By Sriyanka Lahiri Crop rescue through a well-planned pesticide rotation program currently remains the most effective method of pest management in conventionally grown strawberries. However, close monitoring for pests should be conducted as the first line of defense, especially since most strawberry pests are not visible through unaided vision. Thrips Flower thrips immatures and adults can feed on the fruit …
100 Years of Impact: NFREC Instrumental in Helping Tomato Industry
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, Florida has enjoyed 100 years of impact. Part of that success is attributed to the vegetable program, in particular, with tomatoes. Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science, discusses the impact his predecessors …
Disease Development: Phytophthora Root Rot a Concern in Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson A saturated summer across the Southeast means more potential for development of phytophthora root rot disease in citrus trees. The impact on Georgia’s young trees could be devastating, says Jonathan Oliver, (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. Oliver implores Georgia’s citrus producers to stay vigilant in their fungicide sprays, as the wet conditions have not let …
Rising Prices Are Worrying Farmers
By Ernie Neff Rising prices are worrying Florida farmers, Gene McAvoy with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) said in a presentation this summer. McAvoy is associate director for stakeholder relations at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. His presentation was to the National Association of Credit Managers Statewide Agricultural & Turf Suppliers …
Sneak Peek: October 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The October issue of VSCNews Magazine puts the spotlight on strawberries, one of Florida’s top fruit crops. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses arthropod pest management strategies in conventional strawberry production. She highlighted control methods …
A Lot to Learn: Two New Viruses a Concern for Florida Watermelon Industry
By Clint Thompson Two new watermelon viruses discovered recently in Texas are now a concern of Florida producers. As if South Florida growers did not have enough diseases to concern themselves with, these two new viruses are now on growers’ and industry leaders’ radar. Pam Roberts, professor of plant pathology and state Extension specialist for vegetable pathology at the University …
Growing Primocane-Fruiting Blackberries in Florida
By Fumiomi Takeda The introduction of primocane-fruiting (PF) blackberries by the University of Arkansas is considered a major innovation in the blackberry industry. Anytime a variety or new way of growing a crop can extend the production and marketing season, the crop becomes more important for growers and consumers. In addition to extending the season, this advance has expanded the …
Florida Ag Expo to Highlight Artificial Intelligence
By Clint Thompson A focal point of research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will be highlighted during the Florida Ag Expo on Nov. 18. Nathan Boyd, associate center director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and professor of horticulture and weed science, believes artificial intelligence (AI) to be the future …
UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab Offers Free Sampling for Citrus Greening
By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab is a key resource for Georgia citrus growers hoping to stay sustainable. The lab is located on the UGA Tifton Campus. While it is a fee-based service lab for the UGA Department of Plant Pathology, it provides free testing for citrus producers concerned about citrus greening, says Jonathan …
Bacterial Spot Disease Worsening for Florida Tomatoes
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease in tomatoes is worsening daily in Central Florida and North Florida. Infections are beginning to move up the plant. Bacterial leaf spot has started in early tomatoes in the Immokalee, Florida area. Progression is similar to what scouts have observed in the Manatee County area. According to UF/IFAS, …