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 …
Drought Impact: Lack of Moisture Means Minimal Disease Pressure on Veggies
By Clint Thompson Not all is bad when producers think about the hot and dry conditions throughout the Southeast. Disease pressure has been extremely light in South Georgia vegetable fields, according to Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Vegetable Agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth Counties. “Foliar fungal diseases or bacterial diseases is the only thing that this hot, …
Disease Alert: Cucurbit Growers Be Mindful of Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson Not all plant diseases need moisture to become problematic. Some cucurbit farmers in Georgia are finding that out with powdery mildew. The extended dry period in Georgia has allowed powdery mildew to flourish. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there is a moderate level of concern among producers, though there are effective fungicides …
Thrips Infestations Causing Damage in Central Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, vegetable producers in West central Florida report that chili thrips are wreaking havoc in pepper and watermelon fields. Thrips are causing serious damage to watermelons and peppers in the Plant City area of Hillsborough County. It’s been a carry-over effect in most cases. Thrips have moved over from the strawberry crops …
When to Irrigate During Prolonged Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Irrigation is a key component of farming vegetables and specialty crops. With scorching temperatures and dry conditions expected for the foreseeable future, producers need to keep their crops watered to maximize yield production. Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University, said it depends on what type of irrigation systems that farmers have …
Georgia Farmer: Every Week’s a Different Challenge
By Clint Thompson The hits just keep on coming for vegetable and specialty crop producers across the Southeast. If it’s not fuel prices skyrocketing, it’s a pallet shortage sweeping across the country. If it’s not high labor costs or having enough labor availability, it’s having to contend with increased imports. “Every week’s a different challenge, it seems like, something; either …
Irrigation Needs: What’s Needed During Prolonged Dry Periods?
By Clint Thompson If it’s not already, it’s about to be hot and dry in Alabama. With vegetable production well under way across the state, one word is on the minds of Alabama producers – irrigation. Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, provides irrigation tips for farmers during prolonged dry periods. “Usually, the rule of thumb is around …
Be Prepared: Spider Mite Populations Could Spike During Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson It’s expected to get hot and dry across the Southeast. Some areas are expected to approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For vegetable and specialty crop producers, they need to keep an eye on spider mites, believes Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “Getting hot and dry like this and stay that way for a while, …