Florida and Georgia remain two of the leading cucumber-producing states in the country. Along with Michigan and North Carolina, they harvest more than 60% of the nation’s fresh market acres, according to USDA Vegetable and Pulses April Outlook. However, imports continue to challenge the two states for market supremacy, accounting for more than three-fourths of domestic availability, up from less …
Second Source: Strawberry Disease Attributed to Another Nursery
The strawberry disease that has ravaged crops in Florida and Georgia has now been attributed to two nursery sources. According to the University of Georgia Extension strawberry blog, a nursery in Canada received plants from a North Carolina nursery, which is the source of the pathogen related to Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease …
Quality in Question: Fried Defends State’s Produce During Hearing
The quality of Southeast produce was called into question during the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing on squash and cucumbers. Industry leaders took exception to the notion that consumers prefer Mexican produce over what’s grown in the United States and that has contributed to the domestic market decline for both commodities. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried was asked about the …
FFVA: Let Your Voice Be Heard
The legislative session in Florida provides opportunities for farmers to voice their concerns on what programs need funding. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) encouraged its producers to contact senators and representatives about the need to fully fund the Fresh From Florida program at $10.05 million. “Appropriate funding for the Fresh From Florida program is incredibly important. We understand …
Strawberry Disease: ‘It’s on the Back of Everybody’s Minds Right Now’
A crop that already has its annual challenges is struggling to overcome its latest obstacle. Florida strawberry farmer Dustin Grooms confirmed that Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has provided uncertainty for the future of the industry in Florida. “I do feel like this year was amplified a little bit more with that new disease because normally you can come out there with …
Fungicide Sprays Vary for Various Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson It’s that time of year when Georgia pecan producers need to start protecting their trees against fungal diseases, including scab. According to the University of Georgia Extension pecan blog, sprays vary among the different cultivars and their specific level of resistance. Low Input Cultivars Those that are considered low input cultivars include Avalon, Elliot, Excel, Kanza, Lakota …
Growing Matters: BeSure About Applications by Following Labels
The Growing Matters Coalition is kicking off its 2021 BeSure campaign that reinforces practical stewardship practices. “(The campaign) is to remind growers and applicators of some simple steps that they can take to ensure pesticides don’t harm pollinators and other wildlife,” Valent USA Sustainability & Stewardship Manager Leslie Garcia said. One of the ways the industry can achieve this is …
Georgia Produce Farmer: (Mexico) Doesn’t Care About Costs
What should be an advantage to Southeast producers against Mexico is anything but, believes Georgia vegetable farmer Dick Minor. Freight prices continue to spike, which has only worsened since gas prices continue to increase. But that doesn’t matter to produce originating out of Mexico, Minor added. “High freight rates are our friend or should be technically our friend from a …
Beware: Fungal Foliar Diseases Alive and Well in Alabama
Weather conditions are conducive to certain plant diseases being a problem this year. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, cautions Alabama producers about certain fungal diseases that could become problematic. “One of the things that’s important this time of the year is there are a lot of foliar fungal diseases. They cause problems in strawberries, but they also cause problems …
Alert: Florida Watermelon Producers Wary of Increased Disease Pressure
Rainfall over the weekend in north Florida has watermelon producers wary of potential diseases that could potentially occur. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, cautions farmers to look for any new symptoms that could occur. “Most of our fungicides are in fact preventative. Trying to play catch-up with a preventative fungicide after a disease has …