Powdery Mildew Observed in North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew disease has been observed in North Florida watermelons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the disease’s presence in an email this week, though most fields have not yet shown signs of the disease. “The disease is in its initial stages …

UF/IFAS Researchers Work to Make Beer Hops a Viable Florida Crop

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Hops

Although plenty of Florida’s craft brewers advertise their libations as brewed with state-grown ingredients, a vital ingredient – hops – is not readily available within the Sunshine State. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study currently underway, however, may help pave the way for a robust crop of Florida-grown hops. UF/IFAS researchers believe they have …

Shaping Up: North Florida Melon Harvests Less Than Two Weeks Away

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are less than two weeks away from harvesting this year’s crop. For some growers, it may be even sooner than that, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There’s lots of volleyball size watermelons out there. The crop is …

Mango Season Taking Shape: UF/IFAS Experts Offer Views

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Mangos

The 2023 mango season erupted with an abundance of fruit last year. Will that be the case for 2024? What can researchers tell mango devotees as the early signs of fruiting begin to show? It is a busy time for two experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in Homestead, as they begin to …

May 9 Workshop to Explore Opportunities for Tropical Fruit Production in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Tropical Fruit

What conditions are ideal for farmers to successfully grow tropical fruit in different regions of Florida? Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say this question is at the root of concern for them as they communicate with new and potential growers who are not aware of a bigger problem at stake. Way too …

Florida Blueberry Producer Discusses Season

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood would not classify this year as a bumper crop. But it was not a bad crop, either. It was somewhere in the middle. The Mount Dora, Florida, producer discussed this season as harvests continue to wind down across the state. “I always tell people it’s a five-year average. You’ve got good years, …

florida

Update on Florida Ag Legislation and Budget Presented

Dan CooperFlorida, Legislative

By Maegan Beatty In mid-April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted the 9th annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The conference examines critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provides economic insights. Participants heard from policymakers, key stakeholders and expert researchers on the farm …

Not Again: Fusarium Wilt a Recurring Concern for Florida Watermelon Producers

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease is once again rearing its ugly head in Florida watermelons this year, according to one University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher. Nick Dufault, a plant pathologist with the UF/IFAS, noted in a blog that while little can be done now to manage the disease, it is still vital for …

Attention Watermelon Producers: Be Alert for Increased Rindworm Feedings

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Rindworm activity has yet to be reported in North Florida’s watermelon crop. But increased feedings are expected in the upcoming weeks, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth reported in his weekly email on Sunday that growers should continue to scout for …

Added Benefit: Florida Blackberries May Become More Nutritious in the Future

Clint ThompsonBlackberries, Florida

Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy now, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. UF/IFAS scientists are trying to breed and grow blackberries, which ripen in April, May and June in the Sunshine State. In a new study, scientists found …