Insect Pests Top Concerns of Strawberry Producer Ahead of ’22 Crop

Jim Rogers Pests, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is still a couple of months away for Florida producers. One factor that is already on the mind of grower Dusty Grooms is the impact that two insect pests had in 2021 – chilli thrips and spider mites. The strawberry producer with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, discussed the issue that plagued his …

Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations

Jim Rogers Georgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …

Mite Pressure Varies Across Florida

Jim Rogers Florida, Pests

Mite pressure is increasing in various fields across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Two-spotted spider mites have increased significantly on late-season tomatoes, eggplant and okra around Homestead, Florida. They are also impacting ornamental nursery and tropical fruit trees. Broad mites are also observed in corn, tomato, squash and okra. Broad mites have also been persistent …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Updates

Jim Rogers South Carolina, Specialty Crops, Strawberry

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, “Crops are generally looking good in the area. Strawberries are coming to harvest with good volumes. Keep scouting for spider mites and thrips. Thrips were found late last week in low numbers. …

Florida Strawberry Producer: Chilli Thrips, Spider Mites Were Major Problems

Jim Rogers Florida, Pests, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we  never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …

What’s Happening: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Jim Rogers Berries, South Carolina, Strawberry

Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Starting with strawberries, spider mites are increasing in the area with eggs and adults warranting treatment. Strawberry crops are very susceptible to mite damage at the moment. Remember …

Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers

Jim Rogers Florida, Pests, Specialty Crops

Mites are widely present in crops across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Spider mites have increased in cucurbits, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and potatoes around Southwest Florida. Some fields have even required treatments by farmers. Spider mite populations are also high in some cucumber, pepper, tomato and eggplant in fields on the east …

Clemson Extension Cautions Growers About Spider Mites

Jim Rogers Pests, Research

By Clint Thompson Fruit production is well under way in South Carolina’s coastal region. Rob Last, Clemson horticultural Extension agent for Bamberg, Barnewell, Allendale and Hampton counties, provided production updates for various crops, which includes minimal pest and disease pressure. “Everything’s looking very good at the moment,” Last said. “Peaches, blueberries and strawberries are all flowering nicely. We’re looking very …