Transplant Establishment Key in Hot, Dry Conditions

Jim Rogers Georgia

By Clint Thompson The extreme heat and extended dry period across the Southeast could impact the young vegetable crops that growers have planted this fall. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, emphasizes the importance of transplant establishment, especially during the current weather conditions. “We’re in that little window right now where …

Beware of Spike in Vegetable Diseases Following Recent Storms

Jim Rogers Cucurbits, Disease

By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …

usda

Increase Fungicide Sprays: More Rain Means Higher Probability of Disease

Jim Rogers Georgia

By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia means specialty crop producers should be increasing their fungicide applications. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, cautions growers about the disease potential in areas of increased moisture. “It’s the same ol’ thing where drought for most vegetable growers, drought isn’t really that bad of …

Recent Rains Could Delay Fumigation Process

Jim Rogers Fumigation, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall across the Southeast in recent weeks could delay fumigation progress from specialty crop farmers preparing to plant their fall crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discusses how heavy rain events could keep producers from getting into their fields at a key point in the season. …

Heat Impact on Georgia Watermelons

Jim Rogers Georgia, Watermelon, Weather

By Clint Thompson High temperatures in Georgia the past couple of weeks should have a positive and negative impact on the state’s melon crops. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed what growers experience when temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F). “I think the quality of the fruit is going to …

Georgia Hemp Production Declining in 2022

Jim Rogers Georgia, Hemp

By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia hemp producers and acres decreased from 2020 to 2021. It has happened again this year, according to statistics released by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia currently has 118 licensed hemp producers and one permitted hemp processor, equating to 4,333 field acres and 730,322 greenhouse square footage licensed for cultivation. There were 156 …

calm water with sun and orange sky

Dry Weather Helping Georgia’s Specialty Crops

Jim Rogers Georgia, Specialty Crops, Weather

By Clint Thompson The current dry weather sweltering Southeast Georgia is not ideal for row crop farmers but just what specialty crop growers prefer this spring season. Even if it involves paying more for to apply water, it’s nothing compared to managing diseases that often accompany increased rainfall, says Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of …