QUINCY, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are helping tomato producers successfully manage whiteflies. Previous studies helped narrow scientists’ focus to a white clay, kaolin, and an essential oil, limonene. Each is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for agricultural use. “These products are easily found and relatively inexpensive, and they can be …
UF/IFAS Watermelon Trials Focus on Nutrient/Water Efficiency
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents are conducting on-farm trials this year to help watermelon producers be more efficient with their resources. Tyler Pittman, UF/IFAS Extension agent in Gilchrist County, explains what north Florida producers can expect from some of the research trials. “Here in Florida, one of our hottest topics …
Weed Control in Peach Orchards
By Clint Thompson Weed control in peach orchards is an important management tactic. This is important for young and older orchards, says Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension Associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Coordinator. “The idea is to try to minimize competition so we can maximize that tree growth in those formative years of the orchard so we can …
Effects of Heavy Rain on Pre-Emergent Herbicides in Vegetables
By Ruby Tiwari, Nirmal Timilsina and Ramdas Kanissery Heavy rainfall received in vegetable-growing regions of Florida frequently creates standing water in fields (Figure 1). These farms are often in an early or mid-growing season during such severe weather events. Pre-emergent (residual) herbicides that are integral to vegetable production to suppress weed emergence are applied during this period. Most pre-emergent herbicides …
Nanobubble Technology May Improve Soil Health, Sustainability in the Turfgrass Industry
By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News New University of Georgia (UGA) research seeks to discover whether nanobubbles can hold beneficial properties for turfgrass. Led by soil microbiologist Mussie Habteselassie, the Georgia Department of Agriculture-sponsored study will evaluate the potential applications of nanobubble technology to control pathogens and improve plant growth, water use efficiency and soil biological health in turfgrass …
UGA Trials: Organic Agriculture Research Gaining Traction in Georgia
University of Georgia Insect Ecology Professor Carmen Blubaugh is researching methods to help organic farmers in the Southeast, according to the University of Georgia Integrated Pest Management Blog. Farmers in the Southeast contend with year-round insect, weed and disease pressure, due to its hot, humid climate. Those challenges are amplified for organic producers, since chemical inputs are limited. Blubaugh and …
Results From Alabama Extension Strawberry Variety Research Trials
By Clint Thompson Strawberries remain a popular fruit crop produced in Alabama. The secret to increasing its popularity may be by providing growers more variety options. “Varieties are one of the most important decisions you’re going to make in crop production,” said Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University during a …
UGA Research: Irrigation Benefits New, Established Peach Trees
The University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is ensuring peach production remains sustainable. Dario Chavez and his research team in the Department of Horticulture on the UGA Griffin campus are improving irrigation and fertilization management practices for young peach trees in the Southeastern U.S. Irrigation Management Traditionally, producers adjusted irrigation scheduling on how much rainfall they …
Rapid Response: New UGA Test for Fusarium Wilt a Major Help for Watermelon Producers
University of Georgia scientists have developed a rapid test to determine the presence of fusarium wilt in watermelons. This test produces much faster and more efficient results and will facilitate research for breeders who are researching new varieties. They can produce options that have resistance to the disease. Emran Ali, head of the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at the University …
UGA Research Grant Aimed at Protecting Consumers from Norovirus
A Center for Produce Safety grant will fund University of Georgia (UGA) research aimed at studying human norovirus and its impact on leafy vegetables, in particular, lettuce. Malak Esseili, an Assistant Professor at the Center for Food Safety on the UGA Griffin campus, is the lead investigator in the project, which spans from Jan. 1, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2023. …