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...
Cedar Apple Rust Has Arrived on Fruit Trees

Cedar Apple Rust Has Arrived on Fruit Trees

This past week has been dry, but we’ve already had an abundance of rain this year.  Wet conditions are conducive to fungal disease.  One disease that is starting to show up is cedar apple rust.   – As you would expect, cedar apple rust is a member of...
Double Cropping Options for a Fall Vegetable Crop

Double Cropping Options for a Fall Vegetable Crop

Fruit and vegetable production on plastic mulch is a substantial investment.  To help justify the high input cost, farmers oftentimes choose to double crop.  This practice can provide a significant amount of additional income for the farm if a good farm management...
Oriental Persimmon – An Alternative Crop for the Back Forty

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...