By Frank Giles Outbreaks of blue-green algae and red tide in recent years have put the spotlight on the use of fertilizer in agriculture. Environmental groups have blamed agriculture for being a main source of nutrient pollution that has caused water-quality problems. Folks in agriculture know it is more complicated than that and they need new data to support their …
N.C. Counties Eligible for Crop Loss Program Following Tropical Storm Fred, April ’21 freeze
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced that farmers in 11 additional counties are eligible for the Western North Carolina (N.C.) Agricultural Crop Loss Program for damages and losses due to flooding and excessive rain from Tropical Storm Fred and an April 2021 freeze and frost. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. A total of $10 million is available. …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 8/1/22 Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “It has gotten dry again in the Midlands. Scattered areas received some good rain over the weekend, but others missed it and remain badly in need. I’ve heard of …
Insects in Alabama: What to Watch for
By Clint Thompson Hot summertime weather conditions can fuel insect pressure. That is exactly the case in Alabama where multiple species are present and could pose a problem for specialty crop producers. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, highlights the pests that growers need to be mindful of. “The armyworm pressure is consistent. We …
Southeast Alabama Specialty Crops Fizzle Under High Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Southeast Alabama specialty crops prefer dry weather conditions. This season’s prolonged drought was not detrimental to production season. However, they don’t like it extremely hot at the peak of harvest season. But that was the scenario farmers faced in the Southeast in June. It significantly impacted fruits and vegetables in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, said Neil …
N.C. State Tomato Field Day Slated for Aug. 11
N.C. State Tomato Field Day Slated for Aug. 11 North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension will hold its annual Tomato Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, North Carolina. Registration will be held at 8 a.m., with field tours starting at 8:45 a.m. and lunch served at noon. The vendor …
Recent Rains Could Delay Fumigation Process
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall across the Southeast in recent weeks could delay fumigation progress from specialty crop farmers preparing to plant their fall crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses how heavy rain events could keep producers from getting into their fields at a key point in the season. …
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus on Rise in North Carolina
By Clint Thompson High populations of thrips meant a surge in tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in North Carolina tomatoes this season. Inga Meadows, North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension specialist, discusses the uptick in thrips activity this year. Since thrips vector the virus, that meant more incidences of TSWV. “In some parts of North Carolina, we’ve had quite a bit …
Northeast Alabama: Rainfall Needed in Dry Region
By Clint Thompson Northeast Alabama is in dire need of rainfall. The region is abnormally dry, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Some areas are even moderately dry, especially along the Alabama-Tennessee state line. It is taking a toll on crops and ponds, says Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “Right now, irrigation ponds are …
Clemson Extension Provides Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various specialty crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath reports, “With the wet weather the past two weeks, gummy stem blight is spreading rapidly on watermelon. Because of widespread resistance to tebuconazole and the need for systemic fungicides, growers …