When farmers are fighting a disease that is attacking their crop, time is of the essence.
Farmers may have more success growing peanuts if they don't continuously plant in the same field, according to Scott Tubbs, University of Georgia Tifton campus's research cropping system agronomist for peanuts.
University of Georgia entomologists advise farmers to kill crops capable of hosting whiteflies after the crop is harvested a final time. Crops left in the field could continue to serve as hosts.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension's newest plant pathologist will focus on improved control of plant-parasitic nematodes, the microscopic, worm-like pests that primarily feed on the roots of Georgia's vegetable crops.
Jonathan Oliver's study of blueberries and his homegrown knowledge of citrus makes the Palatka, Florida, native a valuable addition to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
June's rainfall increased the potential for diseases to strike south Georgia watermelon fields, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts.
In addition to root-knot nematodes and target spot disease, Georgia cotton farmers should be prepared to fight bacterial blight, said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait.