By Clint Thompson Pecan production is down this year across the Southeast; mostly due to adverse weather conditions. Steady summer rains led to scab disease development, while the current dry period led to lighter pecans than expected. Also disappointing this year are the uneven market prices growers are receiving for this year’s crop. Georgia pecan farmer Randy Hudson discussed the …
Exceptional Drought Observed in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions remain a concern across the Southeast, according to the Nov. 27 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Conditions have worsened across South Georgia and North Florida. Exceptional drought conditions are observed in the southern halves of Decatur, Grady, Thomas and Brooks counties. They are also seen in the northern halves of Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson and …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Infestation Update
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Overall worm pressure varies from low to high in southwest Florida. It mostly depends on location, crop and date of planting. Scouts indicate that sweet corn fields experienced low to moderate, but constant pressure from fall armyworm on young and silking corn. Beet armyworm laid …
Strawberry Management: Spray Intervals for Neopestalotiopsis Tighten in Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers normally do not have to be as aggressive with their fungicide sprays in the fall. That mindset changes, however, with Neopestalotiopsis (Neo). Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said growers can not wait as long between fungicide sprays if they have the disease present in their fields. “Generally, if it’s …
N.C. State Extension Agent Emphasizes Food Safety
By Clint Thompson Food safety should remain at the forefront of minds of fruit and vegetable producers. That’s a point of emphasis for Elena Rogers, N.C. State Extension Area Specialized Agent in fresh produce food safety. She believes growers should acclimate themselves to the dangers posed by food-borne illnesses so the risks can be mitigated on the farm and at …
Updated Drought Conditions Across Southeast
The southern part of the Southeast region is experiencing the driest conditions, according to the Nov. 13 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought conditions are seen across South Georgia and North Florida, while severe drought is seen in the southeastern part of Alabama. South Georgia’s driest conditions start in Seminole and Early counties, expand eastward to Brantley and …
Florida Blueberry Survey Summarizes 2025 Season
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association recently hosted its annual meeting in Lakeland. The event drew a good crowd, and speakers addressed pest management, new varieties, labor issues and more. One highlight of the event was Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, presenting the results of his annual survey of Florida blueberry …
Freeze Event Dooms North Florida’s Remaining Fall Vegetable Crop
By Clint Thompson Back-to-back nights of sub-freezing temperatures this week ended North Florida’s fall vegetable season for all practical purposes. While some growers may scavenge their fields for any surviving fruit, most of the remaining crop was devastated by plummeting temperatures. “The temperature on Tuesday morning was probably in the range of 31 (degrees Fahrenheit), plus or minus. There was …
Early Freeze Event Ends Georgia’s Fall Vegetable Season
By Clint Thompson Monday night’s sub-freezing temperatures in South Georgia impacted the region’s vegetable crop production. The effect of the impact varies from crop to crop, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed the early-season freeze event, which impacted crops planted in the summer and fall. “I think …
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Celebrates 100 Years and New FrontiersÂ
By Frank Giles The annual Florida Ag Expo, which is held in early November at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), took a break this year to make way for the recognition of two milestones — the center’s centennial celebration and groundbreaking for the Center for Applied Artificial …



















