By Abolfazl Hajihassani Control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a severe challenge for growers because the pests have abroad host range and can survive in the soil for several years. This makes crop rotation impractical and inefficient for nematode management. Other major management options for root-knot nematodes in tomato include chemical controls using fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides and resistant varieties/rootstocks. …
Alabama Tomato Production: Optimal Planting Period Begins This Week
By Clint Thompson Planting dates are an important factor to consider when planning for tomato production this year. Alabama Extension reminds interested producers that this week begins the optimal planting period for South Alabama. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, encourages growers in the southern part of the state to plant their crop between March 1 and April 30. …
‘Unknown’ Future for Florida Tomato Industry Following Freeze
By Clint Thompson The Jan. 30 freeze event that impacted numerous specialty crops across Florida has created an ‘unknown’ outlook for the tomato industry. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, discusses what the damage sustained by tomatoes in the southern part of the state means for production in north …
Sneak Peek: March 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The March issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights advancements in the management of cornsilk flies. Julien Beuzelin, an assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, discusses the insects, where they are found and why the potential for pyrethroid resistance is a concern. …
Bacterial Spot Remains Problematic for Tomato, Pepper Growers
Bacterial spot disease continues to be a significant problem for tomato and pepper in southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has flared in susceptible varieties due to the few rain events that have occurred. Non-resistance pepper looks rough in most fields. Respondents in Homestead, Florida, indicate that disease pressure is widespread. It is starting …
Thrips Pressure Expected to Increase in Florida
Thrips pressure is currently low across the South Florida region. But this is the time of year when populations are expected to increase, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable growers, especially those with crops susceptible to thrips-vectored viruses, need to monitor populations and start management options early. Thrips pressure is starting to increase in most crops …
Whitefly Severity Varies Across Florida
Whitefly populations continue to vary in Florida vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are being observed in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers in Southwest Florida. Respondents in Homestead indicate that whiteflies are present in tomatoes, beans and squash. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is widespread in tomato, though most fields are still under …
Joint Research: Grafting Reduces Southern Blight Disease By 83%
A joint research project between scientists at the University of Georgia and Clemson University has deduced that grafting reduces southern blight disease on tomatoes by 83%. According to the The South Carolina Grower, grafting reduced the percentage of diseased plants from 44% on nongrafted ‘Roadster’ varieties to 7% on ‘Roadster’ grafted on ‘Maxifort’ rootstock in a 2021 trial in Charleston, …
Nematode Management for Organic Crops
By Johan Desaeger Southeastern states have been slow to adopt organic crops. However, they recorded the most growth in organic production in the last 10 years. States such as California, Vermont, Maine and New York have a longer history with organic production. A great deal of scientific research now supports organic agriculture in these states. This is not the case …
UF/IFAS Researchers Creating an ‘Artificial Intelligence Connoisseur’
A computer may not be able to taste a tomato or blueberry, but it can tell University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural (UF/IFAS) scientists which volatiles in those fruits make them taste good. UF/IFAS breeder and geneticist Marcio Resende wants to create what he calls an “Artificial Intelligence Connoisseur,” a model that tells researchers which chemical compounds produce …