Diamondback Moths a Problem for Cole Crop Producers

Web Admin Cole Crop, Georgia, Pests, Top Posts

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

Web Admin Cole Crop, Cucurbits, Georgia, Pests, Top Posts

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 …

Optimizing Nitrogen in Cabbage Production

Web Admin Alabama, Cole Crop, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Ashley Robinson A shortage of nitrogen is the most common reason for a cabbage crop not reaching its full yield potential. However, applying too much nitrogen may cause more harm than good. It’s important to determine the optimal rate for production. Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Florida are working in collaboration to conduct …

CFAP Coverage Dates Exclude Bulk of Specialty Crop Farmers in Alabama, Georgia

Web Admin Alabama, Cole Crop, Florida, Fruit, Georgia, Produce, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture released details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) on Tuesday. It will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to provide relief for farmers and ranchers impacted by COVID-19. It includes relief for livestock, dairy and specialty crops. But according to Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit …

Clemson Vegetable Pathologist Cautions Growers About Potential Diseases

Web Admin Cole Crop, Disease, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson One Clemson Extension vegetable pathologist has observed downy mildew disease and fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveneum disease on his research plots and cautions vegetable growers in South Carolina to be on the lookout for both. “This is strictly based on observations from my research plots here in Charleston. I have not been out to any commercial fields,” …

Whiteflies Already a Concern for Georgia Farmers

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By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks said whiteflies are present in Georgia vegetables. This is not good since cotton farmers have begun planting their crop, and whiteflies like to feed on cotton plants as well. “There’s some. I don’t know if it’s worse or better or whatever compared to other years. Apurba’s been running …

Production Practices for Higher Quality Cabbage

Web Admin Cole Crop, Florida, Top Posts

By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) Hastings Agricultural Extension Center are studying ways to grow the best quality cabbage. Although research on higher quality cabbage is relatively new at the center, experts are working to establish facts. Lincoln Zotarelli, an associate professor in the UF Horticultural Sciences Department, discussed updates on cabbage research at the recent …

Cole Crop Field Day Looks at New Crops on the Horizon

Web Admin Cole Crop, Top Posts

Researchers from the University of Florida Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (UF HAEC) gave growers updates on cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and more at the annual Cole Crop Field Day held at the center’s research farm. Cole crops continue to be a cornerstone crop of the Tri-County Agricultural Area. Gary England, director of the UF HAEC, summarized a few of the …

Bringing Better Broccoli to the East Coast

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By Karla Arboleda While the West Coast is known as the main U.S. region for broccoli production, the East Coast may soon be on its heels, thanks to the Eastern Broccoli Project. Thomas Björkman is a professor of vegetable physiology at Cornell University and project director of the Eastern Broccoli Project. He leads a group of collaborators, from Maine to Florida, …

Crucial Cabbage Diseases

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Florida’s unique climate can create the optimal environment for a multitude of cabbage diseases. Nick Dufault, plant pathologist with the University of Florida (UF), says white mold and black rot have historically been common cabbage diseases that can cause serious damage. WHITE MOLD White mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum,can be somewhat easy to identify since one of the …