By Clint Thompson The future of strawberry production in Alabama rests on the variety trials currently being conducted by Edgar Vinson and Alabama Extension. The assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University discussed the importance of his ongoing research, starting with the Camarosa variety. “We want our growers to have more available. We …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “Now is the time for Lowcountry strawberry growers to give their plants the first shot of boron. Boron helps with both flower and fruit development. Growers can spray boron or inject via the drip …
Botrytis Problem for a Florida Strawberry Grower
By Clint Thompson One Florida strawberry grower emerged relatively unscathed from last weekend’s freeze event. But now Dustin Grooms is coping with a new problem for his strawberry crop. “We did okay. We definitely did lose a little bit of bloom, not too bad. Some of the berries got bit a little bit on the ends, but not real bad,” …
Prioritizing Plant Breeding
By J. Scott Angle The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) team that has released more than 250 fruit, vegetable and other plant cultivars in the past decade is getting even stronger. Seven budding scientists from around the world arrived in Florida in August to work with Plant Breeders Working Group faculty in creating Florida crops. …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates Across State
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 issues in the area remain very low. However, as temperatures rise, we expect activity to increase. Although it is quiet, it is still essential to continue to scout. Assessment …
North Carolina Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Cold Temperatures
North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension reminds strawberry growers that while temperatures will be cold this weekend, not all need to apply row covers to their crop. Dormant plants that are acclimated to colder weather usually do fine without protection even when temperatures are in the teens. Plants that are in an advanced crop status, however, could be damaged at higher …
Georgia Strawberry: Minimal Reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot So Far
By Clint Thompson Minimal reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in Georgia strawberries this year has one University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist encouraged. But the real test will come when temperatures warm up and row covers are removed, believes Phil Brannen. “Other than the one (farmer) that had it early who got his plants from one of those …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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 Zack Snipes reports, “One of our weather stations in Mt. Pleasant got down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on Saturday night. Last Thursday our high was 73F, and 55 hours later it was 23F. That …
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. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, crops are developing well with few pest or disease issues currently. Some brassicas are displaying a reddening to the older leaves associated with reduced phosphorous …
Alabama Extension Mobile County Fruit, Vegetable Growers Meeting Set for Jan. 27
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension reminds specialty crop producers that the Mobile County Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Jon Archer Ag Center in Mobile, Alabama. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Preregistration is required by calling the Mobile County Extension Office at 251-574-8445. Jacob …