Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Webinar Series Features Cucurbit Viruses and Management

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles Whiteflies, aphids and other pests continue to be significant problems in Southeastern vegetable production. Recently, the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group hosted a series of webinars addressing several important viruses pests may carry. The group’s mission is to improve communication and knowledge about viruses across the cucurbit industry and develop strategies to successfully identify and mitigate …

Post Watermelon Season: Sanitation Key in Reducing Whitefly Populations

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Harvest season has come and gone for most watermelon growers in the Southeast. While producers are done producing this year’s crop, they are not done with its management. Growers are encouraged to disk any unwanted melons in the field once the season has ended, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …

Sneak Peek: August 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

In this month’s sneak peek, the August issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the skyrocketing input costs that are impacting day-to-day farming operations. Various growers across the Southeast spoke up about the costs, relating to diesel, fertilizer and pesticide use. Those growers included Kent Hamilton and Jessica Kirk from Georgia and Tony DiMare from Florida, who said he has …

Multi-State Tomato Research Aimed At Studying Production in Hotter Weather Conditions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Tomato research at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus should help growers determine if crop production in hotter parts of the year is a feasible alternative. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, is studying the heat effects on tomatoes that are planted two weeks to a month later than they normally would. “We’re not planting …

Cotton Jassid Still Absent in Georgia Fields

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The cotton jassid’s lingering absence in fields across South Georgia is a win for vegetable producers in the middle of this year’s spring season. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, said the insect hasn’t been detected since about February, though researchers and Extension agents have been closely monitoring traps set up across the region. …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Citrus Show a Day of Education, Enjoyment

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By AgNet Media Staff The Florida Citrus Show marked another successful event in March in Fort Pierce. The show provided attendees with a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate-style trade show. CRAFT Update Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) programs have been very popular with growers and have incentivized …

Cotton Jassid’s Current Absence in Fields Positive Development for Vegetable Farmers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The cotton jassid’s devastating impact on cotton last year has industry experts alert on when the insect will emerge as a threat this season. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, emphasized that the insect has not been detected in multiple weeks, which is a positive sign heading into planting season. “We’ve got some …

Insect Pests To Be Mindful of in Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The current hot and dry weather conditions are conducive conditions for insect pests to build up population levels. That’s the current case in Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed what insect pests that growers should be mindful of as plants are going into the ground. “With it hot and dry, you’re …

Alabama Extension Specialist Cautions Growers About Potential Insect Concerns

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry weather conditions in parts of Alabama have been conducive for insect populations to build up. One insect pest is a concern this time of year, especially for tomato growers, explains Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “Right now, we are looking for some thrips,” Cremonez said. “They’re starting to show up …

Postfreeze Recovery Recommendations for Citrus Trees

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida citrus growers hoping to expedite the recovery process for trees impacted by the late January/early February freeze event should pump the brakes and wait — at least until spring. That advice is from Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He shared tree recovery recommendations …