 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
Whitefly numbers remain high across most of the South Florida area, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Medium populations are observed in central Florida, though they are increasing. Population levels vary from low to high across Southwest Florida, depending on the crop and based off of scouting reports. Some farms are seeing high …
By Clint Thompson This week’s Florida Citrus Show allowed more than 50 exhibitors to continue their support of the event, hosted by AgNet Media. As a result, they continue to show support for fruit and vegetable farmers in the Southeast; at least, that’s how Mike Adrover views it. “It’s incredibly important because they are the lifeline of the state. They’re …
North Florida watermelon producers should be wary that Fusarium wilt symptoms have been observed in some fields, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. His weekly email included an alert that a “high percentage of plants in parts of fields have shown wilting.” “You may …
By Clint Thompson Supply overwhelmed demand in the strawberry industry in March. As a result, the subsequent market did not respond favorably for Florida growers. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, stopped harvesting his crop on March 17, because he was going to lose more money harvesting the crop than if he had just stopped. …
Ready to pick your own blueberries or buy them at the grocery store? Florida’s blueberry season is here, so you’ll likely find a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) variety near you. When consumers travel to the supermarket, they will not find blueberries labeled as UF/IFAS varieties. Chances are, however, if you are buying Florida-grown blueberries, …
Aphid pressure is increasing across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting low to moderate numbers in central Florida. Recent increases have occurred despite insecticide applications being made, especially with melon aphids. The outlook is especially concerning in Southwest Florida, as populations are observed to be moderate to high in pepper fields and …
The National Watermelon and Promotion Board (NWPB) has announced the release of its most recent consumer research and Marketing Guide that will arm producers with information to make strategic decisions and build awareness of the opportunities within the watermelon industry. The study is entitled, “Watermelon Attitudes and Usage Research.” It delves into consumer thought patterns centered around watermelons. Its focus …
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn industry leaders are modifying their marketing efforts to better highlight this year’s crop. “Demand is what it is this time of year. We’ve talked about this before where up north, if it’s cooler up north, demand doesn’t jump up because people aren’t outside as much,” said Tori Rumenik, director of commodity services and supply …
By Clint Thompson Nitrogen recommendations for evergreen blueberry production in Florida are still a relative unknown for growers. Lauren Goldsby, graduate research assistant at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), hopes to provide some clarity with research at the UF/IFAS Citra location. “We’re aware that we can produce evergreen production in the state of Florida. …
By Clint Thompson Macadamia nuts are currently being considered as an alternative crop for Florida production in the central and southern part of the state. Whether there is a future for the nut in the Sunshine State will be largely determined by the interest level from potential producers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are …
