Florida’s unique climate can create the optimal environment for a multitude of cabbage diseases. Nick Dufault, plant pathologist with the University of Florida (UF), says white mold and black rot have historically been common cabbage diseases that can cause serious damage. WHITE MOLD White mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum,can be somewhat easy to identify since one of the …
Florida Commercial Hemp Production Not Yet Approved
By Karla Arboleda and Abbey Taylor Industrial hemp could be the next cash crop in Florida. However, there are many details to complete and hoops to jump through before growers can get their hands on the hemp. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hemp Pilot Program strives to give growers the answers they need regarding …
Georgia Congressman Relieved Disaster Package Passed
Disaster-aid legislation has now been signed into law by President Trump. The bill includes $19.1 billion for areas that suffered from natural disasters, including southwest Georgia, southern Alabama and Florida’s Panhandle, which saw major destruction following Hurricane Michael. While passing the aid for farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael is already a huge win, Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1) is also pleased …
Long-Sought Disaster Aid Package Passes House
A federal disaster-relief package, long sought by Florida officials and Panhandle residents recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Michael, received approval Monday from the U.S. House after three earlier attempts were blocked. The 354-58 vote, which came after the House returned from a 10-day holiday recess, sends the $19.1 billion package to President Donald Trump. The Senate backed the measure …
It’s Watermelon Time in North Florida!
The watermelon harvest is now getting into full swing in the north-central Florida region. Visiting a field plot trial with the Enza Zaden seeds team this week, I had the opportunity to meet one of our Southeast AgNet radio listeners at his farm in Trenton, as the harvest crew was doing the first crown cut of one of his fields. …
Whitefly Management Methods
By Hugh Smith The silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmits tomato yellow leaf curl virus in tomatoes. The pest also transmits three viruses to cucurbits, including squash vein yellowing virus, which causes watermelon vine decline. In addition to virus transmission and contamination, the silverleaf whitefly induces irregular ripening in tomato and the silverleafing in squash that gives it its common name. …
VSC Expo Registration Opens June 1
AgNet Media is excited to introduce a new industry event: Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo (VSC Expo). Held in conjunction with the Citrus Expo, which is now in its 28th year, VSC Expo is set to be an event that growers won’t want to miss. Last year, AgNet Media incorporated vegetable and specialty crop seminars into Citrus Expo. After receiving …
Industry Reaction to U.S. Senate Approval of a Disaster-Aid Package
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded Senate passage of a disaster supplemental that will provide much-needed funds to Florida’s Northwest communities, which were devastated by Hurricane Michael more than seven months ago. With Senate passage, Rubio urged the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly approve the long overdue disaster-relief package, and send the measure to …
Sneak Peek: June VSCNews Magazine
The June issue of VSCNews magazine will be growers’ go-to guide for crucial crop diseases in the Southeast. Gary Vallad, University of Florida (UF) pathologist, authors two articles in this issue. In the first feature, he discusses tomato bacterial spot, including where and how it begins in the transplant house. His second article addresses southern blight and the best ways …
Battling Silk Flies in South Florida Sweet Corn
By Julien Beuzelin South Florida sweet corn growers continue to face two major insect problems: fall armyworms and corn silk flies. The two pests can be devastating, but corn silk flies are more challenging to manage than fall armyworms under current production practices. Three silk fly species have been reported to cause the majority of the damage: Euxesta eluta, Euxesta …