By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …
Pecan Growers Should Delay Fungicide Applications, Unless Crop is Highly Vulnerable to Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week had pecan producers feeling antsy about applying fungicide sprays for scab disease. But that should only apply to a small percentage. Most growers still can wait to start their fungicide applications, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Pecan Specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve had calls from some (growers), and some of them I agree, …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …
Strawberry Growers Be Wary of Potential Frost
A potential for a frost event this weekend should have strawberry growers in North Carolina on high alert. North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension says that producers will need to protect their crop if the weather forecast predicts frost. The greatest potential for frost will be Sunday and Monday mornings, though some regions in the western part of the state could …
Survey Seeks Input on Florida Citrus Quality Problems
By Frank Giles John Chater joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) in January as an assistant professor of horticultural sciences. His job also comes with a significant Extension component, which will allow him to work closely with growers. “Extension helps make the research conducted at the university worthwhile, because this is how that knowledge …
Citrus Prices Rise on Declining Production
Everyone is talking about inflated prices for just about everything. Citrus is among those items. Why? Because orange production is way down in Florida. HLB, fruit drop, poor quality and a freeze are all conspiring to keep prices rising. Total U.S. orange juice production in the current 2021–22 season is forecast at 286 million single-strength equivalent (SSE) gallons, the U.S. …
Blueberry Management: What to Remember for April
Blueberry harvests are well underway across Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts provide blueberry management tips that growers need to be mindful of in April. Since it is harvest season, farmers need to harvest their crop promptly and cool the ripe fruit. Growers can use the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS) at www.agroclimate.org/BAS, to determine if …
Whitefly Populations Vary Across Florida
Whitefly populations are high in some areas in the southern region of Florida, while low in other spots, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are increasing but are still low in tomatoes and squash in central Florida. Higher levels of adults and nymphs are reported in tomatoes, melons and squash in southwest Florida. Whitefly populations range …
U.S. Drought Monitor: Florida’s Drought Conditions Mostly in Southern Region
By Clint Thompson Florida’s drought conditions are now mostly isolated to the southern part of the state, while Georgia is still experiencing moderately dry conditions in the central and southern regions. This is according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Recent rainfall helped alleviate some of the drought conditions in North Florida, though abnormally dry conditions are still …
Vidalia Onion Field Day: Information for Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion farmers are not just managing their crop for this season. They are planning for future seasons as well. That is why Wednesday’s Vidalia Onion Field Day was an important day for the industry. Research conducted at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Lyons, Georgia is vital to the industry’s …