Phytophthora Root Rot a Problem in Georgia Strawberries

Jim Rogers Disease, Georgia, Research, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Georgia strawberry producers may not have had to deal with much of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot this year, but phytophthora root rot is a different story. “Right now, this year, I’ve seen quite a few samples with phytophthora come in, unfortunately,” said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen. Brannen discussed some of the possibilities …

Sanitation, Documentation Key Management Strategies for Food Safety

Jim Rogers Agri-business, Food Safety, General

By Clint Thompson Sometimes one bad apple can spoil a bunch. For a specialty crop producer, it can mean their livelihood. Proper sanitation and documentation are essential management practices to the long-term sustainability of a farming operation. Growers need to regularly clean their packinghouse equipment while maintaining adequate records. This can prevent the recall of a large amount of produce, …

Pecan Nutrient Management: Cut Costs, Not Corners

Jim Rogers Georgia, Pecan, Research

By Clint Thompson Nutrient management is a way pecan producers can decrease their input costs heading into the 2022 harvest season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. It starts with soil samples, which can be done any time of the year. But Wells stresses that growers do it at the same time every year. “If you take …

Conduct Irrigation Maintenance Now

Jim Rogers Irrigation

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should conduct any maintenance of their irrigation systems now before the upcoming spring planting season begins. It’s better to deal with any potential problems now than mid-season, says Wes Porter, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist. “Some of our vegetable guys may be irrigating now with their fall and …

Pepper Weevil Management: Be Proactive Instead of Reactive

Jim Rogers Peppers, Pests, Vegetables

By Clint Thompson It is better for growers to be proactive instead of reactive when managing pepper weevils in their vegetable crops. That is the approach Southeast growers should utilize this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “Pepper weevils, we are definitely overwintering them. We’ve documented that for the last three or four years now where …

Improved Pecan Production Expected in 2022

Jim Rogers Alabama, Georgia, Nuts, Pecan

By Clint Thompson A decreased crop combined with high prices highlighted this year’s pecan season in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes production will rebound next year. Unfortunately, prices are expected to drop again just like 2020. “I’m a little concerned we’re going to see issues that, if it’s a huge crop throughout …

Broad Mites Becoming Major Pest for Pepper, Eggplant Producers

Jim Rogers Georgia, Peppers, Pests

By Clint Thompson A microscopic pest is becoming a giant-size problem for pepper and eggplant growers in the Southeast. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed that broad mites are impacting vegetable producers significantly more than a decade ago. “I would say they’re becoming much more of a consistent pest than they’ve been in the past. …