By Clint Thompson Now is the time in the production season that grape root borer adults begin emerging. Growers need to implement mating disruption now as a management tactic, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the UGA Extension Viticulture Blog. Grape root borers tunnel into larger roots and …
It is Japanese Beetle Season
The Japanese beetle is showing up in Georgia vineyards, according to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Viticulture Blog. In large enough numbers, Japanese beetles can be a severe pest of grapes during the summer, feeding mainly on foliage and rarely on the berries. New plantings are most susceptible. Older, established vines can withstand some feeding damage, but young vines …
In-Depth Scouting Needed to Manage Insect Pests
By Clint Thompson More in-depth scouting is required by Alabama specialty crop producers hoping to maintain insect pests this summer season. It is not enough for growers to survey their crops by just looking at the plants. They need to examine the plants more closely to understand the significance of any impact. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant …
Post-Harvest Control of Bud Mites Essential for Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Multiple control methods are available for blueberry producers trying to manage bud mites. It starts post-harvest when scouting and management of the pests are most important, says Ash Sial, University of Georgia entomologist. “While they don’t seem to be a serious issue in most situations, in some situations they can causes extremely high levels of damage. Last …
Budmoth Impact on Young Pecan Trees
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers with young or newly planted trees may be experiencing budmoth damage where insecticide applications were not made at budbreak. Andrew Sawyer, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area pecan agent in the Southeast district, confirmed the impact budmoths are having on his research trees in the UGA Pecan Extension blog. “The trees with good leaf growth …
Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations
By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …
Florida First Detector Training
Registration is ongoing for a Florida First Detector training, scheduled for June 3 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center. It will last from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free Florida First Detector training will highlight identification and management for pests of concern that could impact sugarcane, rice and leafy …
Watermelon Production: Preventative Sprays Needed for Rindworms
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers should be applying insecticides on a preventative basis when targeting rindworms. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, advises growers that an economical program consists of adding a Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray now and continue weekly until pest pressure gets …
Plum Curculio Currently Not a Concern for Florida Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Plum curculio is not currently a pest for most Florida peach producers. But that shouldn’t deter growers from keeping a watchful eye and ensuring the insect does not become a problem in the future. Amanda Hodges, an Extension scientist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomology and nematology department, discusses the impact …
ABT Impact Minimal This Season
By Clint Thompson What was once a destructive pest of snap beans in South Florida during the 2019-20 season, Asian bean thrips’ (ABT) impact this season was almost non-existent. Now it is the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ responsibility to figure out why, says Anna Meszaros, Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach. “At the …