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Category: Sneak peek

  • Sneak Peek: November 2020 VSCNews Magazine

    By Ashley Robinson

    The November issue of VSCNews magazine touches on a variety of topics, including an improved method to detect phytophthora in irrigation water, smart irrigation tools for blueberry growers and new findings on growing hemp in Florida.

    One of the most serious diseases in Georgia vegetable production is phytophthora blight, a water mold that attacks the roots, foliage and fruit, causing root rot, crown rot, leaf lesions, fruit rot and plant wilt.

    Due to a lack of an efficient diagnosis method, the production of vegetables is severely impacted by contaminated irrigation water. Emran Ali, the director of the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab; Owen Hudson, a master’s student; Justin Hand, Tift County Extension agent; and Sumyya Waliullah, a research professional at UGA in Tifton share a newly developed hand pump-based filter paper method to improve detection of the disease.

    Vasileios Liakos, an assistant research scientist at UGA-Tifton discusses two new smart irrigation tools for blueberries developed by UGA — the UGA Smart Sensor Array (SSA) and the Blueberry App. The UGA SSA is a system that records soil moisture within fields and the Blueberry App allows growers to use their smart-phones to schedule irrigation. Researchers at UGA are also working on a project, evaluating soil moisture sensors for blueberries.

    Lastly, Tory Moore, public relations specialist for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) shares important considerations for Florida growers contemplating or currently growing hemp. Flowering requirements, pest management strategies, irrigation, fertilization and additional general advice are all offered in this article.

    If you would like to receive future issues of VSCNews magazine, click here.

  • Sneak Peek: August 2020 VSCNews Magazine

    By Ashley Robinson

    The August issue of VSCNews magazine equips growers with the latest information and strategies to develop a sound fumigation system.

    With the loss of methyl bromide, many growers have struggled to maintain consistent soilborne pathogen and pest control with fumigants that are currently available. Gary Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Joe Noling and Nathan Boyd of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) discuss supplemental fumigation strategies for tomato production.

    In 2018, a comprehensive survey identified root-knot nematodes as the top nematode pest among Georgia vegetable crops. Abolfazl Hajihassani, an assistant professor and Extension specialist and Chinaza Nnamdi, a plant pathology graduate student, both at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Tifton, share proper management practices to successfully control these pests.

    Anthracnose fruit rot disease is one of the most significant disease problems of commercial strawberry production in the Southeast. To control the disease, growers have typically relied on preventive fungicide applications, the most commonly used fungicide being quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). However, growers have recently noticed a resistance to QoIs. Phil Brannen, Emran Ali, Jeff Cook, Sumyya Waliullah and Owen Hudson, all at UGA, present new recommendations and strategies for growers struggling with fungicide resistance.

    Desaeger, an assistant professor for UF/IFAS is back for another article in this month’s issue. This time, discussing Florida’s up and coming hemp crop. With an increased interest in hemp, researchers are investigating how nematodes may affect this new Florida crop.

    Additionally, Jenelle Patterson, a plant molecular biologist, shares how bioengineered sentinel plants could help protect future crops.

    Finally, it’s Expo time! Even though coronavirus has prevented growers from gathering in person for the Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, the virtual event will continue to provide growers with the great education they need. On Aug. 19–20, the seminar program will go online at VSCExpo.com, and growers can tune in and watch the seminar presentations from the comfort of their own home. Those who watch the seminars when they debut online will be eligible to win door prizes, including four $200 Bass Pro gift cards.

    There is no charge to attend the virtual Expo, but registration is required to view the seminar videos. Keep up to date on all the latest event information and register to attend at VSCExpo.com.

    If you would like to receive future issues of VSCNews magazine, click here.