Florida’s vegetable producers should be wary that whitefly infestation numbers are increasing across the southern part of the state, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports indicate that whiteflies in southwest Florida re moderate and increasing on tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash, cucumber and watermelon. High numbers are reported to have been moving into young fields from mature …
Melon Producers Plan Early to Protect Against Gummy Stem Blight
It is never too early for watermelon producers in the Southeast to start thinking about management options for gummy stem blight disease. As Clemson Extension vegetable pathologist Tony Keinath puts it, “Early is on time.” He reminded growers in The South Carolina Grower that they should allow time to purchase the right fungicides in case of potential shortages. What Worked? …
UF/IFAS Research Gives Back Food Year-Round
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research and education centers (RECs) produce fruits and vegetables across Florida to develop production techniques and cultivars that benefit farmers. These centers are spread from Jay in the Panhandle to Homestead in Southeast Florida. So, what happens to all that fresh food? Much of it is donated to community food …
Crops Losses Following Hurricane Ian
Crop loss estimates are starting to filter in following Hurricane Ian’s impact in late September. The damages are devastating for some specialty crop producers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable crop losses were high in the Hillsborough/Manatee area. Some locations experienced flooding, while others had wind damage. Assessments show losses between 50% and 100% in planted …
Registration Open for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Registration is now open for the Southeast (SE) Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, the south’s premier fruit and vegetable educational conference and trade show for growers, packers, and shippers. Co-sponsored by the South Carolina Peach Council and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), the 2023 SE Regional Conference will return to the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, on …
Hurricane Ian Preparation Considerations for South Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Crops
Hurricane Ian is approaching the Southeast and is expected to bring significant amounts of rain and heavy winds to South Carolina over the weekend. The latest forecasts show Ian traveling northeast towards the Atlantic, then northward through western South Carolina. Clemson Extension agents advise specialty crop growers in The South Carolina Grower to be prepared to experience damaging winds, excessive …
Expo Specialty Crop Sessions Educate Growers
By Clint Thompson A highlight of the annual Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is the seminar program that focuses on the vegetable and specialty crop industry in Florida. This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, including pest management, alternative crops that growers can take advantage of, and various other research updates from University of Florida Institute of Food and …
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. Weekly Field Update – 9/12/22 Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Fall watermelons are looking good. There is some disease around, so fungicide applications remain crucial. I am finding whiteflies in a few crops, too. As we move into …
Expo Specialty Crop Sessions Educate Growers
By Clint Thompson A highlight of the annual Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is the seminar program that focuses on the vegetable and specialty crop industry in Florida. This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, including pest management, alternative crops that growers can take advantage of, and various other research updates from University of Florida Institute of Food and …
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, “Wet, wet, wet, with a side of rain for us on the coast. The fields are saturated, and it’s almost impossible to spray or get into the fields to work them right …