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Potential Organophosphate Ban Latest Challenge for Vegetable Producers

Jim Rogers Environment

By Clint Thompson First chlorpyrifos. Now, potentially, all organophosphate pesticides. What’s the next resource that the Environmental Protection Agency could be petitioned to take away from specialty crop producers? “At some point it becomes a threat to the food supply,” said Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. It’s a concern for Sparks, who believes carbamates could be next. …

Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers

Jim Rogers Florida, Pests, Specialty Crops

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 …

Bacterial Spot Remains Problematic for Tomato, Pepper Growers

Jim Rogers Disease, Peppers, Tomatoes

Bacterial spot disease continues to be a significant problem for tomato and pepper in southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has flared in susceptible varieties due to the few rain events that have occurred. Non-resistance pepper looks rough in most fields. Respondents in Homestead, Florida, indicate that disease pressure is widespread. It is starting …

FAMU’s Programs Help Tomato and Pepper Growers in Florida

Jaci Schreckengost Tomatoes, Top Posts, Vegetables

Researchers at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) are working to give growers hands-on help for pest and disease management. The Center for Biological Control in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at FAMU provides effective integrated pest management (IPM), said Muhammad Haseeb, assistant professor at the center. The center’s program gives solutions to help growers tackle issues they …