By Clint Thompson A new year brings a new name to VSCNews Magazine. That’s right, the leader in specialty crop news will now be known as Specialty Crop Industry. The January issue of Specialty Crop Industry highlights the name change and what it means for its parent company, AgNet Media. The issue also focuses on blueberries and highlights different aspects …
Fertilization of Blueberries in Pine Bark Beds
By Doug Phillips and Jeffrey G. Williamson Blueberries have specific nutrient requirements that differ from other horticultural crops. They have shallow root systems and no root hairs, which limits the ability to take up nutrients. Blueberries grow best in acidic soils (ideal pH range of 4.5 to 5.5) with at least 3% organic matter and prefer the ammonium form of …
ABT Population Update in South Florida
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reports that higher Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations were reported across South Florida. However, these were observed only in more mature plantings with few blooms. Insecticide applications are not recommended unless scouting indicates populations are greater than 1.0 ABT per bud or bloom. Populations reached 0.6 per bloom in …
Fertigation Systems Efficient and Accurate – If Used Properly
By Clint Thompson Multiple factors impact the efficiency of a fertigation system in watermelons. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent in Levy County, stresses the importance of being more efficient with your resources, especially when nutrients are expensive and in limited supply. “I think it’s tough to put an accurate economic dollar on …
Attention Florida Blueberry Producers: Pests, Diseases to Look Out for This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry crop is starting to bloom across the state. Harvests will commence in just a few months. Growers need to be mindful of multiple pests and diseases that could impact this year’s production, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blueberry Extension coordinator. “The things that growers are concerned about or …
Hurricane Michael Aftermath: Pecan Producer Still Reeling Amid a Down Year
By Clint Thompson A down year in pecan production was especially impactful for one Georgia producer who is still recovering from Hurricane Michael three years ago. “We didn’t make but about a 10% crop, so not good at all,” said Eric Cohen, co-owner of Pecan Ridge Plantation in Decatur County. “It’s a real short crop in Georgia this year.” A …
ABT Populations Vary Across South Florida
According to UF/IFAS, scouts in south Hendry County detected the highest populations of Asian bean thrips (ABT) this week. In south Hendry County, an infestation of 0.2 adult ABT per bloom were reported, though population increases could surge over the next few weeks due to many larvae present. ABT populations were up to 0.1 per bloom in the Moore Haven …
Late Registration Ongoing for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are reminded that registration is ongoing for the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022 through Jan. 9, 2022, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Late registration for the event ends Jan. 5. Interested attendees can register for the full four-day conference …
Keeping Phosphorus on the Farm
By Sanjay Shukla, Asmita Shukla and Alan W. Hodges Stormwater detention/retention systems or agricultural ponds can be used to convert the vegetation growing inside to a beneficial commodity while reducing phosphorus discharges. These are the findings of a study conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The study evaluated the environmental and economic feasibility …
What Do We Know? The Latest Information on Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot Disease
By Clint Thompson To say that Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has devastated Florida strawberries the past three growing seasons would be an understatement. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are researching ways to keep the disease from being as much of a problem in the future. One breakthrough that was discovered last season was the observance …