Fruit and Vegetable Production
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This publication provides updated (2025) Southeast-specific information on approved National Organic Program (NOP) disease and pest management options for blueberry production and addresses the issues most commonly encountered under the unique growing conditions of the Southeast U.S. This publication is not intended to provide all details on organic blueberry production, although it does include the production methods that reduce the impact of plant disease and pest issues. Emphasis in an organic system should be on cultural practices that reduce disease and pest pressure rather than pesticide applications. NOP-approved pesticides are usually less efficacious than conventional products. The pesticide label is the law and supersedes any information on pesticide use contained in this guide. Because environmental conditions and grower application methods vary widely, suggested use does not imply that the performance of the pesticide will always conform to the pest control standards indicated by experimental data.
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This publication reports on a strawberry variety trial to help commercial producers choose a variety or varieties best suited to the South Georgia climate while maximizing quality and yield. Based upon the field portion of this study, the highest yielding varieties also had the best storage life: ‘Camino Real’, ‘Strawberry Festival’, and ‘Camarosa’. Fruits were assessed on a variety of parameters, described in detail below.
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The walnut caterpillar is native to North America and is mostly distributed in the eastern part of the United States. The larvae feed on the leaves of the plants such as pecan, walnut, butternut, and other species of hickory. Although it is an occasional insect pest, it feeds voraciously. This publication provides growers with information about its biology, damage symptoms, and management options.
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This integrated pest management (IPM) guide for blackberry and raspberry production includes management of diseases, insects, and weeds through IPM principles. Topics include pesticide stewardship and safety, insect and disease control, pre-transplant and transplant operations, fungicides and insecticide efficacy comparisons, and spray schedules, weed management, wildlife damage, and more. Recommendations are based on information from the manufacturer’s label and performance data from research and Extension field tests. Specific rates and application methods are on the pesticide label, and these are subject to change at any time. Published in cooperation with the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
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Transplanting is the process in which seedlings are transferred from a specific place where they were sown to the soil where they will develop and produce. This process is an extremely important step in fruit and vegetable production as it helps with the initial establishment of the crop. Mechanical transplanters have emerged as important agricultural machines for farmers, and are designed to automate and optimize the transplanting process.
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A soil test is a chemical technique used to determine the status of available nutrients in a soil sample. It is a common method used to predict how soils will react to the addition of lime or fertilizer and calculate how much of each is required for crop production.
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The growth and development of sweet corn is affected by accumulated heat units, measured in growing degree days (GDDs). This publication provides South Georgia sweet corn growers with insights into the relationship between temperature and GDD units and the key growth stages of sweet corn. This will help growers make informed decisions about the timing for planting, management practices, irrigation, and harvesting.
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The 2025 edition of this publication covers integrated pest management information for blueberry producers in the Southeastern U.S. Recommendations are based on information from the manufacturer’s label and performance data from research and Extension field tests. This publication is intended for use only as a guide. Specific rates and application methods are on the pesticide label, and these are subject to change at any time.
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This publication provides current guidance for insect, disease, and weed control in commercial pecan orchards.
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