Growing raspberries, teaching the work ethic According to the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, Whatcom County raspberry farmers set a record harvest of 66.3 million pounds of raspberries in 2011, a 22 percent increase over 2010. The previous record was 61.2 million pounds in 2000. Whatcom County’s raspberry production represented nearly 92 percent of Washington’s total … Read more
Little-known variety produces between freezes Banana enthusiast and researcher Richard Wallace successfully cultivates fast-producing banana plants in the nontropical climate of Southeast Georgia. Using the Viente Cohol variety, which originated in the Philippines, he is able to plant an 18-inch banana plant after the last freeze of spring, and it flowers and produces mature fruit … Read more
The grape phylloxera insect is one of the most destructive in many countries, according to entomologists at The Ohio State University. Its destruction is much like its life cycle – complex – which means surviving on the roots during a given year but living on the leaves during the growing season. 1. Grape phylloxera life … Read more
Mechanical methods essential to industry survival “For us, moving to mechanical harvesting of table olives is not optional. It’s something we have to do, or we’re going to lose the industry,” said Bill Krueger, echoing concerns expressed in other produce industries. Krueger, University of California Cooperative Extension farm adviser, has worked with California tree fruit … Read more
BioSafe Systems would like to inform its customers to some recent label changes with OxiPhos, a systemic bactericide/fungicide, proven to reduce downy mildew spores when tank mixed with ZeroTol 2.0. Effective immediately, ZeroTol 2.0 is now for use as a foliar, soil drench, irrigation or fog applications on greenhouse vegetables and fruits and/or hydroponically-grown food … Read more