By Clint Thompson An incorrect diagnosis of a plant disease can be a costly error for a producer. In an era where input prices are just as high as they have ever been, a farmer can ill-afford to apply the wrong fungicide. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
No Rain, Minimal Disease Pressure for Vegetable Growers
By Clint Thompson The lack of rainfall in recent weeks means increased irrigation usage for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. It has also meant reduced disease pressure, which is normally prevalent this time of year. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses the current scenario facing vegetable production. “Thus far, as …
Strategies for Strawberry Disease Management
By Jeff Cook, Garrett Hibbs and Phillip Brannen The key to a successful strawberry season is protecting the plants and developing fruit from insects and diseases. Other than spider mites, fungal diseases pose the biggest threat in the form of production losses. Using multiple disease control strategies helps reduce damage and is important in disease resistance management. FIRST STEPS AND …
Transitioning Tips for Summer to Fall Vegetable Crops
By Ayanava Majumdar, Chip East and Eric Schavey The southeastern United States is the hotbed of insect and disease issues in vegetable crops. Growers constantly have to deal with not only established pest and weed issues, but also the invasive ones. Organic farming of vegetables is a challenge for producers everywhere in the United States, and the battle against insect …
Neopestalotiopsis Concerns in Alabama
By Clint Thompson A new strawberry disease in Alabama was not as bad as it could have been. Farmers can thank the dry weather conditions that neopestalotiopsis fruit rot disease did not devastate more plants than it could have. Growers only have to look at Florida to see the devastation this disease can cause. “One problem that did develop is …
Citrus Greening and Canker Concerns for Georgia Growers
The recent Citrus Growers’ Summer Update in Valdosta, Georgia, provided growers another outlet to learn about two diseases — citrus greening and citrus canker — that could have serious ramifications on the industry’s future in Georgia. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, highlighted the seriousness of the discovery of both of the diseases in …
Choanephora Blight Found on Green Bean in Charleston
Due to frequent rains, cloudy weather and high humidity, Choanephora blight or wet rot was found throughout a one-acre planting of green bean cultivars and breeding lines at Coastal Research and Education Center last week, according to The South Carolina Grower. Growers and home gardeners may see similar symptoms on late-planted beans throughout South Carolina. Choanephora blight is a common …
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus on Rise in North Carolina
By Clint Thompson High populations of thrips meant a surge in tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in North Carolina tomatoes this season. Inga Meadows, North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension specialist, discusses the uptick in thrips activity this year. Since thrips vector the virus, that meant more incidences of TSWV. “In some parts of North Carolina, we’ve had quite a bit …
Rain’s Impact on Diseases in Peaches
By Clint Thompson The increase in rainfall across the Southeast is having minimal impact on diseases in the region’s peach crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist, discusses the current scenario facing producers as harvests continue. “Thankfully, we’re no longer drought stressed in a lot of the locations, which is good. There’s been an increase in disease …
Tomato Season: Prepare for Bacterial Spot
By Clint Thompson Tomato season may have just ended in North Florida, but the fall crop will soon be planted. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, estimates planting will begin around July 20-23. But growers should be mindful of one disease that could threaten the fall crop, especially amid …