By Peter Chaires It was my good fortune to recently witness two unique scenarios in the search for HLB-tolerant marketable varieties. These experiences highlighted opportunities before us and clearly identified some challenges in resurrecting, rebuilding or reinventing Florida’s storied citrus industry. The roadmap forward is yet to be fully defined, and the paths will vary for each fruit type and …
Dry conditions spreading in Florida
Drought-like conditions still exist across some areas of the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The worst areas are still located along Southwest Florida, starting as far north as Hernando County and stretching southward to Lee and Collier counties. Extreme drought is observed in parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. A wide stretch …
Commerce Department Investigation Could Impact Tomato Trade Pact
The U.S. Department of Commerce opened an investigation by the request of the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) that could result in anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes. In June of 2023, FTE filed a request to eliminate the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. The purpose behind this request was to end the unfair trading pattern between the U.S. tomato industry and the …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Brings Growers Together in Tampa
By Clint Thompson AgNet Media celebrated a terrific conclusion to this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo event held in Tampa, Florida. The annual two-day event concluded on Thursday with another morning devoted to seminar sessions; one each for citrus and specialty crop growers. The tradeshow was also a featured part of the day as attendees greeted exhibitors and mingled …
Scout, Scout, Scout for Thrips Parvispinus
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the …
GFVGA Advises Growers to Be Prepared for New Heat Stress Regulations
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is encouraging its growers to be prepared for new heat regulations administered by the Biden Administration and OSHA. “OSHA has not yet released complete heat standards, but now is the time to get prepared,” GFVGA said in an email to its members. Producers can download the heat stress awareness poster and hang …
N.C. State to Host Fiber Hemp Meeting
North Carolina specialty crop growers interested in producing hemp should make plans to attend a fiber hemp interest meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held at the Mangum Community Building, 5838 Grassy Island Road, Mount Gilead, North Carolina, 27306. The half-day field day will focus on industrial hemp fiber, highlighting field production, …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Concludes with Successful Show
By Clint Thompson AgNet Media celebrated a terrific conclusion to this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo event held in Tampa, Florida. The annual two-day event concluded on Thursday with another morning devoted to seminar sessions; one each for citrus and specialty crop growers. The tradeshow was also a featured part of the day as attendees greeted exhibitors and mingled …
Upon Further Review: Grafting Tomato Plants Benefits Growers Long Term
By Clint Thompson Grafting tomato plants may be an expensive venture for commercial growers, but they will be the ones laughing at the end, capitalizing with fruit when supply is limited. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, encourages his producers to adopt the practice to help overcome diseases that are prevalent in South Alabama. “A lot of these diseases and …
Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberry
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …