Insect pressure is currently quiet in Alabama. But infestations could increase dramatically if producers don’t take the proper precautions, says Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “At this point, things are kind of calm and quiet, except perhaps for people who have greenhouse crops or are trying to start their seedlings or trying to …
Whitefly Management: Don’t Get Behind in Spray Program
Insecticides are available for growers managing whitefly populations. But they need to be applied early in the season when whiteflies are young and immature. “Most of the things we use primarily target immatures. That’s where our best control is. We’ve only got a couple of products that are really good on adults,” said Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Clay Models Track the Activity of Beneficial Insects in Turfgrass
By Allison Fortner for CAES News Modeling clay isn’t limited to art classrooms and sculpting studios. University of Georgia researchers developed a tool to track beneficial insects in turfgrass systems using clay models. Tracking these good predators can help develop eco-friendly pest management techniques for both home lawns and commercial sod growers. In a recently published article in Entomologia Experimentalis …
Chilli Thrips: An Increasing Threat for Blueberry Growers
By Oscar Liburd Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, was first detected in southern highbush blueberries in Florida in Orange, Sumter and Hernando counties during the summer of 2008. It is a major pest of many host plants, including vegetable, ornamental and fruit crops. FEEDING DAMAGE In blueberry, chilli thrips feed on young leaves, causing leaf bronzing (Figure 1) and shoot dieback in …
Three to Join the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the addition of three new members to the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame – John Holman Cyrus of Raleigh, Fred N. Colvard of Jefferson and Marshall W. Grant of Garysburg. Established in 1953, the Agricultural Hall of Fame posthumously recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture in the state and beyond. …
UF/IFAS Findings Show Less Need for Pesticide to Control Strawberry Pest
By: Brad Buck, 352-875-2641 (cell), bradbuck@ufl.edu It’s harvest season for Florida’s $300 million-per-year strawberry season, so those who grow this fruit need help to control pests such as the tiny (up to 2-millimeters long), destructive chilli thrips. Farmers often use pesticides to control thrips, but they would like to use minimal chemicals. University of Florida scientists may have found a …
Syngenta Crop Protection Announces Launch of Spiropidion: A New Insecticide Active Ingredient
Spiropidion is an innovative new technology that can be used to protect a wide array of crops from some of the most damaging, and difficult to control, sucking pests Spiropidion is safe to pollinators and beneficial insects, providing farmers with an important new tool in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, in line with Syngenta’s ongoing commitment to develop innovative and sustainable products …
Temporary and Permanent Pest Exclusion Systems for Vegetable Production
According to Alabama Extension, the demand for organic crop production has experienced an upward trajectory in recent years. This increasing demand means there is a need for more farmers to produce organic vegetables at a reasonable cost, while also being environmentally sustainable. For these producers, insect pest management is one of the aspects where they must watch their costs and …
Problematic Pests of Florida Strawberries
By Sriyanka Lahiri Several arthropod pests occur in strawberries in Florida during the various stages of the crop cycle. Cyclamen mites (Phytonemus pallidus), if present, originate from strawberry nurseries as hitchhikers on transplants. Thankfully, a very small percentage of growers reported a cyclamen mite infestation during the strawberry season of 2019–2020. Soon after planting, armyworms (Spodoptera spp.), twospotted spider mites …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 10/19/20 Posted on October 19, 2020 by Justin Ballew Coastal Rob Last reports, “As we approach the time where strawberry plants will be delivered, I would urge all growers to inspect plants before planting. …