The 2021 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is underway. The conference, which is normally held in January in Savannah, is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 concerns. The three-day event will be held through Thursday, Jan. 7. For more information, or to register for the event, click here. Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE …
Natural Habitat for Birds, Safe Produce Co-exist?
With an interest in wildlife while possessing an expertise in food safety, Kristin Woods is concerned about risks bird populations have on fruit and vegetable production in the Southeast. “It is possible to do both, have safe produce and maintain habitat for birds and other wildlife. But it really is an area we need more research in to know how …
Freeze Protection for Fruits and Vegetables
By Pam Knox and Tim Coolong Untimely freezes can cause tremendous problems for fruit and vegetable crops. Fall freezes quickly put an end to the growing season for most fruits and vegetables. If freezes come earlier than expected or before the crops are ready for harvest, they can provide a devastating blow to yields and reduce the value of the …
Managing Root-Knot Nematodes in Vegetables
By Johan Desaeger Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most rapidly spreading of all pests and pathogens. The southeastern United States (Florida, in particular) is a paradise for these parasites. Nematodes cause damage to vegetables all over the world, and anyone who has had to deal with root-knot nematodes knows how difficult they are to control. Root-knot nematode …
FFVA Urges DeSantis to Prioritize Vaccines for Agricultural Workforce
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chair Aaron Troyer, on behalf of FFVA members, sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis this week urging for priority distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine for Florida’s agricultural workforce. While FFVA strongly supports that healthcare workers and long-term care facilities receive first priority, Troyer urged for prioritizing Florida agriculture after those groups to ensure a …
Senstar Insecticide a Viable Option for Southeast Vegetable Growers
Valent U.S.A. continues to tout Senstar Insecticide as another effective tool in the toolbox for vegetable growers trying to manage whiteflies. It offers fast and long-lasting control of soft-bodied insects of vegetable and citrus crops. These pests include whiteflies, aphids, thrips and pysillids. Whiteflies were widespread this year and led to the worst outbreak for Southeast growers since 2017. They …
La Nina a Concern for Fruit, Vegetable Producers
A La Nina weather pattern is expected to last through early spring and bring warm and dry conditions to the Southeast. According to the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog, Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, said that the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a 100% chance of a La Nina through the winter and better than …
Mulch Improves Water Conservation in Vegetable Production
By Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez For centuries, horticulturists have modified the crop microenvironment to extend the production season and enhance crop growth, yield and quality. Some of the techniques to achieve environmental modification include the use of mulches, high tunnels, greenhouses, etc. Mulches are widely used in both conventional and organic vegetable production. According to Wikipedia, “a mulch is a layer …
Popular UF/IFAS Vegetable Gardening Guide Available in Spanish and as an App
November 10, 2020 By: Brad Buck, 813-757-2224, bradbuck@ufl.edu With COVID-19 lingering, it might be a good time to use your green thumb to grow some vegetables in your garden. While you’re at it, you can get help from the UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide — now also in Spanish — and as a downloadable web app. Because we’re nearing the …
Hurricane Eta a Threat to South Florida Vegetables
The latest hurricane activity to threaten the United States could impact South Florida vegetable production early next week. According to weather.com, Hurricane Eta is threatening to approach South Florida this weekend and bring rain, high winds or a combination of both as early as Monday morning. Vegetable producers are feeling anxious right now, says Gene McAvoy, University of Florida Regional …