Storm Damage to Fruit and Nut Trees

Storm Damage to Fruit and Nut Trees

Hurricane Idalia hit the Big Bend of Florida last week causing damage to a variety of crops.  While some areas may have been devastated by flooding, fruit and nut trees were mainly affected by heavy winds.  Usually, younger trees are more susceptible to being blown...
Diaprepes Root Weevil Expands its Spread in the Panhandle

Diaprepes Root Weevil Expands its Spread in the Panhandle

Matt Lollar, UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa, and Dr. Xavier Martini, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy The diaprepes root weevil (aka the Apopka weevil) is expanding its spread in North Florida and is now in Bay County.  The weevil has...
Alternative Crops – Florida Olive Production

Alternative Crops – Florida Olive Production

The weather in Florida doesn’t resemble that of the Mediterranean.  Our hot and humid climate is unpredictable.  One day we might be dry and in the 70s.  The next we might be hot and humid with afternoon showers.  Of all things I could think of growing, olives...
Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) – A Crop for the Back Forty

Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) – A Crop for the Back Forty

Thanksgiving is next week, Christmas is next month, and spring is just around the corner.  A mostly forgotten crop that can be planted in early spring is the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.), also known as a sunchoke and not to be confused with a globe...