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News for the Florida grower
By Maegan Beatty Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an evergreen perennial vine that produces a tropical fruit. The most cultivated type of passion fruit in the United States is the purple passion fruit. The fruit thrives in tropical climates and grows exceptionally well in central and southern Florida. In April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
This year’s Florida state budget, established by the Legislature in early May, is the largest in history at nearly $115 billion. Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) reported that approximately $65 million was allocated to the citrus industry. FCM itemized what was allocated to the citrus industry prior to Gov. Ron DeSantis signing the budget: Additionally, the Department of Agriculture package bill passed on …
The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce recently called on national and international policymakers to implement measures to safeguard the supply of affordable and safe fruits and vegetables worldwide. The coalition also sought to ensure the viability of the fruit and vegetable industry. The coalition made the requests in a report titled Global Value Chains for Fresh Produce: An Urgent Call for …
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans have …
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
The May Florida citrus crop forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) saw some ups and downs. FLORIDA ORANGESThe Florida 2022–23 all-orange forecast declined 3%, from 16.1 million boxes in the April forecast to 15.65 million boxes in May. If the forecast is realized, this will be 62% less orange production than last season. Florida non-Valencia …
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
By Maegan Beatty On May 3, the Harn Museum of Art hosted the 2023 York Distinguished Lecture Series. The speaker was Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young. She serves as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for research, education and economics and chief scientist. Jacobs-Young helped establish USDA science priorities in supporting precision nutrition research, building scientific infrastructure and the next …
By Maegan Beatty Blueberries are a popular commodity throughout the state of Florida and the entire southeast region. Scientists and researchers are working to create new cultivars that can sustain hard freezes during those difficult winter months, especially throughout the North Florida area. Dr. Jeff Williamson is a part of the Horticulture Sciences Department at the University of Florida Institute …
