Diamondback moths are starting to show up in some vegetable fields across Georgia, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. Cole crops producers need to be wary of this pest, as it can pose a threat to cabbage, collards, kale and broccoli. “Diamondback moth is starting to show up in some areas. We’ve had three or four …
UGA Vegetable Entomologist: Potential Explosion of Whiteflies This Fall Never Occurred
Whiteflies were projected to have a widespread, devastating impact on fall vegetable crops in Georgia. But according to University of Georgia vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks, that never happened. “We were setting up for an explosion of whiteflies in the fall and it never really occurred,” Sparks said. “I’m pleasantly surprised it wasn’t a lot worse than it was. In the …
Senstar Insecticide a Viable Option for Southeast Vegetable Growers
Valent U.S.A. continues to tout Senstar Insecticide as another effective tool in the toolbox for vegetable growers trying to manage whiteflies. It offers fast and long-lasting control of soft-bodied insects of vegetable and citrus crops. These pests include whiteflies, aphids, thrips and pysillids. Whiteflies were widespread this year and led to the worst outbreak for Southeast growers since 2017. They …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across State
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, worm pressure has been high in some parts of the EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area). Producers and scouts report finding loopers, bean leaf rollers and armyworms in beans. Loopers and armyworms are very common in lettuce plantings. Across Southwest Florida, worm pressure has been low to moderate. Scouts are finding mostly southern …
Slug Damage a Concern for Growers Amid Rain, Heavy Soil Moisture
Rainfall this week combined with soil moisture can bring some unwanted problems for vegetable farmers and gardeners in Alabama, including slugs, according to Alabama Extension. Ayanava Majumdar, Alabama Extension Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, said attacks from slugs can occur at various stages of vegetable crops with high intensity noticed in the late …
Whiteflies Impacting Alabama Vegetables
This has been the year of the whitefly for vegetable producers in the Southeast. Even as they have been a problem for Georgia vegetable producers, they have also been a nuisance for Alabama farmers. Ed Sikora, an Alabama Extension Specialist Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, said he’s seen quite a few whiteflies on some of …
Bishop, Loeffler Announce USDA Funding for Ag Research
According to Georgia Farm Bureau, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga. 2nd District) and Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) each announced funding for Georgia agricultural research. On Oct. 16, Bishop, chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, provided funding for pecan and peanut research in the FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The bill …
Temporary and Permanent Pest Exclusion Systems for Vegetable Production
According to Alabama Extension, the demand for organic crop production has experienced an upward trajectory in recent years. This increasing demand means there is a need for more farmers to produce organic vegetables at a reasonable cost, while also being environmentally sustainable. For these producers, insect pest management is one of the aspects where they must watch their costs and …
Like it or not, Joro spiders are here to stay
By Beth Gavrilles for UGA CAES News Chances are, if you live in northeast Georgia you’ve come across an East Asian Joro spider this fall. At almost 3 inches across when their legs are fully extended, they’re hard to miss. While they’re roughly the same size as banana spiders and yellow garden spiders, the distinctive yellow and blue-black stripes on …
Whiteflies Vary in Impact in Florida Vegetables This Fall
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whiteflies are varying in impact in vegetables in South and Central Florida. Around the Central Florida area, respondents report that whiteflies remain active in tomato and melons at mostly low numbers. Growers and scouts in Southwest Florida report that whitefly pressure has declined with recent rains. Scouts report finding mostly low …