Georgia weather is predictably unpredictable, bitter cold one week and balmy the next. And for that reason, growers are being urged to pay close attention to the weather over the coming months, and be prepared to utilize irrigation for frost protection and potential dry conditions as we move into spring. We are currently in an ENSO neutral year, and weather patterns in those years are more variable and can often create issues with…
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Earlier this year we conducted a mid-summer lettuce trial using high tunnels covered with 30% shade cloth. Our results were encouraging. While some varieties were strong flavored and were bitter with a narrow harvest window (2-3 days), several varieties performed well enough under the shade-covered tunnels that they would have been commercially marketable for those growers willing to trial this production system.
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Although blueberry gall midge has historically been referred to as a rabbiteye problem, recently it has been reported to be a concern in some southern highbush fields. The majority of the highbush infestations were primarily reported in older blocks and those surrounded by rabbiteye blueberries. The southern highbush varieties that infestations have been reported include Emerald, Farthing, Meadowlark, and Star. If you haven’t already done so, start monitoring and if you observe gall midge larvae or adults in your orchard, implement management strategies immediately.
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Squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, and various overwintering insect pests are among the most common critters that get inside through cracks and gaps in the foundation of homes during winter months – looking for warmth and food. It’s important to prevent these critters from entering homes and buildings, as they can carry various parasites and can be a major nuisance, given the overwhelming numbers associated with some of them Not to mention, they can spoil stored food and can tear up insulation and electrical!
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Anthracnose fruit rot disease, caused by fungal Colletotrichum species, is one of the most significant disease problems of commercial strawberry production in Georgia and the Southeast as a whole. Dark, sunken lesions on fruit are the main disease symptoms. Hot, humid weather and significant rainfall make Colletotrichum-induced fruit rot a widespread problem in strawberry production. For disease control, growers mainly rely on preventive fungicide applications…
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There has been a lot of hype about using newer web-connected technologies to carryout field scouting and surveys in agricultural commodities. In a feature article in the October 2014 issue of Growing Georgia, Allison Floyd provides an overview of new project funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture that will evaluate…
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