Mar 18, 2020

Florida vegetable growers’ meeting changed to online format

Due to the evolving corona virus situation, the University of Florida (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) administration has determined that all group research and Extension meetings through the end of April must be postponed (no exceptions). Any on-line meetings can be developed.

Therefore, the March 24 vegetable growers meeting will be offered in an online format only.

Topic: March 24 Vegetable Growers Meeting

Time: Mar 24, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

To participate remotely, click here: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/109265507

Vegetable Growers Meeting – Focus on Soil Fertility

UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

2685 SR-29 N

Immokalee, Florida 34142

March 24, 2020

10:00 AM – Welcome

10:00 AM – General soil fertility topics for vegetables – Dr Phillip Williams, Vegetable Horticulturist, UF/IFAS SWFREC.

Dr Williams will discuss general principles of designing a soil fertility program for vegetable crop production. A well-designed fertility program will ensure a healthy plant and can reduce pest and disease problems.

10:30 AM – Scouting for Nutrient Deficiencies – Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension Agent Emeritus

Mr. McAvoy will describe symptoms of various mineral deficiencies in vegetables and what signs to look for when scouting fields.

11:00 AM – Update on the FL Ag BMP Program – Vanessa Bessey, Office of Agricultural Water Policy, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Ms. Bessey will speak about the FDACS Ag BMP program, why its is important, how to enroll and how it will help address water quality issues in Florida.

11:20 AM – Florida Soil Testing Lab – Dr Rao Mylavarapu – Director of IFAS Analytical Services Laboratories, UF IFAS Soil & Water Sciences Department – video conference

Dr Mylavarapu will describe the services offered by the Florida Soil Testing Lab and discuss the importance of a calibrated soil test in providing accurate analysis of soil nutrient status to guide fertilizer applications.

11:40 – Estimating Nitrogen Release from Polymer Coated Fertilizer Materials Using Degree Days – Update on – Dr. Nael El-Hout, Wedgeworths Big W Brand Fertilizers

Dr. El-Hout will discuss nitrogen release and performance of slow release polymer coated fertilizers to maximize crop yields while reducing total nitrogen application per crop

RUP CEU and CCA credit will be provided.