Peel Protection Key for Citrus Growers

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Citrus growers producing for the fresh market should always ensure their fruit’s peel remains unblemished and without defect. This will protect the fruit against infection and consumers choosing not to purchase the fruit. Mark Ritenour, professor of postharvest technology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, spoke during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day at the …

Pecan Prices Remain Low Across Southeast

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Pecan prices remain low, forcing growers to hold large volumes this week, waiting to see if there will be prices to be considered for offers or deciding to keep them in storage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pecan Report. Buyers for retail and the candy trade are purchasing as needed while waiting for more offerings and price agreements …

Delayed Shuck Split for Stuart Pecan Varieties

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By Clint Thompson Stuart pecan varieties have a history of an interrupted and prolonged shuck split. This has been magnified under the current conditions that show a heavy crop load and dry soils. It is very similar to 2016, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog. Wells said growers are concerned …

Christmas Trees Arriving at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

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CHARLOTTE – Fresh-cut North Carolina Christmas trees will be arriving at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market Friday for shoppers eager to get a jump on their holiday decorating. To accommodate shoppers, the market will be open every Sunday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, from noon to 5 p.m.              “Our state is renowned for its Christmas trees, ranking second in …

Tomatoes Fetching Strong Prices 

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By Clint Thompson Tomato prices remain high for those vegetable growers who actually have a crop. A lack of supply following Hurricane Ian has aided in prices exceeding $30 per box, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. He said Florida production is half of what it should be. Growers are still a month away from production normalizing itself. …

USDA Offers Funds for Beginning Farmers

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced on Tuesday a nearly $24 million investment across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. “Investing in the professional development of our nation’s newest farmers and ranchers will help our food and agriculture sectors to flourish from the ground up,” said Jacobs-Young, who is also …

So Far So Good: Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot Not Yet Discovered in North Carolina

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By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease has yet to show up in North Carolina strawberries. The state’s environment has helped with that, believes one North Carolina (N.C.) State plant pathologist. “It does show up in clinic samples at the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at N.C. State. Sometimes it’s a leaf sample or crown sample, but so far, I …

USDA Provides Nearly $24M Boost for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced on Tuesday a nearly $24 million investment across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. “Investing in the professional development of our nation’s newest farmers and ranchers will help our food and agriculture sectors to flourish from the ground up,” said Jacobs-Young, who …

UF Scientist to Study Ways to Combat Nematodes, Diseases in Turfgrass

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Lawns, playing fields, golf courses, parks and many other outdoor areas are part of the multi-billion-dollar turfgrass industry. That industry provides aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits to Florida. Valued at $14.3 billion and planted on 3.9 million acres in Florida, that same industry struggles with parasitic nematodes and fungal diseases that prove costly for growers, homeowners and commercial industries. “Sting …

Interplanting Ornamentals With Vegetable Crops

Web AdminOrnamentals, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Ayanava Majumdar, Olivia Fuller and David Lawrence Small farms are diversified farms that grow many crops in a limited space. One question that is asked very commonly is whether it is advisable to interplant ornamentals with vegetable crops, also known as companion planting. It is somewhat common to see ornamental plants in rows with vegetables, for example, in high …