By Clint Thompson Growers and industry leaders are ready for the return of the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo in August, says Josh McGill, show director. After being held virtually in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual two-day event returns in-person this year. “Not only are we excited but the exhibitors are excited. The sponsors and growers we’ve …
Cover Crops: Benefit Now and in the Future
By Clint Thompson Most South Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers don’t utilize cover crops during the summer. University of Florida/IFAS research might change that philosophy in the future. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, has a year and a half of research data that point to multiple advantages that cover crops …
How the Next Generation of Citrus Variety Development Is Growing Forward
Amid the ongoing challenges from HLB, there is an increasing demand for more rootstock and scion field trials.
Weather Preventing North Alabama Producers from Applying Needed Sprays
By Clint Thompson Sunny days are few and far between this summer for North Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers. The persistent rainfall and cloudy weather have hindered production, says Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “The impact is we’re not able to get in the field to spray. That’s been our main issue,” Schavey said. “I’m seeing …
On Alert: Recent Rains Increasing Disease Pressure in Alabama Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producers need to stay vigilant with their fungicide spray programs. With the wet summer across the state, disease pressure is building in vegetable crops, said Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “We’ve been getting hit hard with bacterial spot (in tomatoes) as you …
Soaked: Wet Summer Could Impact Fall Plantings for Georgia Growers
By Clint Thompson A saturated summer for South Georgia could impact farmers’ preparation for their fall crops. Much like this past spring when plantings were delayed because of excessive rains, that same scenario could be played out later this summer. Soils are saturated. Sunshine is needed. Fields need to dry out. “We have to have fair enough weather conditions to …
Weather Update: Wet, Wet, Wet
By Clint Thompson Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor tells farmers something they already knew – it is wet across the Southeast region. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows sufficient moisture in Alabama, Georgia and most of Florida. Only a portion of Miami-Dade County in Florida shows abnormally dry conditions. “They’re not even showing any abnormally dry conditions in Georgia …
Government Subsidies: Mexico’s Advantage Leads to Increased Imports
By Clint Thompson One of the key factors in Southeast producers’ fight against increased imports are subsidies. Growers and industry leaders have said for years that the Mexican government provides subsidies to its producers. Farmers can afford to sell their produce at low prices or literally dump them in the U.S. if they are supported financially. University of Florida Associate …
Cause for Concern: Blueberry Producers Be Wary of Algal Stem Blotch Disease
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers need to stay vigilant in maintaining their blueberry bushes for the upcoming year, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. One of the key diseases that growers need to protect against is algal stem blotch. It’s not a typical fungus disease so normal synthetic fungicides are not effective. …
Sulfur Key Tool in Reducing Soil pH
By Clint Thompson Sulfur is a tool that South Florida growers can implement to decrease their soil pH in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, discusses the importance of bringing the soil pH down to its optimal level of 6.5. “The problem in Southwest Florida, our …