By Frank Giles and Clint Thompson Whiteflies have grown into one of the top concerns for specialty crop growers in the Southeast. The memories of the 2017 outbreak are still fresh in the minds of many who lost entire crops to the swarming clouds of the pest. According to “The 2017 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates” report compiled by Elizabeth …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations Range from Low to High
Whitefly populations are low in some areas across southern Florida and high in others, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports show low levels of whiteflies in tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Moderate levels are reported in watermelon and bean fields. Scouts are reporting low population levels of whitefly in tomatoes along the …
H-2A Hangup: Some Alabama Producers Not Getting Workers in Timely Fashion
By Clint Thompson Alabama is not a large user of the H-2A program. But it is vital to those specialty crop producers who rely on it for an adequate labor force. That’s why it is concerning to hear some growers in the central part of the state not receiving their workforce in a timely manner. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Southeast Regional Covers Wide Range of Topics
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles Specialty crop growers gathered in Savannah in January for the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Concurrent seminars allowed growers to choose their educational topics. Here are a few highlights from the educational program. New Pesticide Regulations Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension weed scientist, believes 2025 will be a pivotal year …
Paper Mulch Potential: UF/IFAS Continues Next Stage of Research
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch enters the next stage of research with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and watermelon production in the Suwanee Valley. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, has led the research in North Florida. “We’ve got over 100 acres of paper mulch that is down and ready …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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 Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW …
Sneak Peek: March 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The cover story of the March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights whiteflies and how they can devastate vegetables with the viruses they transmit. Weather can contribute to the severity of whitefly infestations. In 2016 and 2017, weather conditions were hot and dry which led to whitefly populations spiraling out of control. Multiple university researchers talked about the pest …
Survey Says: Key Findings from Southern Region’s Vegetable Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released key findings from a vegetable survey it conducted with growers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida tomato production in 2024 totaled 638 million pounds, a decrease of 27% from 2023. The value of utilized production for tomatoes was $331 million, down 32% from last year. Sweet corn …
North Carolina Specialty Crops Update
By Maegan Beatty North Carolina is a large contributor of specialty crops in the southeast. From peaches to seedless watermelon, the state grows a diverse set of fruits and vegetables for most of the year. In a recent interview with AgNet Media, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler provides an optimistic outlook for 2025 and how the specialty crop …