Crop Management

National Plant Diagnostic Network: Plant health at a crossroads, the economic imperative of fully funding NPDN

The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is a crucial bastion in the defense of the United States’ agricultural and natural ecosystems, ensuring the health of a sector that contributes over $1 trillion to the U.S.... more »

Talking tech: New app innovations aid growers

Farming has forever been changed by technology, with new innovations helping growers of fruit, vegetables and tree nuts improve things such as pest management, disease monitoring and data collecting. One of the biggest help to... more »

USDA expands insurance options for specialty, organic growers

Apples, pears, prunes and other fruits and vegetables are to benefit from changes in USDA's crop insurance options. The USDA is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers starting with the 2025 crop... more »

FIRA preview: Tree fruit tech options abound at ag robotics conference

The third iteration of the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics, known as FIRA-USA, plans to offer growers of tree fruit, grapes, berries, vegetables and nuts a view of the state of specialty crop robotics and... more »

California melon growers prepare for July 4 demand

California watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews and mixed melons will arrive in grocery stores in time for the Independence Day holiday, an important marketing window melon growers and shippers strive to meet each season. “It is critical... more »

Great Bear Vineyards’ biologicals focus

As the owner of Great Bear Vineyards, which will complete transitioning all grapes to organic production this year, Marcus Meadows-Smith relies on biological products to help control disease and pests. He’s not just a user... more »

FieldWatch partners with Georgia ag dept. on pesticide safety

A partnership between Georgia and a nonprofit mapping operation is designed to promote safe pesticide handling. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is partnering with FieldWatch to introduce new technology aimed at promoting safe pesticide... more »

Invasive spotted lanternfly confirmed in Michigan

The invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in a Michigan county. Michigan officials have confirmed the state’s second detection of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Monroe County. SLF is a destructive pest that feeds... more »