A new hotspot of Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations was reported this week along the Lee County/Collier County line in Florida, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Scouts indicated a population of 0.5 ABT per bloom was observed in one planting with pods forming and some flowers remaining. Another planting experienced 2.4 ABT per …
New Normal? Florida Tomato Producers Using Non-Wooden Stakes
By Clint Thompson The ongoing supply chain crisis forced many Florida tomato producers to consider non-wooden stakes for their plants this year. Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/IFAS Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus, said growers have said they are more expensive, but they are available. “This whole supply chain thing, wooden stakes are coming out of Central America and South …
Harvests, Sanitation Key to Preventing Yeast Rot in Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Timely harvests and sanitation practices are two ways blueberry growers can avoid yeast rot becoming a major problem in 2022. The disease devastated South Georgia’s rabbiteye blueberries in 2020. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida, says there’s not a viable chemical option for farmers to implement. Management will have to involve …
Blueberry App Puts Information at Growers’ Fingertips
By Doug Phillips The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeding program has developed a phone app resource that includes several tools for Florida blueberry growers. It is available for download on both iOS and Android systems. Blueberry breeder Patricio Muñoz developed the idea for the UF/IFAS Blueberry Growers Guide app. He had a vision …
Blueberry Management Tips for January
January remains a busy time of year for Florida blueberry farmers managing this year’s crop. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds growers that it is essential to monitor for disease development, especially with Botrytis flower blight. Once bloom occurs, growers need to monitor for the disease during cool and wet periods. Producers need to …
COVID-19 Update for Growers and Packers
(UF/IFAS) — The CDC, FDA and USDA all agree “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19”, including imported foods and materials. FDA has issued guidance that if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 they “do not anticipate that food products would need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market”. Citrus growers, harvesters, packers, …
UF/IFAS and FDACS Working to Bring Pesticide Licensing Online
(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are working to identify ways to provide online testing for certified pesticide applicators while in-person testing is unavailable due to COVID-19. All in-person UF/IFAS Extension programs and activities, including pesticide testing, have been postponed or cancelled through …
Florida Strawberry Festival’s Featured Fruit Comes From UF/IFAS Research
(UF/IFAS) — When you hear the words “Plant City,” what comes to mind? Strawberries, probably. As thousands of people come to Plant City for the annual Florida Strawberry Festival this month, many will eat various types of the fruit. They may be surprised to learn that University of Florida scientists toil in nearby labs and fields to develop the best …
Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Continues to Take Root
(UF/IFAS) — Since the Florida State legislature authorized Industrial Hemp Pilot Projects for land grant institutions in 2017, the goal at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has been to seek scientific answers that will help growers and investors decide whether to take a chance on hemp and how to do that well informed. At the …
New Website All About Harmful Algal Blooms
(UF/IFAS) — The University of Florida (UF) has unveiled a new website to address the public’s confusion surrounding harmful algal blooms (HABs), The website addresses causes of such events, effects and attempts to combat future blooms. Scientists from several University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) departments and affiliated groups teamed up to provide expertise for the site, …