By Clint Thompson Potato producers need to be diligent in applying nematicides. Nematode control is essential every year, especially for farmers in Northeast Florida, says Zane Grabau, assistant professor of nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The main thing is you can’t take a year off from applying a nematicide. If you do, …
House Ag Committee Hearing on SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was highlighted at a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the farm bill late last week. Though it’s referred to as the Farm Bill, more than 75 percent of the spending in the bill is for nutrition programs such as SNAP. Chairman David Scott of Georgia used his opening statement to discuss the importance of …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It seems like everything happened all of a sudden this week. We are flushed with strawberries right now. I am seeing some anthracnose on berries as well as lots of …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Diamondback Moth Update
Diamondback moth populations remain at low levels across the Southwest Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Moderate levels are being observed in cabbage and other brassicas around the Everglades Agricultural Area. Insecticides are being reported as effective. Moth pressure remains moderate to high in cabbage along the East Coast. Populations were reported between 2 and …
Senate Ag Committee Begins Farm Bill Work
The Senate Ag Committee hosted a farm bill listening session on Friday in Michigan, the home of Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow. Michigan’s agriculture is similar to California’s, in that dairy and specialty crops are predominant. “Our most recent Farm Bill passed with the strongest bipartisan support ever,” said Senator Stabenow. “Senator Boozman and I continued that strong bipartisan …
What To Do About Anthracnose Fruit Rot in Blueberries
By Philip Harmon and Doug Phillips Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR), also known as ripe rot, is a significant disease on southern highbush blueberries. Caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on southern highbush blueberries in Florida, AFR creates sunken lesions on the surface of blueberries. This is followed by eruptions of orange- or salmon-colored spores from the lesions when the …
An Opportunity for Florida’s Agricultural Landowners
It was a good time to be in the real estate business in Florida in 2021. That was a common theme coming out of the annual Lay of the Land Conference held in Lakeland, Florida, in April. The conference is hosted by SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate. Some real estate sectors have moved through the COVID-19 pandemic better …
Thrips Pressure Increasing in Florida
Thrips pressure is increasing in Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The tiny insects have increased quickly to high levels in central Florida. Juveniles and adults are being observed on blooms and apical meristems of pepper. Damage is low but should increase throughout the season. Thrips are also being reported in cucumbers. Thrips pressure levels range …
Chilling Reality: Minimal Cold Temperatures Not Good for Florida Peaches
By Clint Thompson The future of Florida peaches rests with its ability to find footing in the northern area of the state. That’s the opinion shared by Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), who equates it to the situation being experienced in Georgia. “What’s happening is the best places to …
Vidalia Onion Harvests ‘Rolling’ Amid Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Hot and dry weather in Southeast Georgia are ideal conditions for Vidalia onion harvests. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discusses the impact the current conditions are having on onion harvests in the area. “It’s bad for somebody trying to plant but it’s good …