Alabama Extension Agent to Strawberry Producers: Stay on Schedule

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By Clint Thompson North Alabama strawberry producers need to stay vigilant in their management strategies this fall and winter. It will help protect against potential stress that might arise, which could lead to vulnerability against new diseases like Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. That’s the message that Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama “The talk has been that I’ve been …

Scouting Pivotal for Strawberry Producers

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By Clint Thompson Scouting remains a pivotal tool in strawberry producers’ fight against Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, cautions producers about what to look out for in the early stages of this year’s strawberry season. “At this stage in the fall you would look for leaves with brown leaf spots, especially on …

Arthropod Pest Management in Conventional Strawberry Production

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By Sriyanka Lahiri Crop rescue through a well-planned pesticide rotation program currently remains the most effective method of pest management in conventionally grown strawberries. However, close monitoring for pests should be conducted as the first line of defense, especially since most strawberry pests are not visible through unaided vision. Thrips Flower thrips immatures and adults can feed on the fruit …

Florida Producer: It’s Always a Chess Match This Time of Year With Strawberry Plants

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By Clint Thompson The strawberry disease that has decimated plantings in Florida and Georgia has already caused some nursery plants to be destroyed. However, there are enough plants for producers to fill their quota, says Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “There’s not going to be a shortage of strawberry plants. Somebody said the same thing …

Alabama Extension Provides Tips for Controlling Pestalotia in Strawberries

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Alabama Extension provides tips to strawberry growers looking to protect their crops this year against Pestalotia, a leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis. The disease that has recently wreaked havoc on strawberry producers in Florida and Georgia is a threat to Alabama strawberries. It affects the plant roots, crown, leaves and fruit and eventually leads …

Growers Beware: Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Chilli Thrips

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By Clint Thompson It is not a question of if chilli thrips will be a problem for Florida strawberry growers this year but when will they be? According to Sriyanka Lahiri, UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, producers can expect to see infestations early in the season, not long after plants …

Moisture Available for Alabama Strawberry Growers Preparing to Plant Upcoming Crop

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By Clint Thompson Excessive rainfall this summer has provided much-needed moisture for North Alabama strawberry producers preparing to plant this year’s crop, says Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We’ve got some good moisture now for working ground up and getting ready to lay plastic for strawberries. We’re kind of liking that,” said Schavey, who’s responsible for Blount …

Check Closely: Strawberry Growers Need to Monitor Transplants

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By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers need to inspect their plants closely before planting this fall, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. Many disease instances can be avoided if proper inspection is done before plants are put in the ground. “As growers are getting in their transplants, they need to be inspecting all of the transplants. …

Acreage Increase for White Strawberry

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By Clint Thompson A new era of Florida strawberry production continues this season with the Florida Pearl. The white strawberry that provides a hint of pineapple aroma when it is bitten is expected to experience a substantial increase in production in acres. For Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, his farm is increasing to 15 …