Richard Raid, a professor in plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), advises lettuce growers that downy mildew disease was found last week in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Downy mildew is a foliar disease of lettuce that impacts the crop’s yield and quality. In addition to losses in the field, downy mildew’s impact …
Improved Pecan Production Expected in 2022
By Clint Thompson A decreased crop combined with high prices highlighted this year’s pecan season in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes production will rebound next year. Unfortunately, prices are expected to drop again just like 2020. “I’m a little concerned we’re going to see issues that, if it’s a huge crop throughout …
Broad Mites Becoming Major Pest for Pepper, Eggplant Producers
By Clint Thompson A microscopic pest is becoming a giant-size problem for pepper and eggplant growers in the Southeast. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed that broad mites are impacting vegetable producers significantly more than a decade ago. “I would say they’re becoming much more of a consistent pest than they’ve been in the past. …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Few loopers and fall armyworms have been reported along the East Coast. Worm pressure has been persistent around Southwest Florida, however. While southern armyworms are most being reported, there are also loopers, melon worms, beet armyworms, fruitworms and fall armyworms. This depends on the crop …
Commissioner Fried: ITC Reports Confirm Imports Devastating Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) investigations into the impact that imports of squash and cucumbers have had on seasonal growers generated responses from various industry leaders in Florida; starting with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “The ITC reports confirm what our department’s reports have long shown and what Florida’s seasonal producers have long felt: unfair trade …
Georgia and Florida Blueberries in Bloom Very Early
By Frank Giles The early blueberry season was highlighted during last weekend’s Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. One topic kept trending for growers in attendance, too many blooms, way too early. Some growers are reporting up to 30% bloom in Georgia. That makes for a challenging winter for producers hoping to avoid hard freezes as the …
Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate
Large farming operations that opposed the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate were dealt a victory on Thursday. The Supreme Court temporarily blocked the mandate in a 6-3 decision that would have been issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “OSHA has never before imposed such a mandate. Nor has Congress. Indeed, although Congress has enacted significant legislation addressing the …
Ag Secretary: China About $16 Billion Short in Purchases in Phase One Agreement
By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of exports and holding countries to specified agreements during a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday. He was especially specific when discussing the country’s relationship with China. “I know that 30% at some point in time of what we grow and raise is ultimately exported …
Muscadine Freshness: How Do We Get to Eight Weeks?
By Clint Thompson Muscadines are already a valuable commodity in North Carolina. If N.C. State researchers can determine how to extend their freshness, the crop’s value would really shine, says Penelope Perkins-Veazie, professor in horticulture science at N. C. State. “Normally, a fresh market seeded muscadine will easily last four weeks with low temperature storage. We hold them close to …
Increasing Infestations: Whiteflies Problematic Around Southwest Florida
Whitefly infestations are increasing around southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Higher numbers of adults and immatures are being observed in older tomato plants. Populations are also reported to be transient in isolated locations, depending on wind direction. Pressure is also high in squash and cucumbers. Whitefly pressure is anywhere from low to moderate in …