UF Researchers Developing Combinations of Fumigants to Fight Nutsedge

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Top Posts

By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are developing fumigant combinations to fight nutsedge. Nathan Boyd, an associate professor of horticulture at UF/IFAS, said options are limited when trying to control the weed. “Nutsedge is a problem because it’s the only weed that punctures the plastic mulch that we use,” Boyd …

Controlling Purple Nutsedge in Tomatoes

Web AdminResearch, Tomatoes, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

Purple nutsedge can be a tough nut to crack for many tomato growers. Nathan Boyd, weed scientist at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), recently completed herbicide trials examining whether pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides work better in controlling purple nutsedge in tomatoes. The trials took place at the GCREC in Wimauma. Purple nutsedge can be …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Fighting Formidable Weed Foes

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Clint Thompson Widely recognized as a leading weed scientist in the Southeast, the University of Georgia’s Stanley Culpepper provides specialty crop growers with weed management guidance. Specialty Crop Grower caught up Culpepper to discuss challenging weeds in Georgia and what to do about them. Q: What are the three most problematic weeds in vegetables produced on plasticulture and how …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Artificial Intelligence Gaining Ground in Agtech Sector

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles In almost every conceivable sector, artificial intelligence (AI) is exploding onto the scene as it merges into our daily lives. Agriculture is no exception, as AI technology becomes integral in the agtech sector. Some sources indicate that the U.S. market value of AI in agriculture has already surpassed $1 billion. Expectations are for that figure to rise. …

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 …

Specialty Crop Seminars Cover Wide Range of Topics

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo

This year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo has a lot to offer vegetable producers. A session on pest management will cover challenges growers face in fields, including whitefly, thrips, pepper weevil and more. Talks will be given on whitefly-transmitted viruses. A presentation on nematode management with reduce-risk nematicides and cover crops will be given during the pest management session. Speakers …

Paper Mulch Research Update for Southeast Watermelon Growers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are continuing their studies in paper mulch with respect to watermelon production in the Southeast. Its development is important for a region that depends heavily on watermelon production. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, …

bed system

Bed System Benefits Citrus Production

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Productionj

A bed system used in citrus groves is still under research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. But one researcher is already convinced that the system, which includes fabric mulch, is beneficial for growers. “This system is better for them. It’s already being used in …

Weed Management Strategies

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers who hope to control weed growth with cover crops during the fallow period must remember that this management strategy is not totally effective with every weed, particularly yellow and purple nutsedge. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic …