The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, beginning in January 2021. First conducted in 2015, this Census of Agriculture special study will look at local and regional food systems and provide new data on how locally grown and sold foods in the […]
Continue reading...January 2, 2021 Steven K. Rettke
Diplodia Tip Blight: The Key to Infections is Found Within the Cones
Diplodia Tip Blight (Diplodia pinea) is a fungus disease in the landscape commonly observed on Austrian pines (Pinus nigra), but can also be found infecting mugo, red, black, & Scots pines. This blog will emphasize with photos the infections seen on Austrian pines. The symptoms of Diplodia Tip Blight are stunted or dead shoots. With […]
Continue reading...December 30, 2020 Nick Polanin
USDA Extends Crop Insurance Flexibilities Amid Continuing COVID-19 Pandemic
Through today’s announcement, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021; organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021.
Continue reading...December 16, 2020 Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Grower Input Needed for the Spotted-Wing Drosophila Organic Management Project
Dear Fruit Growers and Industry Professionals: Please take a few minutes to fill out this spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) survey: https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NVhWTGnleU3bP7 This multi-state survey aims to help us to evaluate our research and educational efforts. Your participation will help us determine how growers and industry professionals have benefited from this project by asking questions regarding best […]
Continue reading...December 14, 2020 Hemant Gohil
Grower Input Needed to Help Understand the Role of Anthracnose Diseases
All growers of tree fruit and small fruit, please take a few minutes to fill out this fruit rot survey! This multi-state survey aims to help us understand the role of anthracnose (fruit rot) diseases and to prioritize grower concerns and challenges. This short survey, linked below, is a part of a multi-state research collaboration […]
Continue reading...December 13, 2020 Steven K. Rettke
Primer on Anti-Transpirant Applications
Purpose During the weeks of late fall & early winter, many landscapers apply their annual anti-desiccant sprays to broadleaf evergreen plants. Some of the common trade names of these liquid resin, spray-on products include Vapor-Guard, Wilt-Pruf, Stress Guard, and Nu-Film. Although plants go dormant during the winter, evergreens will continue to transpire given certain conditions. […]
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