In Focus: Bart Hoopingarner
March 17, 2011 
Hoopingarner: Until we discover a true replacement for methyl bromide, the use of herbicides, both pre- and post-emergent, will be necessary to sustain Florida agriculture crop production. Florida is conducive to producing weeds on a never-ending basis. As methyl bromide is phased out, I believe, in many cases, it will be virtually impossible to produce a crop without the use of herbicides.
2. In Florida, how well prepared are growers for the phase out of methyl bromide?
Hoopingarner: We are prepared as well as can be expected. Florida growers face complex situations on a daily basis and are successful due to their creativity and resiliency. Through the efforts of the University of Florida ag research programs, FFVA, FDACS, USDA, pesticide manufacturing and distribution companies, along with private research, Florida growers continue experimenting with a plethora of unique techniques to win this battle.
3. What pests have become particularly troublesome to your growers in recent years?
Hoopingarner: Florida has always been a ‘melting pot’ for new pests and invasive exotic species. The move away from methyl bromide is creating extreme nutsedge and weed pressure, not to mention an increasing threat of soil pathogens and nematodes. The tomato yellow leaf curl virus vectored by the silverleaf whitefly can destroy an entire tomato crop. There is no known chemical or biological control for diseases like watermelon vine decline and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder, which can decimate a crop within a week. In vegetables, there are discoveries of new strains of downy mildew, a rise in stinkbug populations, and pesticide resistant thrips and whitefly species. A recent discovery of the ambrosia beetle could potentially devastate our avocado industry. As we continue battling citrus bacterial canker and HLB, our citrus industry recently discovered citrus black spot. Not to mention, glyphosate-resistant pigweed is working its way down from Georgia.
4. What is the best advice you can give to growers to ensure they get the most out of their chemical applications?
Hoopingarner: Take the time to clean and calibrate spray equipment to ensure proper volume is applied. Thoroughly read and understand the product label before using any product. It is crucial to alternate applications of chemicals within the same pesticide group to avoid pest resistance. It also is important to use no less than the minimum labeled rate to avoid pest resistance and sub-par performance. Although very difficult to manage, timing is the key to successful chemical performance. Make chemical applications of any type once economic threshold levels have been reached. If in doubt, call for help. Florida is blessed in having an abundant supply of highly qualified agronomists, crop consultants, researchers, and university professors and Extension agents at their service.