Persimmon Problems this Fall

Persimmon Problems this Fall

  Japanese persimmons are a real treat in the Fall, and for those who enjoy growing fruit, they are a relatively problem free option.  The tree can reach 30 feet tall, if planted in full sun and well drained soils that receive ample moisture.  The orange-yellow...
Oriental Persimmon: For the Specialty Fruit Market

Oriental Persimmon: For the Specialty Fruit Market

A recent visit to the North Florida Research and Education Center reminded me of the potential of a specialty fruit that is often forgotten about in Northwest Florida, the Oriental persimmon. The Oriental, or Japanese, persimmon (Diospyros kaki) was introduced to the...
Panhandle Fruit & Vegetable Conference Highlights

Panhandle Fruit & Vegetable Conference Highlights

The Panhandle Ag Extension Team hosted the inaugural Panhandle Fruit & Vegetable Conference on Tuesday, October 11.  The conference featured three concurrent session tracks for participants to choose from, a keynote address on whole farm business profitability,...
Arthropod Pests of Strawberries

Arthropod Pests of Strawberries

Evan Anderson, Walton County Agriculture Agent Strawberries are currently in full production, and seeing rows of beautiful berries at a u-pick operation, or flats of flawless fruits in the store makes it easy for the consumer to forget how many pests and diseases...
The Kiwano and Pepino: Crops for the Back Forty

The Kiwano and Pepino: Crops for the Back Forty

The USDA defines specialty crops as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” This definition is very broad and as you will soon find out, some crops are extremely special. Two crops new to me, Kiwano...