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67 publications were found on Commercial-Fruit
  • 2020 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates (AP 102-13) 2020 plant disease losses in Georgia, including control costs, amounted to an estimated $806 million. The value of the crops used in this estimate was approximately $6.712 billion, resulting in a 12.01% relative disease loss across all crops included in this summary. The estimated values for most crops used to compute these disease losses are summarized in the 2020 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report (…
  • 2021 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates (AP 102-14) 2021 plant disease losses, including control costs, amounted to an estimated $889 million. The value of the crops used in this estimate was approximately $7690 million, resulting in a 11.6% relative disease loss across all crops included in this summary. For most crops, the estimated values used to compute these disease losses are summarized in the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Developmen…
  • 2021 Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 123-1) 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.
  • 2021 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 121-1) The 2021 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide covers topics such as pesticide stewardship and safety, insect and disease control, pre-transplant and transplant operations, fungicide 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…
  • 2021 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management Guide for Plasticulture Production (AP 119-2) The 2021 edition of this regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for strawberry production 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…
  • 2022 Georgia Plant Disease Loss Estimates (AP 102-15) 2022 plant disease losses, including control costs, amounted to an estimated $933 million. The value of the crops used in this estimate was approximately $8200 million, resulting in a 11.4% relative disease loss across all crops included in this summary. The estimated values for most crops used to compute these disease losses are summarized in the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development…
  • 2022 Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 123-2) The 2022 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 …
  • 2022 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 121-2) The 2022 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide covers topics such as pesticide stewardship and safety, insect and disease control, pre-transplant and transplant operations, fungicide 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…
  • 2022 Southeast Regional Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide (AP 126-1) This new regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for muscadine grape production 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 …
  • 2022 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management Guide For Plasticulture Production (AP 119-3) The 2022 edition of this regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for strawberry production 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…
  • 2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2023 Fruits and Tree Nuts Outlook (AP 130-1-04) 1. The three major U.S. peach-producing states experienced a significant fall in production which cumulatively reduced our 2022 production by 15%. Since it is difficult to predict whether the weather and water shortage that contributed to the decrease in production will persist, chances are that the situation may improve in 2023, but not by much. 2. The significantly high price received by…
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 123-3) The 2023 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 …
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Bunch Grape Integrated Management Guide (AP 131-1) This is a new annual guide for managing diseases, insects, weeds, and wildlife in bunch grapes in the Southeast. This regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations 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 th…
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 121-3) This integrated pest management (IPM) guide for blackberry and raspberry production includes management of diseases, insects, and weeds through IPM principles. The 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide covers topics such as pesticide stewardship and safety, insect and disease control, pre-transplant and transplant operations, fungicide and insecticide efficacy comparisons a…
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide (AP 126-2) This 2023 update to the regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for muscadine grape production 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,…
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Organic Blueberry Pest Management Guide (AP 125-3) This publication provides updated (2023) 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 t…
  • 2023 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management Guide Focused on Plasticulture Production (AP 119-4) The 2023 edition of this regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for strawberry plasticulture production 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 pestic…
  • 2024 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: 2024 Fruits and Tree Nuts Outlook (AP 130-2-10) 1. High prices for peach producers helped a strong producer price index in the 2022–2023 crop season. The PPI is expected to stay strong in 2024. 2. Favorable prices came from production shortages, caused by bad weather in Q1 of 2023 that devasted the Georgia and South Carolina peach industries. 3. Citrus experienced the lowest production recorded in 50 years, and growers now prefer fresh market c…
  • 2024 Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 123-4) The 2024 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 …
  • 2024 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide (AP 121-4) This integrated pest management (IPM) guide for blackberry and raspberry production includes management of diseases, insects, and weeds through IPM principles. The 2024 Southeast Regional Caneberry Integrated Management Guide covers topics such as pesticide stewardship and safety, insect and disease control, pre-transplant and transplant operations, fungicides and insecticide efficacy comparisons …
  • 2024 Southeast Regional Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide (AP 126-3) This 2024 update to the regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for muscadine grape production 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,…
  • 2024 Southeast Regional Strawberry Integrated Pest Management Guide Focused on Plasticulture Production (AP 119-5) The 2024 edition of this regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations for strawberry plasticulture production 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 pestic…
  • A preliminary comparison between manual and mechanical pruning the muscadine juice cultivar 'Carlos' (B 1536) Results from this study are preliminary, as only 2 years of data have been collected. Research over longer periods of time will be more revealing about how mechanical pruning will impact the perennial crop yield and health of the vineyard. Mechanical pruning is an option for dormant pruning ‘Carlos’ in situations where labor is unreliable and/or there is a low labor-to-acreage ratio which preclude…
  • Athena: A New Training System for Bunch Wine Grapes (B 1527) The Athena bunch wine grape training system was developed by the University of Georgia to increase crop yield in modest-yielding cultivars. The Athena is a divided-canopy system retrofit to the industry standard single-canopy trellising system with vertical shoot positioning. Athena training involves laying four canes and dividing the canopy through a series of cross arms fastened to the vineyard …
  • Blackberry Harvesting and Postharvest Handling (C 1282) This circular covers basic postharvest harvesting, handling and cold storage principles for fresh-market blackberries to ensure the highest possible shelf-life and quality while minimizing postharvest losses. Blackberries are harvested in Georgia from mid-May to August. Most varieties grown in Georgia were developed by the University of Arkansas breeding program. The blackberry varieties cultivate…
  • Blanc du Bois (C 1274) ‘Blanc du Bois’ has made a significant contribution to wine production in southeastern regions where Pierce’s disease is prevalent. Though possessing resistance or tolerance to Pierce’s disease, Phylloxera, and powdery mildew, this cultivar is not without fault, and it does require an intensive integrated pest management (IPM) program. We cover here the major issues observed with this cultivar.
  • Blueberry Fruit Set, Development and Ripening (C 1294) This publication will inform growers about the factors that can affect blueberry fruit set, development, and ripening. As weather patterns are shifting, it is important to keep in mind that environmental factors influence plants’ physiological and developmental processes and understand how that translates into fruit quality each harvest season.
  • Blueberry Harvesting and Postharvest Handling (C 1269) This circular covers basic postharvest harvesting, handling and cold storage principles for fresh-market blueberries to ensure the highest possible shelf-life and quality while minimizing postharvest losses. Blueberries are harvested in Georgia from late April to late June. Southern highbush varieties are harvested early in the season while rabbiteyes ripen toward the end of the season. It is impo…
  • Blueberry Pre-Establishment (C 1267) This publication covers the considerations producers need to have in mind when choosing a site to plant blueberry. It describes the soil characteristics that are needed to grow and produce blueberry, how to identify good soil, soil drainage, and how prior crops could affect blueberry productivity.
  • Blueberry Production (C 1278) This publication covers a brief history of the development of blueberries, plus general production requirements such as varieties, chill hours, soil considerations, etc. The southern highbush blueberry is a hybrid that requires fewer chill units compared to northern highbush types, allowing the state of Florida, southern areas, and Georgia to produce fruits in the U.S. market during March, April, …
  • Cantaloupe and Specialty Melons (B 1179) This publication was compiled to meet the needs of the growing cantaloupe industry in Georgia. Its 10 chapters represent the latest information available on successful cantaloupe and specialty melon production.
  • Chilli Thrips: Biology and Management in the Nursery (C 1210) Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, is an invasive thrips species in the U.S. Currently, chilli thrips infest more than 150 crops worldwide, including strawberries, cotton, tea, citrus, and peppers, as well as many ornamental plants. The pest has become increasingly problematic in nurseries because of its wide host range, small size, and rapid reproduction and development. Chilli thrips quickly …
  • Commercial Blueberry Inventory and Prospectus, Georgia, 2002 (RR 693) Both rabbiteye and highbush blueberries are produced in Georgia. The plants can produce a commercially viable crop for years. The long-term nature of the investment in the blueberry orchard calls for periodic updates on the situation of the blueberry industry. Information about the location of plants, varieties, plant age, and the use of cultural practices are important in decisions to alloc…
  • Commercial Freeze Protection for Fruits and Vegetables (B 1479) Freeze protection efforts should be based on the type of freeze, temperature, and wind speed that is impacting your crop. To apply frost protection, consider your crop value, the freeze protection capacity of your system, and the crop's susceptibility to injury at each growth stage.
  • Commercial Watermelon Production (B 996) Watermelon is a warm-season crop related to cantaloupe, squash, cucumber and pumpkin. Watermelons can be grown on any well-drained soil throughout Georgia but are particularly well adapted to the Coastal Plain soils of South Georgia. Watermelons will continue to be an important part of vegetable production in the state. Increases in average yield per acre will continue as more growers adopt plasti…
  • Consumer Demand for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in the U.S. (1960-1993) (RB 431) Price and expenditure elasticities at the retail level between 1960 and 1993 were estimated for 11 fresh fruits and 10 fresh vegetables by employing a composite demand system approach and using annual data. Most fresh fruits and vegetables were found to respond significantly to changes in their own prices but insignificantly to changes in expenditures. The study partially incorporated the interdep…
  • Evaluating Fruit Quality of Citrus Varieties in Georgia, 2020-21 (AP 127-1) The commercial citrus industry in Georgia has only recently been established, with most groves planted after 2014. Initially, satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu) on trifoliate rootstocks (Poncirus trifoliata) were planted for their cold-hardiness, seedlessness, and ease of peeling. Satsuma fruits begin to attain commercial maturity in early November and usually avoid hard freezes in southern Georgia…
  • Evaluating Fruit Quality of Citrus Varieties in Georgia, 2021 (C 1275) The commercial citrus industry in Georgia has only recently been established, with most groves planted after 2014. Initially, satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu) on trifoliate rootstocks (Poncirus trifoliata) were planted for their cold-hardiness, seedlessness, and ease of peeling. Satsuma fruits begin to attain commercial maturity in early November and usually avoid hard freezes in southern Georgia…
  • Evaluating Fruit Quality of Citrus Varieties in Georgia, 2021-22 (AP 127-2) Note: This publication contains data from an average of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 orange harvest seasons (exceptions noted in the chart). The commercial citrus industry in Georgia has only recently been established, with most groves planted after 2014. As of 2022, approximately 75% of the 3,300 acres of citrus planted in Georgia are satsumas, but that proportion is trending downward. To strengthen t…
  • Factors that Influence Cold Hardiness of Citrus (C 1307) One of the most common questions regarding citrus is how much cold weather they can withstand before they are killed. Most citrus growers are looking for a specific low temperature, but there is no simple answer to this question because there are so many factors involved in citrus cold hardiness. This publication details research and information on the relative cold hardiness of different citrus v…
  • Flatheaded appletree borer: A pest of trees in nurseries and landscapes (C 1261) The flatheaded appletree borer is a polyphagous pest—so called because it feeds on multiple tree species—native throughout North America. Flatheaded appletree borers impact specialty crops such as fruit, nut, and ornamental trees. Nursery growers in Georgia face mild to moderate levels of infestation depending on the local beetle population size and favorable environmental conditions. Adult flathe…
  • Georgia Grown Pomegranates: A Source of Powerful Phytonutrients (B 1548) Pomegranate is an emerging crop that has been experiencing a significant expansion in Georgia. Pomegranates are excellent sources of sugars, soluble fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, including polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity. Because of their nutritional content, pomegranates are considered functional foods (foods that provide health benefits in addition to basic nutriti…
  • Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Fruit and Nuts (SB 28-19) Commercial insect and weed control in fruits and nuts. Updated annually.
  • How to Generate Income on 20 Acres or Less (B 1551) The idea of producing your own food in a clean, controlled environment is very appealing. While dreams may be big, careful research and planning should be done prior to jumping into any farm venture. Important items such as desire, capital, feasibility, labor, demographics, and marketing all need to be considered.
  • Maintaining Commercial Citrus in Georgia (B 1520) Dooryard citrus has been grown in Georgia for decades, but growing citrus commercially is new to Georgia growers. This publication addresses problem prevention, maintenance, insects, diseases, and some physiological issues of concern in Georgia. The time of year to address maintenance, insects, disease, and physiological issues is projected. Many of the production practices in Georgia are similar …
  • Management Recommendations for Spotted Wing Drosophila in Organic Berry Crops (B 1497)
  • Managing Fruit and Vegetable Waste (C 988) The production, harvest, sorting and packing of fruits and vegetables produces close to a billion pounds of produce annually. These processes also result in material that is rotten, has bad spots, or is removed from packing lines. Properly dealing with discarded products can reduce the potential for environmental pollution while also protecting the individual who is responsible for the discarded m…
  • Minor Fruits and Nuts in Georgia (B 992) Many types of fruits and nuts can be grown in Georgia due to our mild climate. This publication provides an outline of the culture and management of the exotic and uncommon fruits and nuts that can be grown in Georgia.
  • Muscadine Grape Management (C 1303) This phenology-based muscadine grape management poster provides a reference for sound viticultural, disease, and insect management practices in a digestible format. Produced in cooperation with University of Tennessee, North Carolina State University, University of Arkansas, and Auburn University. A publication of the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
  • Natural Enemies of Pests in the Southeast Blueberry Systems of Georgia (B 1562) Blueberries are becoming the state fruit of Georgia with considerable acreage planted. Blueberries have many pest challenges and a current invasive pest challenge from spotted wing drosophilia (SWD). While efforts are underway to release new biocontrol agents for SWD, we still know little about the natural enemies in blueberry systems. Here we provide an overview of common natural enemies and cons…
  • Orchard Sprayers (B 979) This publication contains comprehensive information about air blast and weed control sprayers for orchards.
  • Peaches: Appropriate Harvest and Postharvest Handling (B 1555) This publication deals with appropriate maturity indices and postharvest handling for fresh-market peaches to educate producers, pickers, packers, and shippers about how to reduce peach postharvest losses and prevent quality deterioration, recalls, and subsequent loss of value during the production and trade of peaches in the region.
  • Phony Peach Disease (C 1253) This fact sheet covers phony peach disease: History, symptoms, disease cycle, and management.
  • Pomegranate Production (C 997) Pomegranates have been grown as a common backyard crop for decades in the South. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the commercial production of the fruit in Georgia and surrounding regions. This production increase is largely in response to increased demand for the fruit by the consumer. The fruit is being used in many consumer products, including tea and juice blends, nut m…
  • Propagating Deciduous Fruit Plants Common to Georgia (B 818) Deciduous fruit plants common to Georgia must be propagated asexually because they do not come true to seed. This makes it necessary to reproduce the desired fruit plants by methods such as cuttings, runners, layering, budding or grafting. This publication discusses the common techniques used to asexually propagate fruit plants adapted to Georgia.
  • Recognizing Flower and Vegetative Buds in Blueberries: Blueberry Phenology (C 1293) Phenology refers to the sequential developmental stages, also called growth stages, that may occur in perennial plants every season. The growth stages of blueberry plants are affected by temperature, light intensity, and light duration (photoperiod). Erratic weather can impact the plant’s developmental phases. The different types of cultivated blueberries—northern highbush, southern highbush, lowb…
  • Small Fruit Video Series Series: Cross-Contamination (C 1300-02) Cross-contamination, resulting in foodborne pathogen contamination of small fruits, can occur at any point throughout production and post-harvest handling. This video discusses techniques and best practices for growers and packers to ensure the production of safe, high-quality small fruits. This video was produced in collaboration with the Auburn Department of Horticulture.
  • Small Fruit Video Series Series: Foodborne Illnesses (C 1300-01) Foodborne illnesses sicken approximately 48 million Americans a year and result in significant financial losses for the food industry. Outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to consumption of small fruit products, but growers and packers can take precautions to reduce food safety risks on their operations. This video discusses what foodborne illnesses are, what causes them, and basic step…
  • Small Market Fruit and Vegetable Farming (C 1251) This publication covers some of the basic information about what you may need and key considerations when developing a small fruit and vegetable farm.
  • Southeastern Peach, Nectarine, and Plum Pest Management and Culture Guide (B 1171) This guide covers multiple states and production areas. Pest problems vary across the Southeast. Pesticide rates are a guideline. Exceptions are noted for specific locations and pests, but this guide does not list every exception. Listed pesticides may not be registered for the uses recommended here in all states. This guide is to be used only by commercial growers. Observe all label precautions…
  • Southern Highbush Blueberry Marketing and Economics (B 1413) To be more competitive, Georgia blueberry producers have to increase their yields to match or better the average U.S. values. This increase can occur through an improvement of the agricultural practices and a better mastery of blueberry cultivation. This publication contains information to help Southern Highbush blueberry growers in Georgia maximize their profits.
  • Spanish Series: Cosecha y Manejo Postcosecha de Arándanos (C 1269-SP) Autora adicional: Natalia Espinoza, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Esta circular cubre los principios básicos de cosecha, manipulación y almacenamiento en frío poscosecha de arándanos para el mercado fresco para garantizar la mayor vida útil y calidad posibles y, al mismo tiempo, minimizar las pérdidas poscosecha. Los arándanos se cosechan en Georgia desde finales de abril hasta finales de …
  • Spanish Series: Los Arándanos y Su Producción (C 1278-SP) El arándano alto del sur, es un híbrido que requiere pocas horas de frio—una aproximación de cuantas horas la planta requiere estar expuesta a temperaturas de entre 32 a 45 °F para romper la dormancia y empezar iniciación floral—comparado con el arándano alto del norte. Por lo que permite al estado de Florida y áreas del Sur de Georgia posicionarse en el mercado estadounidense en los meses de Marz…
  • Spanish Series: Pre-Establecimiento de Arándanos (C 1267-SP) Autora adicional: Natalia Espinoza, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Esta publicación cubre las consideraciones que los productores deben tener en cuenta al elegir un sitio para plantar arándanos. Describe las características del suelo que se necesitan para cultivar y producir arándanos, cómo identificar un buen suelo, su drenaje y cómo cultivos anteriores podrían afectar la productividad de …
  • Strawberry Maturity Indices and Quality (C 1308) In this video, you will learn how to judge the optimum maturity of strawberries for harvest and how to identify the main quality attributes that are important for maximum postharvest shelf life.
  • Watson Training System for Bunch Wine Grapes (B 1522) There are two main trellising system categories: divided and single canopy. Jerry Watson, a grape grower and owner of Austin County Vineyards in Cat Spring, Texas, developed the divided canopy “Watson System” in 2002 to solve some issues he was having with bunch rot management and harvest inefficiency in his ‘Blanc Du Bois’ and ‘Lenoir’ vineyards. By adding a series of cross arms and catch wires t…
  • Weights and Processed Yields of Fruits and Vegetables (C 780) Marketing fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, roadside markets, and pick-your-own farms is an important and growing method of marketing. However, many of the containers used are not practical for consumers.