New research led by a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist shows a development regulator can help plants grow. The study’s results also may help genome editing and as a result, plant breeding. Development regulators are genes that regulate plant development and growth. UF/IFAS scientists have discovered that one such gene can help deliver DNA …
Florida First Detector Training
Registration is ongoing for a Florida First Detector training, scheduled for June 3 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center. It will last from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free Florida First Detector training will highlight identification and management for pests of concern that could impact sugarcane, rice and leafy …
Citrus Canker Discovered in Georgia
The discovery of citrus canker disease in Georgia last week has prompted industry leaders to caution growers about where they buy their trees. Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association, said hundreds of trees had to be removed from a grove infected with citrus canker. The trees were not from a Georgia certified nursery. She said the best way …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “As we see temperatures increase, strawberry flowering is reducing. Plants are still heavy with fruit, so managing diseases such as anthracnose and botrytis through fungicides and sanitation are key. Pests and diseases …
New Florida Potato Breeding Program Featured during Field Day
By Frank Giles Faculty and staff of the Hastings Agricultural Extension Center were excited to host growers in-person for its 2022 spring field day in April. The event has been on hiatus the past two years due to COVID-19. Much of the tour focused on potato production, which is a significant crop in the Tri-County region of Florida. Stops focused …
H-2A Labor Demand Surging
Recently released data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reflects surging demand for temporary agricultural employees under the H-2A program. DOL data for the first two quarters of fiscal year 2022 indicate that program applications increased 17.5% over the previous fiscal year. At the same time, the total number of jobs certified by DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification …
Specialty Crop Producer: Our Guys Need to Make Money
By Clint Thompson The 2022 season could be a pivotal year for specialty crop farmers. A production season that began with input costs spiking to unforeseen levels needs to end with growers pocketing some money, says Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “I think this season is a crucial season …
Florida Farmer Defends Livelihood
By Clint Thompson At a time when farmers need support more than ever, one Florida farmer is forced to defend their livelihood against political attacks from environmental activists. These attacks could impact the future of agriculture. “I was very blessed and privileged to have a dad who served in World War II, Battle of the Bulge. One of the things …
Fertilizer Applications Need to Continue During Watermelon Harvests
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have begun in North Florida. But that doesn’t mean producers should halt their fertilizer applications. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, emphasizes to growers the importance of continuing their fertilizer application program. “Lets say you and I have a field and …
Representatives Ask for HLB Pesticide Approval
U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack and Al Lawson led members of the Florida congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for expeditious approval of Vismax, a biochemical pesticide for HLB. A letter from the representatives asks the EPA to rapidly approve the use of Vismax in preventing HLB so the industry may access this product before the start of …