Mechanical Harvesters a Key Focus of UF/IFAS Tomato Breeding Research

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Sustainability in the tomato industry likely will rely on automation. It only makes sense for tomato breeding research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to focus on developing varieties that can be harvested mechanically. Edgar Sierra, a post-doctoral researcher at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed tomato breeding …

Adapting to Change is Name of the Game in Ag

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

By Clint Thompson Adaptation equals survival in the specialty crop sector. If producers are not willing to adapt to the changing agricultural times, their livelihoods will be significantly impacted to the point of extinction. That mindset has elevated one Alabama grower’s business over the last 30 years. “If you cannot adapt in this business, you will not survive,” said John …

Enjoy Florida-Grown Foods At Thanksgiving

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

When you’re giving thanks this Thanksgiving, consider that much of your food grew in the Sunshine State, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts. Those edibles include corn, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes. Like many of us, Nelly Nelson, family and consumer sciences agent for UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, said she and her …

Whitefly Population Update Across South Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts, consultants and producers report whiteflies started strong in central Florida, but spray programs have kept them at a constant level. Moderate levels of nymphs are showing up in early crops across Southwest Florida. Reports indicate populations are increasing in tomatoes, …

Grower Panel, Tailgating Treats Highlight Annual Florida Ag Expo Event

Clint ThompsonFlorida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson Tailgating treats and insightful information highlighted Thursday’s Florida Ag Expo event. Specialty crop farmers and industry leaders flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Seminar sessions and field tours provided attendees valuable insight into how they can remain sustainable in crop production …

‘Positive’ Start for Florida Tomato Harvests

Web AdminFlorida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Tomato harvests are well under way across Florida. One industry expert likes the quality and quantity of this year’s fall crop. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, discussed the outlook facing Florida growers. “We started up about a week and a half, two weeks ago. We’ve had decent yields for the fall; I …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Bacterial Spot Disease on Rise

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Leafy Greens

Bacterial spot disease is on the rise in plantings in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Moderate levels of bacterial spot were reported in older plantings in central Florida. There have also been increases in bacterial spot, mostly on tomato crops, but also on susceptible pepper varieties in southwest Florida. Overall levels are normal or …

Clemson Extension Agents: Inspect Strawberry Plants

Web AdminSouth Carolina

Weekly Field Update 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 Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Phillip Carnley Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to Sweet Corn Pest ManagementJanuary 1, 2026Nuseed …

Drought Impact: Northeast Florida Experiencing Dry Conditions

Web AdminWeather

By Clint Thompson The lingering drought has spread across the Southeast and impacted various parts of Florida, specifically in the northeast part of the state. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact the dry weather is having in his area. “We’re very dry, and …

Drought Impact: Northeast Florida Experiencing Dry Conditions

Web AdminDrought, Florida, Weather

By Clint Thompson The lingering drought has spread across the Southeast and impacted various parts of Florida, specifically in the northeast part of the state. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact the dry weather is having in his area. “We’re very dry, and …