Thrips pressure is moderate to high on multiple crops in southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestations are moderate to high on tomato, moderate on pepper and eggplant and low potato and watermelon. Populations are low in beans but increasing in certain areas. Thrips numbers had begun to increase in beans along the east coast, but …
Syngenta Product: Archive Last Line of Defense for Potato Producers
Clint Thompson A fungicide product from Syngenta provides potato growers a last line of defense before their crop is placed into storage. Since potatoes are susceptible to diseases, especially as they can be stored up to nine months, farmers would benefit from Archive. It provides farmers an extra layer of protection right after harvest and before storage, said Chris Clemens, …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved nutrient recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops …
Potassium’s Importance in Potatoes
By Clint Thompson Lakesh Sharma, assistant professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, cannot stress enough potassium’s importance in potato production. That’s why he is concerned about the current conflict in the Ukraine and its potential impact on the essential nutrient’s availability in the future. “Potassium is not …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …
Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers
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 …