By: Brad Buck, 813-757-2224 (office); 352-875-2641 (cell); bradbuck@ufl.edu A destructive disease known as bacterial spot can ruin tomatoes anywhere it strikes. That’s why University of Florida scientists want to understand how the pathogen that causes the disease spreads and evolves on farms. A couple of quick statistics illustrate the importance of tomatoes to Florida’s agricultural economic sector: Fresh market tomatoes …
Florida Citrus Growers Have New Tool to Fight Greening
By: Ruth Borger, 517-803-7631, rborger@ufl.edu LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — If information is power, Florida citrus growers have a new asset in their fight against citrus greening disease which has been impacting the state’s multi-billion dollar citrus industry. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences statewide citrus program launched a major revision of a website, providing instant access …
What to Look for With Corn Earworm
According to a University of Florida/IFAS blog, the corn earworm is especially concerning to corn and tomato growers. It causes serious damage when it feeds on corn silk and kernels and tomato fruit. In corn, eggs are laid on silk and the caterpillar hatches and feeds on silk and kernels. In tomato, eggs are laid on leaves, flowers or fruit. …
Do You Use Carbaryl on Citrus or Blueberries?
The Environmental Protection Agency is re-evaluating the risks of Carbaryl for continued registration of this chemical. In order to protect Carbaryl for use, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association is surveying growers on its use. Your data is critically important. Even if you do not use Carbaryl, input is needed. The Cabaryl case study will be presented as part of …
FFVA Still Hoping for Celery, Watermelons to be Added in CFAP
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) did not get all of its wishes granted with the recent revisions to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) by the United States Department of Agriculture. FFVA President Mike Joyner confirmed that there are two commodities that his organization hopes the USDA will include in Category 1. “The two commodities that we also …
FFVA President: Pleased With Decisions USDA Made Regarding CFAP
Florida’s fruit and vegetable (FFVA) growers were big winners in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision last week to amend certain commodities to the list covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). FFVA President Mike Joyner said almost half of the commodities that his organization petitioned the USDA for were accepted. “We’re pleased with the decisions that …
FMC Launches Avaunt eVo Insect Control Formulation to Tackle Key Pests Affecting Fruit, Vegetable Growers
Advanced formulation of the only Group 22 insecticide for agricultural use delivers improved control and performance consistency. PHILADELPHIA, July 14, 2020 – FMC has just released and made available for immediate use a new insecticide formulation, Avaunt eVo insect control, in a range of crops including brassicas, pome and stone fruits, cucurbits, leafy vegetables, low-growing berries and dried and succulent …
Technology to Improve Vegetable Production
By Yiannis Ampatzidis Vegetable growers face a variety of challenges, including pest and diseases, labor shortages and climate change. How can new advancements in technology help growers address these challenges? Can technology improve crops, reduce production costs and protect the environment? How can technological innovations be incorporated into traditional farming to improve production practices? In the last few decades, several …
Mental Health in Agriculture Industries
Agriculture industries have had to adapt to a lot of change in recent months. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has created a series of professional development webinars to help these industries navigate the global pandemic. The most recent session of the six-part webinar series featured a panel focused on mental health in rural communities. …
Potato Farmers Benefit From Latest CFAP Revisions
By Clint Thompson Florida potato farmers are one commodity group that benefited from last week’s USDA’s revision to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Potatoes were one of seven eligible commodities added to Category 1. The USDA found these commodities had a 5% or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April because of the coronavirus pandemic. Originally, these commodities were …