By Clint Thompson Soil sampling can be an integral part of a farmer’s planning for nematode management for the upcoming season. But growers should know when is the proper time to conduct soil samples. 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, …
Scout, Scout, Scout for Thrips Parvispinus
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the …
Strawberry Growers Can Be More Efficient When Managing Chilli Thrips
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …
Increase in North Florida Watermelon Acres Next Year? Not So Fast
By Clint Thompson A productive and prosperous watermelon season in North Florida last spring does not guarantee increased acres next year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, explains why one of the most successful seasons in recent memory will not necessarily lead to more watermelon acres …
UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …
UF/IFAS Research: Lahiri Studies Chilli Thrips on Borders of Fields
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research has yielded confirmation on why chilli thrips are an annual problem for strawberry growers, especially early in the season. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, talked …
Rep. Cammack Voices Concerns Ahead of New Farm Bill
The future of Florida’s agriculture industry rests in the hands of legislative leaders devising the next Farm Bill. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) continues her quest in ensuring Florida producers are not slighted as the next bill continues to be debated in Washington D.C. She spoke with Florida Politics as the current Farm Bill debate lingers and what should be …
Pre-registration Deadline for Expo is Aug. 11
By Clint Thompson The Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo is a little more than a week away for those growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama planning to attend. The pre-registration deadline is just days away, however. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, discussed why interested attendees should go ahead and register ahead of the event. “We’re super excited for …
Florida Vegetable Farmer to Vie for Southeastern Farmer of Year Award in October
A Florida vegetable farmer is one of 10 individual state winners who will compete for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award in October. Wade Purvis, Immokalee, Florida, will represent the Sunshine State at the annual event in Moultrie, Georgia, on Oct. 17. Purvis operates 2,350 acres with 1500 acres rented and 500 acres owned. His crop …
AgNet Media ‘Ecstatic’ to Have Commissioner Simpson at Expo Event
By Clint Thompson This year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo is less than two weeks away. Registration is still ongoing for those interested in attending the two-day event at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. One of the highlights this year at the general session on Wednesday, Aug. 16, will be the keynote speaker, Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson. …