By Maegan Beatty Blueberries are a popular commodity throughout the state of Florida and the entire southeast region. Scientists and researchers are working to create new cultivars that can sustain hard freezes during those difficult winter months, especially throughout the North Florida area. Dr. Jeff Williamson is a part of the Horticulture Sciences Department at the University of Florida Institute …
Powdery Mildew Discovered in North Florida Melons
Another week of watermelon production in Florida’s Suwanee Valley region, another confirmation of a potentially devastating disease. Fortunately, it appears that producers were ready for powdery mildew disease, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It is confirmation, sort of like the downy mildew situation, where they’re …
Blueberry Quality, Quantity High in Most of Florida
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are winding down across Florida. Quality and quantity were high in certain fields, though others observed negative impacts from Hurricane Ian last September. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the state of harvests across Florida this year. “Quality wise for sure, it’s been a good …
In the Field: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Upstate Andy Rollins
Powdery Mildew Confirmed in North Florida Melons
By Clint Thompson Another week of watermelon production in Florida’s Suwannee Valley region, another confirmation of a potentially devastating disease. Fortunately, it appears that producers were ready for powdery mildew disease, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It is confirmation, sort of like the downy …
Whitefly Pressure High Across South Florida
Whitefly pressure remains high across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High populations are reported on all crops in southwest Florida, though recent rainfall in some parts might help reduced levels. Jawad Qureshi, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, also reports high …
Persimmon Production and Challenges
By Maegan Beatty Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a round fruit crop that is native to China, Northeast India, and northern Indochina. In the United States, it is typically grown in California, Florida and southeastern Texas. While California is the leading state in persimmon production, Florida is a close second. Farmers and researchers across the state are implementing new practices in …
Commissioner Simpson Celebrates 2023 Legislative Session
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released the following statement last Friday after the end of a historically successful Legislative Session: “From supporting farmers by taking regulatory weights off their backs, to protecting consumers at the fuel pump, to preserving and protecting our lands for future generations, the 2023 Legislative Session included huge victories for Florida agriculture, …
Early Watermelon Harvests Begin in North Florida
By Clint Thompson A handful of watermelons were harvested last week in North Florida. More will be picked this week. It is the earliest that a significant portion of the crop has been harvested in the Suwanee Valley area, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Winding Down Across Georgia
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests are winding down across the Southeast Georgia region. Weather once again was a challenge for growers, with sporadic rain events recorded in the onion-producing counties, according to Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman. “We’ve been really blessed to have a lot of good weather as well as some rain challenges, but (two weeks ago) …