Freeze Impact: Watermelon Growers Still Determining Extent of Damage

Web AdminFlorida, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson Thursday’s expected sunshine should help shine a light on the damage inflicted on North Florida’s watermelon plants from last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures. How much acreage will need to be replanted is still a question for growers impacted by temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the Suwanee Valley. “Because this was not necessarily a frost situation, …

UF/IFAS Extension Agent: Begin Fertilization for North Florida Watermelons

Web AdminResearch, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson The production season continues for the bulk of North Florida watermelon plants that survived the sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend. Growers need to consider their fertilizer options, especially following the recent rain events. “Most of their fertilizer that was in the bed preplant and even whatever they may have put out in their transplant solution is gone …

Cover Crops in Citrus: There Are Many Advantages

Web AdminCitrus

There are many advantages to using cover crops in citrus groves, according to Sarah Strauss, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor. She recently discussed growers implementing cover crops at the Citrus Health Forum at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. “Certainly, from the microbiology side, the scientific side, I think …

Freeze Effect: Rain This Week Should Help with Cold Weekend

Web AdminFlorida, Watermelon, Weather

Watermelon plants are in the ground in North Florida. Producers must now guard against potential sub-freezing temperatures that are in the forecast for the upcoming weekend. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said forecasts are predicting temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s Fahrenheit. “Rain ahead of the …

South Florida Turfgrass Field Day Scheduled for March 31

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Turfgrass

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Turfgrass research will be highlighted as part of the 33rd Annual South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Exposition, scheduled for March 31 at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event is organized in partnership with the South Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The field day will include tours …

ABT Populations Remain Low

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, except for a few fields in Homestead, Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Even though ABTs were observed in southeastern Hendry County, they were only at a rate of 0.2 per bloom. Populations are reported at less than 0.1 per bloom …

Integrated Pest Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberries

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Research, Strawberry

By Sriyanka Lahiri Currently, strawberry production in Florida is particularly susceptible to infestation by chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). Although chilli thrips had been reported as a pest of ornamentals in Florida before, it wasn’t until 2015 when strawberry fields started to be severely impacted by this invasive pest. CHEMICAL CONTROLSChemical control is the predominant tool to manage chilli thrips. However, …

Early Start for North Florida Watermelon Planting

Web AdminFlorida, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions meant an early start to watermelon planting for Florida producers in the Suwanee Valley area. Hopefully, it will translate to early harvests that meet the Memorial Day window. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact, which included some …

Grafting in Tomato: A Practical Tool for Root-Knot Nematode Control

Web AdminDisease, Pests, Tomatoes

By Abolfazl Hajihassani Control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a severe challenge for growers because the pests have abroad host range and can survive in the soil for several years. This makes crop rotation impractical and inefficient for nematode management. Other major management options for root-knot nematodes in tomato include chemical controls using fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides and resistant varieties/rootstocks. …

Fire Ant Control Key in Young Citrus Groves

Web AdminCitrus, Pests

Fire ant management is essential to the long-term sustainability of citrus groves. This is particularly true for young trees still trying to develop root systems, said Xavier Martini, assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). Martini spoke on insect management at the recent UF/IFAS …