By Clint Thompson North Florida’s blueprint for success with regards to watermelon production may have been laid out this year. Growers started earlier, overcame a pair of freeze events and capitalized on the early market. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, believes that will be the …
After Harvest Season: Crop Termination in Watermelon Could Help with Fusarium Wilt
By Clint Thompson What is the value of North Florida watermelon growers terminating their crop chemically when harvesting is done for the season? It could prevent further buildup of a specific pathogen, nematodes or even whitefly-vectored viruses. Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region should consider the practice, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
Florida Budget’s Impact on Agriculture
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic $116.5 billion budget last week for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included were important victories for the agricultural industry, especially those in the specialty crop sector. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) sent an email to its members last week, outlying the impact from the budget on the state’s agricultural sector. The University …
Still Not Done: North Florida Watermelon Harvests About 85% Complete
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are close to being done harvesting this year’s crop. A small percentage remained this week, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “We’re winding down, but there’s still a number of fields that are later planted. I’m going to …
Final Harvests: North Florida Growers Hoping to Overcome Various Diseases
By Clint Thompson The final watermelon harvests in North Florida have growers combatting a plethora of diseases. Those attempting to stretch another picking from their fields this week will have to overcome any number of diseases. These include downy mildew, powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf spot, gummy stem blight and watermelon mosaic. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and …
Hops Research: Plant Establishment Key in Controlling Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Successful control of nematodes in hops production is feasible in Florida. But potential growers need to ensure their hops production is firmly established, says 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. “We know that hops is a good host …
UF/IFAS to Host Summer Blueberry Meetings
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for various meetings scheduled this summer across the state. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has scheduled meetings for July 12 in Hardee County, July 14 in Lake County, July 19 in Polk County and July 21 in Alachua County. UF/IFAS scientists will address issues pertaining …
UF/IFAS Scientists Seek Savory Strawberries, High Yield
Strawberry consumers love the fruit’s sweet flavor, and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Researchers are trying to meet that desire, while helping growers produce high yields. But genes and volatile compounds that control flavor are difficult to pinpoint, said Mark Porter, a Ph.D. student in the Plant Breeding Program at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural …
North Florida Watermelon Growers Finishing Season
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s delayed start to the watermelon season is North Florida’s gain. With serious volume from Georgia’s crop not expected until next week, growers in the Suwanee Valley are taking advantage, though they are quickly winding down with their own crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
A New Ilarvirus in Florida Tomatoes
By Ozgur Batuman and Salih Yilmaz Ilarviruses can infect both herbaceous and woody plants and are known to be transmitted by pollen and seed with varying efficiency. Thrips have been associated as vectors of ilarviruses since they create wounds during feeding that can serve as entry points for virus particles carried in or on infected pollen. Tobacco streak virus (TSV) …