By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are nearing an end in North Florida. It’s time to take stock of how production went this season as 80% to 90% of the region’s crop has been harvested. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said farmers were satisfied with how this year transpired. “Prices really dictate their happiness. For …
Developing Diseases: Increased Rains Expected to Challenge Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson Increased rain events in June mean a potential increase in disease development for Georgia’s watermelon producers. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there are a few diseases that growers need to be mindful of following excessive rain in parts of South Georgia over the past week. “I would say I’ve been seeing a …
Growing Calabaza: Crop Perfect for Summer Gardening in Florida
MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – Attention Florida vegetable producers and homeowners: Don’t let the summer go by without trying your hand at producing the calabaza. New crop on the block, Calabaza Pumpkin in Florida is the latest video led by Geoffrey Meru, a vegetable geneticist at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center. The video guides homeowners and interested growers with the background …
Fresh Vegetable Imports Rose in April
Vegetable imports increased significantly in April compared to previous seasons, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. The value of imports from other countries totaled $1.49 billion in April, compared to $1.25 billion in 2020, $1.275 billion in 2019, $1.162 billion in 2018 and $1.123 billion in 2017. The fresh vegetable imports totaled $907 million in April, up significantly from …
Grower Awareness: Hemp Producers be Mindful of Disease Development
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s hemp season is still in its early stage, but crop disease is quickly becoming a concern for the state’s producers. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, said weather conditions have been ripe for disease development. “We hadn’t had rain in maybe about a week, then in some spots we got six inches in …
Pecan Cultivars: Scab, Crop Load Main Factors in Farmers’ Selections
By Clint Thompson The first rule in cultivar selection for pecan growers is there is no perfect cultivar. What may work for one producer may not for another, believes University of Georgia (UGA) pecan breeder Patrick Conner. “The difficulty is we don’t have one way of growing pecans. We have small growers, medium-sized growers; growers with hundreds of acres. We …
Tomato, Food Safety Workshop to be held on Sept. 8 in LaBelle, Florida
There will be a tomato and Food Safety Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The workshop and T-GAP Renewal will be held at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The Florida Tomato Institute will present industry and research updates during the morning session from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon will consist of new product presentations by select sponsors and …
4Rs Key to Nutrient Management
By Clint Thompson Nutrient management in Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop fields is a process. In fact, if growers don’t implement the 4Rs strategy – right rate, right source, right placement and right timing – they risk not applying the right amount and losing essential nutrients to the environment. “By just having a seasonal number, let’s say the fertilizer recommendation …
Wet Summer? July Through September Could Receive More Rain Than Normal
According to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture Blog and National Weather Service, July through September is expected to better wetter than normal due to the active tropical season. It has already been a wet June for parts of Georgia. According to the University of Georgia Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia received 4.88 inches from June 1 to June …
Japanese Beetles: Insects a Concern for Grape Producers
Grape producers in Georgia and Alabama need to be on alert: Japanese beetles are starting to show up in vineyards. According to the University of Georgia Extension Viticulture Blog, if there is a severe infestation, the Japanese beetles can be severe pests of grapes this summer, feeding mostly on the foliage. What’s of most concern is their impact on young …