Disease Control
Researchers attack emerging threat to watermelon, cucumber production
Growers of cucurbits — which include melons, pumpkin, squash and cucumbers — face numerous challenges in production, leading to decreased profitability and less produce on grocery shelves. Weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are prominent... more »
Biotic vs. abiotic: Diagnosing plant damage
When growers think of plant diseases, they usually consider those that are caused by living organisms like fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. These diseases are termed “biotic” and are infectious, meaning that under the right... more »
Safeguard and treat pumpkin, squash for powdery mildew
Pumpkin and squash are prominent members of the cucurbit family, along with melon, zucchini and cucumber. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, nearly 130,000 acres of pumpkin and squash crops were planted nationally, predominantly... more »
USDA extends specialty crop grants deadline
The USDA has extended the deadline for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program Request for Applications (RFA). The Specialty Crop Multi-State Program RFAs must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. by Jan. 31, 2024. Applications received after this... more »
Peter Koppert, biological crop protection pioneer, dies
Peter Koppert, a pioneer in biological crop protection and natural pollination, has died. Koppert, founder of Koppert Biological Systems BV in the Netherlands, was 73. Up until only a couple of weeks before his June... more »
Leon Panetta to speak at Salinas Biological Summit
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will deliver the keynote address on food security and innovation at the Salinas Biological Summit. Panetta, chairman of the Panetta Institute of Public Policy, is scheduled to speak on the... more »
Steam, chemicals offer weed and pathogen control options
Researchers are examining how growers can control weeds and soilborne pathogens through steam and alternative chemicals. A session during the March 7-10 North American Strawberry Symposium in San Luis Obispo, California, examined research into weed... more »
UF researchers develop target spot resistant tomatoes
University of Florida researchers may have found the key to developing tomatoes that can resist the catastrophic target spot of tomato disease. Although it has been around for 50 years, target spot of tomato has... more »
Nichino America announces management appointments
Nichino America Inc., which specializes in crop protection products for the specialty crop industry, has announced new appointments to the company. The Wilmington, Delaware, company manufactures and sells weed, insect and disease control products, as... more »
Certis Biologicals introduces biofungicide Kocide 50DF
Certis Biologicals has launched Kocide 50DF (copper hydroxide) to combat a variety of fungal plant diseases in specialty crops. Kocide 50DF enters the market with the same proven efficacy that growers have relied upon for generations,... more »
Current Issue
Tech allows growers to ‘eavesdrop’ on insects
Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges
Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader
Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders
Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects
Business: Why do most succession plans fail?
60 years of advocating for agricultural employers
Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal
see all current issue »
