Combine Mancozeb and Copper in North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers must avoid applying copper with chlorothalonil when protecting against disease buildup. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasized this stance early in the season and continues to stress its importance as it could lead to plant burning. “If they’re …

University Research: Nitrogen Recommendations for Sweet Corn Production

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Sweet corn producers should know that nitrogen applications can be reduced and spread out over the course of the season. That lessons the impact of leaching, a common problem for sandy soil production. The 250 pounds of nitrogen per acre total that Andre da Silva, Extension specialist and associate professor of horticulture at Auburn University, determined is …

Commissioner Simpson Announces Completion of Major Updates to BMP Manuals

Clint ThompsonFlorida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recently announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly …

What to Know for Blueberry Production: When to Use Automated Harvesters

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Automated harvesters are the future for Florida blueberry growers. Some would argue they are also the present, as producers must deviate from the status quo in hopes of remaining sustainable. Still, producers who have not yet embraced the technology, need to remember there are certain caveats that accompany machine harvesters. One of the main components to remember …

Fusarium Wilt Observed in North Florida Melons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt was observed last week in North Florida watermelon fields. Weather conditions were ripe for development, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Most of the fields are not far enough long to start showing it yet. However, in some of those …

pest populations

Scout to Stay Ahead of Pest Populations

Dan CooperPests

It is much better for Florida citrus growers to be proactive than reactive when managing pest populations. Scouting and monitoring citrus groves is crucial for growers who hope to thwart off impacts from insects like the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). If growers are not successful, they will be behind the eight ball in minimizing the impact of these annual pests. …

Pollination Period Key for Georgia Blueberry Producers Estimating This Year’s Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene continue to be felt among Georgia’s specialty crop producers. It’s just a matter of how bad for the state’s blueberry producers who are approaching harvest season. Georgia blueberry grower Johnny Allen estimates that producers should soon know the full extent of the September storm’s impact. “I don’t think we’ll know until …

Watermelon Replant? North Florida Producers Must Consider Options Following Wind Damage

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A common theme so far this spring for North Florida watermelon producers has been damage to plants from wind and sandblasting. It might force some growers to consider their replanting options, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “If you keep on getting sandblasted, the first thing that happens is those outer …

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Pecan Inputs Reduced in Affected Areas For This Season

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Southeast Georgia pecan orchards were ravaged last year from Hurricane Helene. Growers impacted by the storm need to be wary of what this year’s crop will look like before investing in it. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the crop outlook during this winter’s county meetings. “Any time we have a major hurricane come …