By Clint Thompson A multi-pronged approach to nematode management remains the best approach for Florida specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed nematode management during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “It just …
UF/IFAS Extension to Host Vegetable Growers Meeting
South Florida vegetable growers should mark their calendars for Monday, July 11, as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension will host a virtual meeting on fumigants and systemics. The vegetable growers meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and includes presentations from various UF/IFAS specialists. Josh Freeman will discuss a systems approach …
Cover Crops a Management Practice with Multiple Benefits
By Clint Thompson The fallow season means an opportunity for specialty crop producers to implement cover crops. It is a management tool that helps growers remain sustainable now and into the future. It is also a practice that Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …
Nematodes Expected to be a Problem Again for Florida Specialty Growers
By Clint Thompson Another spring production season means another year of nematode management required for Florida’s specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses why growers should always be wary of the microscopic worm-like pests. “They’re a problem every …
Thermotherapy for Production of Nematode-Free Plant Material
By Johan Desaeger Producing nematode-free plant material is one of the most important steps in nematode management. Many nematodes can hide in plant material such as tubers, bulbs, roots, cuttings and seed. The seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici), a seedborne pest infecting seed heads in wheat and rye, was the first plant-parasitic nematode ever to be described (by Needham in …
Nematode Management for Organic Crops
By Johan Desaeger Southeastern states have been slow to adopt organic crops. However, they recorded the most growth in organic production in the last 10 years. States such as California, Vermont, Maine and New York have a longer history with organic production. A great deal of scientific research now supports organic agriculture in these states. This is not the case …