A successful farming career means answering a multitude of questions in a timely and efficient manner. What pest is this? How can I treat this disease? What if there was a way for Alabama producers to click their way to answers without having to leave their fields? The Farming Basics app from Alabama Extension offers growers that connection for quick …
Application Period Opens July 1 for Hurricane Disaster Relief Program
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received a $79.6 million USDA block grant to assist producers and woodland owners in 90 counties who suffered losses in 2018-2019 from Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Dorian. The application period runs July 1 to Oct. 1. This program will offer direct payments to eligible poultry/livestock and plasticulture producers. Assistance …
Management of Alternaria Blight and Head Rot in Brassica
By Bhabesh Dutta and Aparna Petkar Alternaria blight and head rot (ABHR) of broccoli and other brassicas is caused by several species in the genus Alternaria, including A. brassicicola, A. brassicae and A. raphanin. All these species can cause significant economic losses. These fungi are facultative pathogens that primarily survive in crop debris, although chlamydospores and microsclerotia are known to …
Successful Mango Season Nears End
By Clint Thompson A successful mango season is nearing an end in South Florida. The region’s temperatures and hot weather conditions paid off for a successful season, said Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center. “We had a lot of heat and some nice dry heat, so a lot of sun this spring. The mangos came …
Factors to Consider When Managing Phytophthora Fruit Rot in Watermelons
Increased rainfall means conditions are favorable for the development of phytophthora fruit rot (Pcap) in watermelon, according to University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog and Extension plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta. There are several pre- and post-harvest considerations growers need to be mindful of in protecting their watermelon crop from the disease. Dutta recommends: Avoid harvesting watermelons from low spots in …
Production Update: High Yields, Low Prices for South Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Crop yields have been high this year at Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. If only market prices could have matched the production experienced in such crops as peppers, cucumbers and squash. “Prices are cheap. Mexico is sending product in here. It’s gotten prices depressed,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms. “Jumbo peppers are …
Sneak Peek: July 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The 2021 Florida, Georgia and Alabama legislative sessions have officially wrapped up, and the July issue of VSCNews magazine will tell readers how agriculture fared in each state. Adam Basford, director of state legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau, discusses the successes and ongoing work in Tallahassee this session. He highlighted the state’s updated Florida’s Right to …
Superfood Success: UF Researcher Studying Pomegranates’ Future in Florida
Interested in producing a crop that tastes good and is full of nutrients, including antioxidants? Pomegranates provide Florida farmers that sweet option. “The fruit and its products, such as arils and juice, are rich in phytochemicals and are considered a ‘superfood,’” said Zhanao Deng, a University of Florida environmental horticulture professor who’s trying to breed and grow more pomegranates in …
Sweet Corn Prices on the Rise
By Clint Thompson Market prices for sweet corn have improved in recent weeks, and that’s good news for farmers like Tift County, Georgia’s Jaime Patrick. “The price was really cheap, and you just couldn’t move any. The demand just wasn’t there,” Patrick said. “Fortunately, the markets have picked up just a little bit. The most important part has been the …
Fruit Splits: Increased Rain Could Lead to Problem in Blueberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia has blueberry industry experts and farmers concerned about a repeat of last year’s fruit splits. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, explains how increased moisture damages the fruit that’s still left to be harvested. “Once the berry is really ripe, the skin on the berry can’t expand …