The recent increase in stink bug population is causing concerns for local pea, bean, and soybean producers. Researchers have noticed an increase in secondary insect pests, such as stink bug species, over the last few years as farmers have reduced their use of broad spectrum herbicides. Entomologist throughout the southeast United States believe the Redbanded stink bug could become …
Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrizi) was found this week in Madison and Jackson Counties on kudzu and soybean. Soybean rust is more widespread in Florida this year than in previous years despite the recent high temperatures and dry conditions. Typically soybean rust thrives in humid conditions. The first symptoms of soybean rust begin as very small …
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Due to favorable prices, Columbia County farmers have planted more soybeans than in the past several years. Some of these soybean crops are showing deficiency symptoms indicative of insufficient potassium. Potassium deficiency is easy to identify in soybeans, and soybeans are responsive to supplemental fertilizer applications. Potassium is mobile in plants and will move from …
Palmer amaranth is a weed known all too well by farmers in Columbia County. Its fast growth rate and resistance to herbicides is reason for concern among local producers. The weed can become an aggressive competitor against warm season crops, and a serious nuisance at harvest if not managed properly. The Weed Science Society of …
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Peanut farmers often come up a day late and a dollar short when it comes to the control of Tropical spiderwort, or Benghal dayflower (dayflower). I receive calls each year about harvest aid applications after the herbicide program completely failed. Dayflower control from mid to late season herbicide applications have proven to be inconsistent, which …
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North Florida continues to have a large acreage of watermelons and the crop has started under good conditions. Thanks to Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension Agent in Hendry County, Florida for the following update of powdery mildew on watermelons in South Florida. Mr. McAvoy cautioned that dry conditions are ideal for the development of powdery mildew …
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As the economics get tighter, farmers are contemplating how far to stray from Georgia 06-G which has been a reliable cultivar for several years. Several farmers have mentioned looking at high oleic peanuts for a small premium, and we often wonder if one of the new cultivars offers higher yield potential or better disease tolerance. The broad recommendation is …
We have become accustomed to warm dry weather in April the last several years. That warmer weather allowed early planting of peanuts and good conditions for germination. University of Georgia has conducted trials for several years studying the relationship between soil temperature at planting and peanut yield. Results have been consistent and led to the recommendation of 68 F average …
There is a rich history of tobacco production in Columbia County. In the 1950s, there was over 20,000 acres of tobacco grown in the state of Florida. That is reduced to just a handful of growers on a small number of acres today. However, several local growers are optimistic that organic tobacco production will offer an opportunity …
Tobacco has been transplanted in Columbia County and has started growing in good conditions. Although we are not seeing any issues locally, Dr. J. Michael Moore, UGA Extension Agronomist, wanted to get the word out about possible blue mold moving from greenhouses to fields on transplants. Blue mold was identified in 6 greenhouses in Georgia over …