By Clint Thompson The best defense against gummy stem blight disease is a good offense. Protectant fungicides are available for Alabama’s watermelon producers to guard against it, but growers need to be proactive in applying the fungicides and not be reactive, says Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. …
Soil Health: UF Scientists Receive Grant to Study Fumigation
By Brad Buck, (352) 875-2641, bradbuck@ufl.edu Fumigants are an essential tool growers implement before planting to manage soil health. They reduce harmful diseases such as Fusarium wilt and pests like root-knot nematodes and weeds that compete for water and nutrients. Their effect on soil diseases, pests and weeds help sustain production. But how does it happen, especially considering there’s so …
Management Strategies for Cucurbit Farmers Against Anthracnose
By Clint Thompson The best management strategies for cucurbit farmers in combating anthracnose disease occurs before the crop will be planted this season. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, discusses the importance of using varieties that are resistant to the pathogen. “Fortunately, we do have resistant varieties to …
UF/IFAS to Host Lettuce Advisory Committee Meeting
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a lettuce advisory committee meeting in Belle Glade, Florida on Tuesday, March 22. The meeting will be designated to discussing lettuce and other leafy vegetable production issues. It will start at noon and conclude at 3 p.m. Click here to register. Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in …
Pecan Production in Georgia: Estimated 70 Million Pounds in 2021
By Clint Thompson Pecan production in Georgia was half of what it was the year before but still more than most predicted. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discusses the total for the 2021 crop. “From the assessments that have come in, I’m hearing 70 million to 75 million pounds, which is a good bit more than …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent: Begin Fertilization for North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson The production season continues for the bulk of North Florida watermelon plants that survived the sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend. Growers need to consider their fertilizer options, especially following the recent rain events. “Most of their fertilizer that was in the bed preplant and even whatever they may have put out in their transplant solution is gone …
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training in Florida
Few tickets are still available for the upcoming in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training scheduled for March 23 in Belle Glade, Florida. The training is a one-day course for produce growers and packers who fall under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule. For more information and registration Click Here! There is also a training scheduled for March 30 …
Neglecting Weeds Can Lead to Late-Season Disease in Organic Onions
By Bhabesh Dutta, Timothy Grey and Jason Schmidt Georgia is known for many crops, and onion is one of the major vegetables produced. Organic onions are a developing commodity in the Vidalia region, but growers experience multiple pest and pathogen challenges. A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) is working to improve sustainable, high-quality organic Vidalia …
Decreased Disease Pressure for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Of all the challenges that Florida strawberry growers had to overcome this year, it appears that disease pressure was not a major threat. Natalia Peres, professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, confirmed that normal diseases have not been as prevalent in most fields this season. Weather conditions favored …
Clemson Extension Cautions Growers About Spider Mites
By Clint Thompson Fruit production is well under way in South Carolina’s coastal region. Rob Last, Clemson horticultural Extension agent for Bamberg, Barnewell, Allendale and Hampton counties, provided production updates for various crops, which includes minimal pest and disease pressure. “Everything’s looking very good at the moment,” Last said. “Peaches, blueberries and strawberries are all flowering nicely. We’re looking very …