Chilli Thrips: Primary Pest of Florida Blueberries

Jim Rogers Blueberries, Florida, Pests

By Oscar Liburd and Doug Phillips Over the past few years, chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) have become the most important insect pest of Florida blueberries, causing substantial injury to plant foliage and typically requiring significant and costly chemical control measures. Chilli thrips have been an economically important pest of vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops throughout Asia, Africa, Oceania the Caribbean …

Drought Impact: Northeast Florida Experiencing Dry Conditions

Jim Rogers Drought, Florida, Weather

By Clint Thompson The lingering drought has spread across the Southeast and impacted various parts of Florida, specifically in the northeast part of the state. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact the dry weather is having in his area. “We’re very dry, and …

Thrips Update: Populations Vary in Central, Southern Florida

Jim Rogers Florida, Pests

Thrips pressure is low across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are observing low numbers in pepper in central Florida, with thrips only found in the bloom. Dak Seal, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomologist at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida, reports low …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Numbers Vary

Clint Thompson Florida

Caterpillar numbers vary across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Beet armyworms are observed to be low to moderate in the last two weeks in tomato and pepper in central Florida. Melon worms are at moderate levels in squash fields, while there are low levels of loopers in tomatoes. Worm populations have increased over the …

South Florida Leaders to Honor Miami-Dade County Farmers Month at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center

Jim Rogers Events, Florida

On Nov. 4, South Florida leaders and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will commemorate Miami-Dade County Farmers Month during the 9th annual One Night in the Tropics. This premier philanthropic event will pay homage to those who harvest the fields of food that feed our communities. At the same time, it will raise funds for the University …

Don’t Forget! Registration Still Open for Florida Ag Expo Event

Jim Rogers Events, Florida, Florida Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson AgNet Media reminds those interested in attending this year’s Florida Ag Expo that registration is still ongoing for the event, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media provides more information for those thinking about attending the event at the University of Florida Institute of Food and …

blueberry

Producer Panel Discussion Part of Upcoming Florida Blueberry Conference

Jim Rogers Blueberries, Events, Florida

By Clint Thompson Labor remains a contentious issue for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. It will be highlighted during the upcoming Florida Blueberry Growers Association Conference and Trade Show. “It’s a topic with some really high interest among growers,” said Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. It has been widely …