By Clint Thompson There have been no signs of downy mildew disease in Alabama vegetable crops, while tomato spotted wilt has been observed in one tomato field. Those are observations shared by Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University. One of the main points so far this season is …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 5/9/22 Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Spider mites in the area are increasing in number on a variety of crops including strawberries and watermelons. When choosing an insecticide always choose a specific miticide. …
Thrips Pressure Increasing in Florida
Thrips pressure is increasing in Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The tiny insects have increased quickly to high levels in central Florida. Juveniles and adults are being observed on blooms and apical meristems of pepper. Damage is low but should increase throughout the season. Thrips are also being reported in cucumbers. Thrips pressure levels range …
Sneak Peek: May 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights management options available for blueberry farmers in combating anthracnose fruit rot (AFR). Philip Harmon, professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator, discuss the different options available for blueberry farmers. These include minimizing the use of …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Some welcome rainfall last week will help establish cucumbers and watermelon. Cucumber beetles are present in a large number of fields at present. While this is the first flux of the …
North Florida Watching for Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon farmers and industry leaders have yet to see a widespread attack of any one disease, such as powdery mildew. But they are paying close attention to the plants that are in the ground. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, is …
Scouting a Huge Benefit for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the best management strategy that specialty crop producers can implement during the growing season. It provides protection against pests and diseases and can also prevent growers from applying unnecessary sprays, an important benefit for farmers in an era marred by high input costs. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida …
Pecan Scab Spray Management Tips
By Clint Thompson Fungicide spray programs to protect pecan trees from scab disease vary from variety to variety. Growers in Alabama and Georgia should never consider a blanket program, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “We grow so many different varieties in Georgia that it’s really counter-productive that we come out with a blanket program. It really …
Input Availability a Growing Concern for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Planning for future crops means preparing now for some specialty crop producers. In an era when supply availability is uncertain, growers need to consider the ramifications of delaying supply purchases that will be needed in the future. They may not be able to purchase the supplies at all. Farmers like Greg Collier are not just vying for …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly 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 Rob Last reports, “Crops are generally looking good in the area. Strawberries are coming to harvest with good volumes. Keep scouting for spider mites and thrips. Thrips were found late last week in low numbers. …