Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “Peaches and blackberries are coming to harvest with good quality and volumes. As yet we are not seeing any issues with spotted-winged drosophila. Vigilance will be required as this pest can …
When Will it End? Pallet Shortage Continues
By Clint Thompson One of the most challenging aspects of vegetable production this season doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. In fact, it may only worsen when South Florida’s fall production comes back online. The idea of a pallet shortage was unfathomable for producers prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. But it’s a continuing problem with no end in …
North Florida Melon Season Nearing End
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are nearing an end in North Florida. It’s time to take stock of how production went this season as 80% to 90% of the region’s crop has been harvested. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said farmers were satisfied with how this year transpired. “Prices really dictate their happiness. For …
Developing Diseases: Increased Rains Expected to Challenge Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson Increased rain events in June mean a potential increase in disease development for Georgia’s watermelon producers. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there are a few diseases that growers need to be mindful of following excessive rain in parts of South Georgia over the past week. “I would say I’ve been seeing a …
Powdery Mildew: Conditions Ripe for Disease
By Clint Thompson North Florida’s watermelon season is nearing an end in multiple fields, but one disease continues to persist. Growers in the region still need to be wary of powdery mildew disease. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said in his weekly email that if growers have a couple of harvest weeks left, they …
Fusarium Wilt: Disease Worse This Year Amid Cooler Spring
By Clint Thompson It wasn’t ideal conditions for most watermelon diseases this spring. But one pathogen preferred the cool temperatures. Fusarium wilt, the disease that can cause plant death if the infection is severe enough, has been spotted throughout Florida and in the South Georgia production region, said Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science. The cooler …
Mini Melons: Costs, Lack of Demand Limiting Market Share
By Clint Thompson High production costs and lack of demand have kept mini melons from taking a big bite out of the watermelon industry, believes Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science. “They may have been making small incremental gains, but I don’t think they did what many people thought they were going to do 15, 17, …
Low Prices Linger for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Low market prices and higher input costs equal a challenging season for the region’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. In a time when farmers need commodities to sell high, prices are among the lowest in recent memory. “I would say right now that prices are as low as I’ve seen them for this time of year. Pick …
Fertigation Advantageous for Farmers
According to Alabama Extension, fertigation has multiple advantages for vegetable producers that should make them implement this process for the upcoming seasons. The process of applying water and fertilizer through the irrigation system allows growers to apply the optimum amount of nutrients that a crop requires. If growers apply fertilizers via side dressing, there is a risk of leaching because …
UGA Specialist: Vegetable Producers Probably Prefer it to be Dry
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry period is not all bad for South Georgia vegetable producers. The current conditions are almost ideal for growers amid the current harvest season, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Most vegetable growers, in general, they would probably prefer it to be dry, because …