BALM, Fla. — Kevin Wang trained as an engineer and gave little thought to agriculture. But then, life took a few turns. When Wang joined the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers robotics competition, he gradually realized how much of a difference an engineer could make in agriculture. “It is much harder than I thought it would be to …
Late Registration Ongoing for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are reminded that registration is ongoing for the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022 through Jan. 9, 2022, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Late registration for the event ends Jan. 5. Interested attendees can register for the full four-day conference …
What Do We Know? The Latest Information on Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot Disease
By Clint Thompson To say that Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has devastated Florida strawberries the past three growing seasons would be an understatement. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are researching ways to keep the disease from being as much of a problem in the future. One breakthrough that was discovered last season was the observance …
Minimal Diseases so far for Florida Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson The extended dry period in South Florida has been a boost for strawberry production. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes weather conditions have been favorable for strawberries early in the season and diseases have been minimal so far. “It’s been pretty quiet. We’re good, I …
UF/IFAS GCREC Welcomes Tomlin Middle School STEM Students
Faculty, staff and students at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) welcomed 65 seventh graders Tuesday from Tomlin Middle School in Plant City on Tuesday. The annual tour provides the students exposure to labs, greenhouses, fields and up-close demonstrations of techniques and research at the center. The morning began with …
NCDA&CS Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that 16 specialty crop projects have received more than $2.9 million in USDA grants in 2021. Projects included new research on reusing old greenhouse structures for strawberry production, how to limit insecticide usage that can harm pollinators, addressing health and safety concerns for farm workers, and consumer awareness campaigns …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Information
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Pest and disease activity in the area remain low with overall good development of crops. Strawberries continue to develop well with very few issues. Given the misty mornings we are seeing, …
Strawberry Growers: Scout for Spider Mites
According to the University of Georgia Strawberry blog, it is important for strawberry growers to scout their fields for possible spider mites, especially this early in the production season. “Early detection is important since research has proven that even low numbers of mites can reduce yields,” according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, pest and disease pressure have reduced in response to cooler dryer conditions. Keep an eye on soil moisture and continue to regularly scout crops.” Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “We …
Strawberry Breeder: Positive Outlook for Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The many challenges facing Florida’s strawberry industry does not dampen the optimism held by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) breeder Vance Whitaker. He shares a positive outlook, even amid rising costs, increased trade and a persistent new disease. The quality of the state’s crop is a big reason why. “I think we’re …