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Articles by Peter Chaires
New Experimental Citrus Grove in Florida Ready for Its Big Reveal
University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) is slated to host a field day in a large-scale research trial for growers and other citrus industry stakeholders to see firsthand. The IRREC Millennium Block Variety Trial Field Day event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 19 in Ft. Pierce. The experimental grove was established in 2019 in response to a decline in Florida’s fruit production due to citrus greening.
What It Takes To Grow the Oldest Living Orange Variety in California
The 1,000th tree OK’d for growing by California’s Citrus Clonal Protection Program happens to be the oldest living orange variety in the state — ‘Bidwell’s Bar’. The program, housed at UC Riverside, is the first of its kind in the world. It began in the 1950s, and its scientists spend up to three years testing and clearing citrus trees of disease so they can be released to commercial and private growers.
What the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship Means to the Future of Florida Ag
By Christina Morton|February 21, 2022 A focus of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) and its foundation is to identify and develop leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture and help foster a pipeline of talent in the industry. In an effort to instill passion for the agriculture industry, engage with a new generation of young leaders, and foster a workforce dedicated to the future of Florida agriculture, FFVA created the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship in 2021.
Artificial Intelligence Tasked To Find Better Tasting Fruits and Veggies
By UF/IFAS News|February 9, 2022 University of Florida researchers are looking to create an “Artificial Intelligence Connoisseur,” a model that tells researchers which chemical compounds (the volatiles, sugars, acids, and other chemical compounds) produce the best flavors in fruits and vegetables. In a new study, UF/IFAS plant breeder and geneticist Marcio Resende and other scientists used artificial intelligence to gather smell and taste data on tomatoes and blueberries.
Cool Beans! Homegrown Vanilla Venture Now a Big Step Closer to Fruition
Posted by Paul Rusnak|February 4, 2022 Taking an alternative crop mainstream takes much time and effort. With it comes risk and adventure through trial and error. When it comes to vanilla and potential for U.S. production in places like Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, this crop has legs. UF/IFAS scientist Alan Chambers is leading the way on vanilla plant research for interested growers and stakeholders in the Sunshine State.
State of Emergency in Florida To Help Growers Affected by Record Cold
By Paul Rusnak|Updated: February 15, 2022 The cold wave that flooded down into Florida on Jan. 28-30 forced growers to take extreme measures to save their crops. Their effort was not in vain. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in more than 30 counties due to the freezing temperatures and their impact on local ag. Cold protection practices were in play at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont.
State of Emergency in Florida To Help Growers Affected by Record Cold
By Paul Rusnak|Updated: February 07, 2022 The cold wave that flooded down into Florida on Jan. 28-30 forced growers to take extreme measures to save their crops. Their effort was not in vain. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in more than 30 counties due to the freezing temperatures and their impact on local ag. Cold protection practices were in play at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont.
Cold Snap Lights Fire Under Florida Farmers To Take Stock of Crops
By Paul Rusnak|January 31, 2022 The same winter storm/Nor’easter/bomb cyclone that just blanketed the Northeast U.S. with feet of snow and ice also made its chilling presence known deep into the South. Freeze watches and warnings (falling iguana alerts, too) in Florida were in effect days out from the extreme weather event, helping local produce growers prepare for what promised to be long hours of cold protection practices for crops.
Reasons More Produce Growers Should Resolve to Talk About Pesticides
By Mary Hartney|January 13, 2022 Do you make New Year resolutions? I do. And, maybe this is the year my annual “eat better/exercise more” resolution lasts past January! One 2022 work-related resolution is to reach out to more people with information about pesticides and fertilizers used in Florida. I expect that one will last much longer than a month, especially with some issues likely to come up in Florida’s 60-day legislative session scheduled to run Jan. 11 through March 11.
Return of FFVA Annual Convention the Highlight of Year-End Reflection
By Christina Morton|December 18, 2021 Breakfast keynote speaker Damian Mason addresses attendees at Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) 77th annual convention. Photo courtesy of FFVA Since my first day on the job, one statement has been shared repeatedly by members, “We’re looking forward to convention.” Expectations were high that Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) would hold a convention in 2021 after canceling it last year due to the pandemic.
Don't Let Leafminers Duck Under Your Crop Protection Radar
By Gene McAvoy|December 16, 2021 Leafminers are particularly damaging on celery, crucifers, cucurbits, okra, potato, and tomato. In South Florida, populations peak between November and March, while in Central Florida they are a problem in both spring and fall. Photo courtesy of Clemson University The two major species of leafminer in Florida are the vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) and the American serpentine leafminer (L. trifolii).
Ways That Farmers Can Show They Are Outstanding in Their Field
By Mary Hartney|November 20, 2021 Here’s your chance to prove if you are outstanding in your field. Earn your Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) designation. Or, if you’re already a CCA, add on the 4R Nutrient Management Specialty (NMS) certification. These certifications demonstrate competency in four ag production areas: nutrient management, soil/water management, crop management, and pest management.
Rise of Stink Bugs Still a Concern for Vegetable Growers in Southeast
By Gene McAvoy|Updated: November 18, 2021 The southern green stink bug can be a pain for vegetable growers in the Southeast U.S., particularly in tomatoes. Photo by Herb Pilcher In recent years, growers in Florida and the Southeast have reported an increase in stink bug-related problems in tomato and other crops. The southern green stink bug belongs to the order Hemiptera or “true bugs.” Stink bugs can be recognized by their oval shape, five-segmented antennae, and malodorous scent.
Ask the Expert: Don’t Discount Tiny Spider Mites in Specialty Crops
By Frank Giles|November 13, 2021 Spider mites require a glass bug lens to be spotted visually when scouting. Symptom damage appears as yellowing, white, or rust spots on leaves. Photo by Gerald Holmes Spider mites pack a punch in Florida specialty crops despite their small size. Heath Prescott, Southeast Regional Sale Representative for KeyPlex, has been advising growers on controlling the spider mite and other pests since he joined the company in 2006.
Ask the Expert: Whiteflies Can Run Rampant in Vegetable Fields
By Frank Giles|November 6, 2021 Whiteflies can impact yields in various ways, but their biggest threat is vectoring disease. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Whitefly populations can explode in specialty crop fields and quickly get out of hand. Their potential for spreading disease in crops make this pest one of the most economically important in the state. We asked Dr. Gretchen Pettis, the Principle Entomologist for BioSafe Systems, to provide tips on staying ahead of whitefly outbreaks.
How This Citrus Season Is Shaping up for Florida Growers
By Paul Rusnak|October 12, 2021 October is here and amid all that is pumpkin spice, ghosts, and goblins is the start of citrus season in Florida. According to USDA’s initial outlook, the haul for industry stakeholders during the 2021-2022 campaign might be more trick than treat. The National Agricultural Statistics Service is projecting the state’s all-orange production at 47 million boxes (19 million early, mid varieties plus 28 million Valencia). The estimate is 11% down from last season’s total.
Journey into Citrus Microbiome Could Yield Big Plant Health Potential
Posted by Paul Rusnak|September 25, 2021 Nian Wang, a UF/IFAS Professor of microbiology and cell science, is part of a project that is aiming to find out beneficial plant health traits that reside deep inside the citrus microbiome. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Sometimes the biggest research breakthroughs can be found in the tiniest of elements.
Why Innovation in Citrus and Recruiting New Talent Go Hand in Hand
By Frank Giles|September 18, 2021 Larry Black is the 2021 Citrus Achievement Award winner. Photo by Frank Giles This the third installment of four special Q&A features with Larry Black, the 2021 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. He is VP and General Manager of Ft. Meade, FL-based Peace River Packing Co. How important is it to bring young people into the citrus industry?
Has a Key Been Found To Help Restore HLB-Positive Citrus Trees?
Posted by Paul Rusnak|September 14, 2021 Ever since HLB (aka, citrus greening) stormed the scene in Florida more than 15 years ago, scientists and growers alike have been searching feverishly for solutions. Living and coping with the deadly plant disease has become the norm. However, the latest research breakthrough involving the application of gibberellic acid has the industry buzzing anew and hungry for more information.
Is It Damping-Off That's Keeping Your Vegetable Crops Down?
By Gene McAvoy|September 16, 2021 This tomato plant is showing signs of damping-off. Photo by Gene McAvoy A general term used to describe the death of seedlings due to a variety of soilborne fungal pathogens. It can affect almost all vegetable plants at the early stages of growth. Losses can be severe and are often manifested in reduced stands in seed flats or rapid wilting and death of young seedlings or production of low-quality plants that perform poorly in the field.
Want More and Bigger Tomatoes? Look To the Genes
Posted by Paul Rusnak|September 12, 2021 Bigger is better, right? Ok, maybe not in all cases. But when it comes to tomatoes, commercial growers are always looking for an advantage. University of Florida horticultural scientist Tong Geon Lee is on a mission to keep producers out of the red. How? By looking for answers through the complex maze of plant genetics.
How Citrus Tree Nutrition Has Changed During the HLB Era
By Frank Giles|August 14, 2021 Florida Grower’s 2021 Citrus Achievement Award winner Larry Black has just about seen it all in the field during his farming career. Photo by Frank Giles This the second installment of four special Q&A features honoring Larry Black, the 2021 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. He is VP and General Manager of Ft. Meade, FL-based Peace River Packing Co. How has your fertilizer and plant nutrition program changed since HLB come on the scene?
Time To Dig In! Defense of Domestic Produce Against Unfair Trade Critical
By Christina Morton|August 13, 2021 My family loves berries. Avid readers of Florida Grower may remember my first column with the picture of my son’s head buried in a blueberry bucket from years ago. Not much has changed since that moment. Now, it’s hard to keep his little fingers out of the clamshell as soon as we are home from the store. “Do you know where this came from?” I ask as I slap the container shut, realizing the fruit has almost disappeared.
Ag Technology Moving Quick To Merge the Field With Machines
By Frank Giles|August 2, 2021 Ag tech capabilities continue to grow. Modern data management and recordkeeping software platforms allow planting schedulers to automate planning for task associated around planting through harvest to ensure a smooth flow of product. Photo by Frank Giles Five prominent Florida-based farming operations were represented in a panel discussion during the virtual UF/IFAS Ag Tech Expo in May.
We Believe in Florida Citrus Podcast: Taking a Deep Dive into New Rootstocks and Varieties from UF/IFAS
By Frank Giles|July 26, 2021 Jude Grosser, Associate Professor of Citrus Breeding and Genetics with UF/IFAS, joins to the podcast to discuss the UF/IFAS citrus breeding program and his favorite new rootsocks and scions. He says there’s a great new line-up of materials with more on the way – a good reason for optimism for Florida’s citrus sector.
Support Growing for Scientific, Risk-Based Regulation of Pesticides
By Mary Hartney|July 16, 2021 Recent Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA) Virtual Hill visits proved fruitful for the Florida delegation as lawmakers and local industry stakeholders discussed current challenges regarding regulations.
Ways To Stay on Top Of Watermelon Vine Decline
By Gene McAvoy|July 15, 2021 A team of researchers from the University of Florida, Florida Department of Citrus, and the USDA-ARS discovered that watermelon vine decline was caused by a whitefly-transmitted virus, which they called squash vein yellowing virus. Photo by Dr. Scott Adkins Symptoms of watermelon vine decline include a slight internal yellowing of stem tissue in the crown area, wilting vines, scorched and brown leaves, defoliation, and rapid mature vine collapse.
Protect Your Peas by Taking Control of Cowpea Curculio
By Gene McAvoy|June 17, 2021 The cowpea curculio is the most destructive insect pest of southern peas. It occurs primarily in the Southeastern U.S. and Latin America. Photo courtesy of Clemson University The adult is a hump-backed, bronze-tinged, black “snout” beetle that has small dents on the wing covers and on the upper side of the body. The beetle measures less than a ¼ inch in length. Small, brown, wart- or blister-like spots are found on pods damaged by curculios.
The Top Mobile Apps for Ag Right Now
By Matt Hopkins|Updated: June 09, 2021 Start Slideshow 13 photos Remember when mobile apps first exploded onto the scene and became quite the rage. The year was 2010. The slogan “There’s an app for that!” took off, the app stores emerged, and the tech slang ‘app’ was voted the 2010 ‘Word of the Year’ by the American Dialect Society. Yet, mobile apps were just scratching the surface in digital capabilities at that time.
Fruit of the Pandemic: Drink a Glass of OJ Every Day
By Shannon Ross Shepp|May 14, 2021 With the one-year mark of the pandemic behind us and a semblance of ‘normal’ life emerging, I can’t help but think about all the ways daily life has changed during this strange period of time and wonder what the lasting impact will be. Many of us, particularly those like me who work in an office setting, were forced to slow down and spend more time at home.
Get the Best of Bean Rust Before It Erodes Your Crop
By Gene McAvoy|May 12, 2021 Bean rust, caused by the fungus Uromyces phaseoli var typica, infects most types of snap beans and dry beans grown in Florida. Historically, the disease has been particularly severe on pole beans. Photo courtesy of Clemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series Rust is not a major problem in lima bean production, although the disease may occur. The rust pustules characteristic of this disease occurs on the leaves. Occasionally, pustules may appear on pods.
New Voice Speaks up for Florida Fruit and Vegetable Producers
By Christina Morton|April 16, 2021 There’s a vivid memory of my son, just a year old, wearing a gator hat snug on his head, buried in a two-gallon bucket between his legs underneath a blueberry bush. It was a hot day, and he wanted a snack. Deep inside the bucket were blueberries I had worked so diligently to find. Only the biggest. About the size of a quarter. We know those to be the sweetest.
Beware of Bean Leafroller in Your Legume Crops
By Gene McAvoy|March 18, 2021 The bean leafroller is a common pest of beans in Florida. Telltale signs of the pest include rolled leaves or ragged leaf edges. Photo by Russ Ottens The bean leafroller (Urbanus proteus L) is found from South Carolina to Texas and throughout Florida. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and overwinters mainly in South Florida. First instar larvae are yellowish with a brownish-black head.
Time To Step up and Be a Warrior for Florida Citrus
By Shannon Ross Shepp|March 15, 2021 My time in the Florida citrus industry started in 1994. We were in the midst of international trade negotiations, pest and disease challenges, and a push to use Florida citrus solids in any product we could. The Florida Department of Citrus was bustling with scientific research on ways to use citrus — peel citrus and harvest citrus. As the new public affairs manager for Florida Citrus Mutual, I was heavy into learning everything I could about our industry.
What It Takes To Protect Spinach from Downy Mildew
By Gene McAvoy|February 12, 2021 Symptoms of downy mildew affecting this spinach leaf. Photo by Gerald Holmes The most destructive disease of spinach worldwide, downy mildew can cause substantial reductions in yield and quality. Losses of up to 100% are possible. Presence of downy mildew can result in rejection in the market. Identification Initial symptoms of downy mildew are dull, yellow, irregular-shaped spots on the upper sides of leaves.
Challenge Builds To Protect Florida Citrus Interests From Unfair Trade
By Mike Sparks|January 16, 2021 Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) is in communication with Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Kessler at the U.S. Department of Commerce following up on our field testimony on the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) earlier last year. We wanted Kessler to understand our issues and keep Florida citrus top of mind. We all know the problem is cheap Mexican OJ imports flowing into the U.S., increasing inventories and depressing grower returns.
Problems with Aquatic Weeds Run Deeper Than You Think
By Mary Hartney|January 10, 2021 Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association’s (FFAA) main mission is to promote the responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides. That mission casts a wide net over areas beyond the treatment of agricultural fields and crops. One of these areas includes supporting the use of aquatic herbicides as appropriate for invasive weed control in Florida’s lakes, streams, rivers, and canals.
What Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost in a Pandemic
Posted by Paul Rusnak|November 19, 2020 Thanksgiving is normally a time for families and friends to gather and regale around the dinner table. This year has been anything but normal thanks to the coronavirus. The ongoing pandemic is serving up a side of social distancing and a dose of recommendations from the CDC.
Why You Should Drink Your Orange Juice
By Shannon Ross Shepp|November 13, 2020 Growing up, it was a familiar phrase: “Drink your OJ.” I remember hearing it from my lifelong family friend and mentor, Gail Buurma, the time I called her from my college dorm feeling under the weather and overwhelmed with exams and projects. She was a high-powered, jet-setting executive who knew a thing or two about rising to the occasion. I needed to know how she did it, and how I could do it, too.
Take the Right Aim to Tame Target Spot of Tomato
By Gene McAvoy|November 12, 2020 Symptoms indicating target spot of tomato on the leaves of this plant. Photo by Gary Vallad Target spot is often a problem on tomatoes in Florida. The disease is caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola. Target spot is frequently misdiagnosed as in its early stages as symptoms are difficult to recognize and can be confused with bacterial spot and early blight.
Californian Backed to Head House Agriculture Committee
Posted by David Eddy|November 9, 2020 Hard to believe, but the House Agriculture Committee has not had a chairman from California since 1867, despite it being the highest grossing agriculture state – and the only state among the top few to feature specialty crops as a top contributor to farmgate revenue.
Why the Florida Citrus Sector Will Thrive in the Future
By Frank Giles|October 16, 2020 This is the final installment of four special features honoring the 2020 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner, Steven Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association. What do you love about the Florida citrus industry? Callaham: While I don’t grow the citrus myself, there are many facets I love about the citrus industry. One facet is working with growers — and working for a cooperative gives me the opportunity to interact with hundreds of growers.
3 Benefits of Propane Irrigation Systems for Florida Farmers
By Michael Newland|September 12, 2020 Propane provides is a portable source of energy and can power irrigation systems not tethered to gas lines or electric grids. Photo courtesy of the Propane Education & Research Council Between hurricanes, pests, and the state’s sun-drenched, tropical climate, Florida farmers face a unique set of challenges. To ensure a successful farming operation in such a demanding environment, farmers need reliable, sustainable equipment.
IFTA Conference 2019 Archives
On-Farm Experiments Fruitful for New York Apple Growers By Christina Herrick|March 5, 2019 Highlights of International Fruit Tree Association annual tour west of Rochester were bloom thinning, multileader production, and mechanical hedging.
2019 State of the Fruit and Nut Industry Survey Archives
Positive Outlook Remains for Fruit Industry This Year By David Eddy|January 2, 2019 Despite gloom and doom over tariffs this year, and trade worries in general in the next few, people with money will want the best products in the world. Growers Share Their View of the Future of Precision Agriculture Posted by Christina Herrick|December 31, 2018 Will robots be our next farmworkers? Growers peer into their crystal balls to talk about the future of precision agriculture on their farms.
All Hands on Deck to Point Florida Citrus in the Right Direction | Growing Produce
The New Varieties Development and Management Corp. (NVDMC) Board of Directors looks to its Processed Orange Advisory Board (POAB) for guidance on issues related to research priorities, field trial procedures, market trends, technical factors, licensing, commercialization, and budwood availability of orange varieties primarily for processing.
Taking Stock of Florida Citrus After the Storm | Growing Produce
Hurricane Irma dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s citrus industry. Nurseries were no exception, with many suffering structural damage, power failures, and damage to tree inventory. During such situations, it can be difficult to rise above the loss and frustration and recognize systems functioning at an uncommonly high level.
Take Time to Survey the Latest Florida Citrus Varieties | Growing Produce
Citrus variety options are increasing rapidly. Many growers have planted trials of new selections for fresh and processed channels. Variety display events present an opportunity to monitor those selections and varieties that you have in trials, to see those that you passed-up, and to keeps tabs on all of the new material in the pipeline.
More Florida Citrus Producers Pondering the Lemon Pledge | Growing Produce
The lemon craze certainly appears to be in full swing in Florida. Growers are gravitating to the prospect of a citrus crop that continues to produce in an HLB environment, even when surrounded by infected trees. Growers need a citrus variety that will hold on the trees and that is in relatively high demand.
Pressure Is on to Pick and Plant Citrus Winners | Growing Produce
Of all the stones being thrown at HLB, the development of tolerant or resistant rootstocks and scions is among the rocks that could deliver a long-term solution to the disease. The disease itself has flipped the citrus breeding game as researchers widen the search for variety winners. Peter Chaires, Executive Director of the New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC), says a look at pre-HLB days compared to today provides historical context.
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