The August issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights blueberry cultivation in soilless substrates. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida in Gainesville, talks about the practice which is increasing in popularity across the world.
While blueberry bushes are known for requiring drained, acidic soils that are high in organic matter, these characteristics are not common in most of the world. The use of soilless substrates, which are comprised of organic fibers and coarse materials, helps evolve blueberry production.
The magazine also highlights an integral part of modern farming – pesticide application. Natalie Gupton, vice president and chief operating officer of AgSafe in Louisville, Kentucky, stresses that pesticides can pose significant health risks. Safety training is important to protect the applicator. But it is also the law.
Ramdas Kanissery, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlights the practice of applying herbicides under plastic mulch. UF/IFAS studies deduced that residual herbicide Dual Magnum can suppress nutsedge in plastic mulched beds.
Camila Rodrigues, assistant professor and food safety Extension specialist at Auburn University, outlines what growers need to understand between food recalls and outbreaks.
Growers can also access information related to the upcoming Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. It is scheduled for Aug. 17-18 at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers, Florida.