The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features an industry leader on the cover while also providing updates on Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries and the recent Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Titan Farms in South Carolina is a leader in peach production in the Southeast. Chalmers Carr, owner of Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, discussed what …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Populations Low
Aphid populations remain low across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is low to moderate across Southwest Florida in various crops. With the ongoing dry weather, populations should continue to increase. Aphid pressure is moderate overall on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area and will continue to increase amid the current dry spell. Aphids …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Advised to Implement Daily Irrigation Practices
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Should Implement Multiple Irrigation Events Daily
By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
Expensive Equipment Needs for Beginner Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Equipment needs are an obvious and expensive component of pecan production. Southeast growers interested in producing trees need to understand that reality, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “For equipment on pecans, that’s one of the biggest expenses. With pecans, there are certain things you have to have if you’re going to do the …
Neopestalotiopsis Observed in Alabama Strawberries
The strawberry disease that has been observed in Florida and Georgia this season has now been observed in Alabama. Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot and fruit rot has been detected in two Alabama counties. The fungal disease was reported on leaves at strawberry farms in Chilton and Baldwin counties during the first couple of weeks in April. The disease is still new …
In the Field: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “Cyclamen mites are another pest mite of [possible] concern for South Carolina growers and you should know what to look for as I have confirmed their presence on several farms …
Florida Peaches Expected to be Smaller This Season
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach producers are well underway in harvesting this year’s crop. The peaches this year are undersized, due mostly to the warm spring leading up to harvest, says Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Down south in central Florida they’ve already been picking U-F Sun and U-F Best …
Citrus Growers Speak Up at Farm Bill Meeting
Citrus growers discussed their challenges and voiced their needs during a farm bill listening session held April 24 in Newberry, Florida. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15), chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with bipartisan members, including Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03), Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), listened to comments …
Thank You for a Great Florida Grower Citrus Show!
Dear Growers, Exhibitors, Sponsors, Industry Members and Friends, On behalf of AgNet Media, we sincerely appreciate the support of the exhibitors, sponsors and growers who attended the Florida Grower Citrus Show. The new location and refreshed format were a great success. The tailgate-style tradeshow was an exciting addition. We want to thank the exhibitors and sponsors. Without them, events like …