By Clint Thompson Insects are hard enough to manage if you are a specialty crop producer. The threat of a lack of pesticides due to regulatory enforcement is making something difficult even more challenging. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed the outlook during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “The …
Whitefly Management Options for Alabama Producers
By Clint Thompson Whiteflies remain a concern for Alabama specialty crop producers. Unfortunately, they appear to be a constant pest for growers, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. He spoke about the pest during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Our growers need to learn how to manage them during the season. We …
Nematode Applications Effective for Peachtree Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach producers who have problems with peachtree borer insects should consider nematodes as a management option. No, not the harmful worms that can devastate plants. These are entomopathogenic nematodes that seek and destroy the borer insects, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “If growers have peachtree …
Whitefly Numbers Increasing Across South Florida
Vegetable producers should be wary that whitefly populations are increasing in South Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population numbers have reached high levels in some locations in the southwestern part of the state, though levels are low in other areas. Whiteflies are present in squash, cucumbers and watermelons in Homestead, …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies in Florida
Caterpillar pressure is at low to moderate levels in vegetable crops across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestations remain at low to moderate levels in cucumbers, squash, peppers and tomatoes in central Florida. Reports from southwest Florida are mostly moderate to low. Fall armyworms were observed in low to moderate numbers. They …
Warmer Temperatures Not Good for Pierce’s Disease Control in Grapes
By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm temperatures have one University of Georgia plant pathologist concerned about the impact on Pierce’s disease in grapes. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the potential dire situation facing some grape producers. “The concern I have on grapes, especially the European wine grapes in North Georgia, is with these warm temperatures we’re …
Thrips Levels Mostly Low in Florida
Thrips populations remain at low levels across most of southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Thrips in Southwest Florida are unanimously at low populations. Reports include thrips in peppers, Asian bean thrips and flower thrips. They are mostly at low levels on the east coast, but there was one report of a moderate infestation on …
Using Light to Control Strawberry Pest
With about 11,000 acres — mostly in west-central Florida — strawberries are worth $399 million annually in Florida. That represents 10% of the national strawberry value and most of the domestically produced winter crop in the United States. Those economic figures make it vital for the state’s strawberry growers to manage pests and diseases effectively. While producers began planting for …
UF Study: UV Lamps Can Control Strawberry Pest
With about 11,000 acres — mostly in west-central Florida — strawberries are worth $399 million annually in Florida. That represents 10% of the national strawberry value and most of the domestically produced winter crop in the United States. Those economic figures make it vital for the state’s strawberry growers to manage pests and diseases effectively. While producers began planting for …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Updates on Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Andy Rollins reports, “Based on Dr. Jeremy Pattisons’ work on fall development in strawberries, we need to have between 600 growing degree days (GDD) (Chandler) and 800 GDD (Camarosa) from October to December. It is suspected that …