By Clint Thompson Fumigation is an integral part of a specialty crop producers’ weed management strategy. According to Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, growers can achieve higher levels of success when they have a comprehensive understand of how fumigants function. “Fumigants do play …
Applying Herbicide Under Plastic Mulch
By Ramdas Kanissery Weed management is fundamental in successfully growing vegetables in Florida using a plasticulture system. Traditionally, this production system was reliant on fumigants like methyl bromide to control various soilborne diseases, nematodes and weeds. However, the phaseout of methyl bromide resulted in a lack of broad-spectrum activity and consistency in weed suppression in plastic mulched raised beds. This …
Understanding Fumigation and its Benefits
By Clint Thompson A better understanding of fumigation would allow specialty crop producers a better chance to succeed with their upcoming production season. Different products accomplish different objectives, says Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. If they are used in combination with each other, …
Sneak Peek: August 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The August issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights blueberry cultivation in soilless substrates. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida in Gainesville, talks about the practice which is increasing in popularity across the world. While blueberry bushes are known for requiring drained, acidic soils that are high in organic matter, these characteristics are not common …
Weed Management Starts Early for Snap Bean Producers
By Clint Thompson A sound weed management program early in the season is essential for snap bean producers. Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, highlights the importance and impact that weed suppression can have on bean production. “I would say when it …
Summer Weed Management Tips
By Clint Thompson Successful weed management programs this summer involve an integrated approach. No longer can farmers rely on just herbicides to overcome all of their weed issues. Other components must factor into the program, says Nathan Boyd, associate center director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and …
Phytoplasma Disease Confirmed in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease known for its threat to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East. The phytoplasma species called Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is documented in regions of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus, …
Disease Alert: New Phytoplasma Disease Confirmed in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease known for its threat to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East. The phytoplasma species called Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is documented in regions of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I saw my first nutsedge plants this year pop up in the plastic mulch of a fellow researcher’s trial last week in Charleston. Soil temperatures in plastic mulch systems are going …
Weed Management Concerns for Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson The current supply chain crisis is impacting Florida’s specialty crop producers’ ability to manage certain weed species. Peter Dittmar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension weed scientist, said certain herbicides have been hard to obtain for use this year. “One of the problems that I’ve been hearing, it’s not really a specific weed species, but it’s the availability of …