Alternative to Lack of Oryzalin Herbicide for Fruit Producers

Jim Rogers Agri-business, Fruit

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers need to be wary this spring of supply issues with regards to Oryzalin, a popular herbicide. None is being manufactured, according to Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium coordinator. He discusses the impact that a lack of the product will mean for some fruit farmers. “The thing about …

Giant Pestiferous Lizards a Threat to Fruits and Vegetables in South Georgia

Jim Rogers Fruit, Georgia, Pests, Vegetables

By Rick Lavender for CAES News Warming temperatures will have tegus on the move in southeast Georgia. Residents and farmers are asked to report sightings of tegus, alive or dead. This is needed to keep the big, South American lizards from gaining a foothold in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These reptiles, the largest …

Georgia Apple Growers Vote to Continue Apple Commission Assessments

Jim Rogers Fruit, Georgia

Earlier this year, Georgia apple producers voted to continue the Georgia Apple Commission Marketing Order for an additional three years.  The new marketing order will allow the assessment rate to be changed from the current two cents per marketed bushel to a range of two to four cents per marketed bushel. The final rate will be established by the five …

red apple fruit with black background

Georgia Commercial Apple Production Meeting Announcement

Jim Rogers Fruit, Georgia, Research

University of Georgia Extension is looking forward to assisting Georgia’s commercial apple growers as the season progresses. To help get prepare for another year, Gilmer County Extension will host the annual North Georgia Apple Production Meeting. The production meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 11, at the Gilmer County Public Library in the downstairs meeting room from 10 a.m. …

Muscadine Freshness: How Do We Get to Eight Weeks?

Jim Rogers Fruit

By Clint Thompson Muscadines are already a valuable commodity in North Carolina. If N.C. State researchers can determine how to extend their freshness, the crop’s value would really shine, says Penelope Perkins-Veazie, professor in horticulture science at N. C. State. “Normally, a fresh market seeded muscadine will easily last four weeks with low temperature storage. We hold them close to …

2022 SE Regional Conference Event Helps Producers Move Forward

Jim Rogers Fruit, General, Vegetables

The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference was just what the doctor ordered for growers yearning to reconnect with fellow farmers and look ahead to the upcoming season. “We are pleased with the continued attendance for this event,” said Drew Echols, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) president. “After our virtual event in 2021, it was encouraging to see our …

Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Produces Excitement, Big Crowd

Jim Rogers Fruit, Georgia, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson The return of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference yielded a huge crowd and excitement among farmers reuniting again for the first time in two years. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said on Friday the attendance was about 2,700 with pre-registration between 1,600 and 1,700. “Our attendance numbers …

Alabama Extension Touts Crop Rotations

Clint Thompson Alabama, Fruit, Top Posts, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson Vegetable farmers hoping to reduce input costs should implement crop rotations. This management system helps protect against unwanted pests and diseases while reducing fertilizer and insecticide inputs, said Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama during the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series. “The main goal in crop rotations is to reduce the amount of the …