida, AFR creates sunken lesions on the surface of blueberries. This is followed by eruptions of orange- or salmon-colored spores from the lesions when the …
Thrips Pressure Increasing in Florida
Thrips pressure is increasing in Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The tiny insects have increased quickly to high levels in central Florida. Juveniles and adults are being observed on blooms and apical meristems of pepper. Damage is low but should increase throughout the season. Thrips are also being reported in cucumbers. Thrips pressure levels range …
Chilling Reality: Minimal Cold Temperatures Not Good for Florida Peaches
By Clint Thompson The future of Florida peaches rests with its ability to find footing in the northern area of the state. That’s the opinion shared by Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), who equates it to the situation being experienced in Georgia. “What’s happening is the best places to …
Fusarium Wilt Observed in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease continues to be observed in North Florida watermelons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, cautions growers against spending large amounts of money on potential remedies. They won’t be effective this late in the growing season. “I saw some of these …
Peach Production in Florida: Farmers Learn About Management Strategies During Field Day
By Clint Thompson Peaches’ popularity in Florida continues to bloom, but the crop has its production challenges in the Sunshine State. That’s why days like Tuesday’s Stone Fruit Field Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, are so vital to the industry’s future. Whether it was …