By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry breeding remains an integral part of production, not only in the state, but in the country as well. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz emphasizes the impact his program has had on varieties being produced across the country. “In the case of Florida, I believe we have …
UF/IFAS Expert: Prepare for Worst, Hope for Best with Future Hurricanes
By Clint Thompson Hurricane events are almost a guarantee every year for Florida specialty crop producers to contend with. Some years, specifically 2024, are worse than others. Between Debby, Helene and Milton, all of the state’s agricultural areas experienced some impact from the storms. How can Florida farmers be ready in the future to withstand the impacts of strong storms? …
UF/IFAS Research: Controlled-Release Fertilizers Protect Against Early Leaching
By Clint Thompson Controlled-release fertilizers remain an effective and efficient way for North Florida watermelon producers to prevent leaching, specifically during the first few weeks of the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, has researched the system’s effectiveness. He spoke about control-released fertilizers at this …
Field Day Impact: UF/IFAS Empowers Growers with Valuable Insights
Billie Rooney and her husband, Scott, operate a 40-acre farm near Live Oak, Florida, where they grow blueberries, blackberries and sunflowers and raise livestock. Farming is a second career for the Rooneys. So, they had a lot to learn. She and hundreds of other farmers and ranchers across Florida can attest to the importance of lessons learned from any of …
Avocado Research: UF/IFAS Secures $5 Million USDA Grant
Scientists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles responsible for it. The research aims to improve control and mitigation practices for avocado production in …
Have a Safe Thanksgiving: Toss Lukewarm Leftovers, UF/IFAS Food Safety Expert Warns
Tasty treats are expected this Thanksgiving, but don’t let the leftovers linger too long this holiday season. Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that proliferates in food kept at improper temperatures, thrives in high-protein foods of animal origin, including red meat, poultry, pork and gravy, according to an Ask IFAS article. While outbreaks are typically more prevalent in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons …
Final UF/IFAS EIAP Report for Hurricane Helene Expected in 2025
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) estimates agricultural production losses between $40.3 million and $162.2 million for Florida due to Hurricane Helene. It will be a few more months before farmers and industry experts receive a final, more conclusive report, says Christa Court, UF/IFAS EIAP director. “We …
UF/IFAS Receives $1 Million Grant to Explore Automation in Nursery Industry
Imagine a future where nursery growers can effortlessly manage their plants with cutting-edge automation technologies, using potting or weed-spraying robots, instead of having to dig each hole or spray each pot by hand. With the help of a $9.8 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), this vision is becoming a reality. UF/IFAS will use …
UF/IFAS Supports Florida After Hurricanes Helene, Milton
Despite some having their own homes without power or damaged in the wake of Hurricane Helene, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) faculty and staff across North Florida readied themselves as an Incident Command Post was established at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds. “Our Extension agents got to work quickly, helping farmers put up fences, clear debris …
UF/IFAS Scientist Secures $3.5 Million Grant to Study Soil Micro-Predators
Micro-predators like viruses, nematodes, protists and some bacteria are constantly working in the soil to hunt and kill the pathogens that threaten plants. But how they do this “dirty” work is not well understood. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $3.5 million to a University of Florida Institute of Food and …