There’s a campaign to help growers “be sure” about their stewardship. The Be Sure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is marking its fifth anniversary. Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. In …
Drought Lingers Throughout Most of Florida
The extreme drought present in southern Florida has moved up the east coast, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The extreme dry conditions are now present in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. A severe drought continues to be observed throughout most of the state, starting as far north as Dixie and Gilchrist counties …
South Florida Facing Higher Populations of Pepper Weevils
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
Various Hurricane Forecasts for 2023
The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 on April 13 forecast 15 named storms for the Atlantic hurricane season. That’s two more than the 13 that Colorado State University (CSU) projected on the same date. The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 also projected seven of the storms will become hurricanes and that three will become major hurricanes. By contrast, CSU forecast only six …
Nutrient Needs in Pecan Production
By Clint Thompson Fertility needs are an important concept for pecan growers to understand if they are going to be successful. Different times in the production season require various amounts of specific nutrients. Take nitrogen for example. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said nitrogen requirements are most important right now. “The peak nitrogen absorption by the roots …
High Populations: Pepper Weevils Wreaking Havoc in South Florida
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …
Predictions for the 2023 Hurricane Season
Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2023, citing the likely development of El Niño as a primary factor. The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team is predicting 13 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Of those, researchers expect six to become hurricanes and …
Georgia Bill Focusing on Foreign-Owned Farmlands May Be on the Horizon
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session did not include the passage of a bill preventing foreign-owned farmlands in the state. While one was debated and discussed, it did not pass this session. Some of the state’s political leaders believe a bill will be passed next session, however. “It’s set up for next year. We really, just across the country now, …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …