By Clint Thompson Peaches’ popularity in Florida continues to bloom, but the crop has its production challenges in the Sunshine State. That’s why days like Tuesday’s Stone Fruit Field Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, are so vital to the industry’s future. Whether it was …
Florida Mango Supply Limited This Year
By Clint Thompson Count the Florida mango supply as a victim of a cold temperatures this year. Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, said Florida mango supply will be extremely limited this year. “This is the first time that I’ve seen and from some of our historical knowledge, this just doesn’t happen very often. We …
Powdery Mildew Detected in North Florida Watermelon
By Clint Thompson Lab testing has confirmed powdery mildew disease in watermelon in the Suwanee Valley region of Florida. Growers should be proactive in beginning their fungicide spray programs, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “We got the first confirmation, and it was very good …
North Florida Watching for Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon farmers and industry leaders have yet to see a widespread attack of any one disease, such as powdery mildew. But they are paying close attention to the plants that are in the ground. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, is …
Nematode Control Important for Turf Producers
By Clint Thompson The booming housing market in Florida means a spike in sod sales for the turfgrass industry. But it also means increased risk for nematode damage. Billy Crow, University of Florida professor of nematology in the entomology and nematology department, discusses the importance of nematode control. “You’ll have slower growth in which increases the amount of time the …
Scouting a Huge Benefit for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the best management strategy that specialty crop producers can implement during the growing season. It provides protection against pests and diseases and can also prevent growers from applying unnecessary sprays, an important benefit for farmers in an era marred by high input costs. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida …
Registration Alert: Deadline Today for UF/IFAS Stone Fruit Field Day
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds peach producers about the upcoming Stone Fruit Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. Current and interested peach growers, home gardeners, farm advisors and all those interested in stone fruit are …
Phytoplasma Disease Confirmed in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease known for its threat to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East. The phytoplasma species called Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is documented in regions of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus, …
Overuse of Specific Pesticides Reason for Chilli Thrips Problem in Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Overuse of specific pesticides led to chilli thrips being more of a problem for Florida strawberry producers this season. Sriyanka Lahiri, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said pesticides should be used in rotation. “You have four products. All of …
UF/IFAS to Host Annual Farm Safety Day
The 31st annual Southwest Florida Farm Safety Day is scheduled for Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. The educational event is designed to emphasize the importance of farm and equipment safety. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 22. …