North Florida Watermelon Update: Increased Acres Likely in 2024

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Watermelon acreage is expected to increase next spring in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida. A successful 2023 season has prompted producers to consider increasing their crop when planting begins in February. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, spoke at the Suwanee …

Attention Florida Blueberry Growers: What to Remember During Freezing Weather

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts caution Florida blueberry growers about the potential for low temperatures this time of year and what management options they need to be concerned with. Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, emphasizes the importance of eyeing weather forecasts every …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations on Rise in Areas

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly infestations are increasing in some areas across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Crop scouts in southwest Florida have observed whitefly numbers are up again following rainfall, as levels are moderate overall. Whitefly migrations have been reported from mature fields into younger fields in certain areas. Pressure is increasing from low to moderate levels …

On the Cusp of Another Season: Watermelon Institute Meeting Provides Timely Information

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s sweet and highly productive watermelon crop was the topic of conversation at the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Thursday, Nov. 30. Producers and industry leaders across the Suwanee Valley Region met to discuss production in a crop that thrived in quality and quantity this past season. Mark Warren, University of Florida …

Cucurbit Downy Mildew on Rise in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Cucurbit downy mildew is on the rise in parts of Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Gary Vallad, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center plant pathologist, and Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Extension agent, are reporting increased infestations in cucumber and squash fields in central Florida. They have gone …

New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way for Fall Blueberries in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Fall is not normally when you would find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store. But that may change, thanks to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. This comes as good news for consumers and growers, who could expand their market window by several months. The fruit normally grows and is harvested from February through May …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Tomato Viruses on the Rise

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Tomato viruses are on the rise across the southern Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) is up to 100% in the earliest plantings across central Florida. In Southwest Florida, some locations are reporting up to 5% of TYLCV. Along the east coast, reports of a rare plant with …

UF/IFAS Food Safety Expert Provides Scoop on Holiday Leftovers

Clint ThompsonFlorida

When it comes to holiday planning, the last item on anyone’s list is a bout with food poisoning. “Most people are lulled into a false sense of security because foodborne illnesses are rare,” said Keith Schneider, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food safety expert in the UF/IFAS food science and human nutrition department. “You …

It’s a First: Scientists Find Ethyl Vanillin in UF/IFAS-Bred Strawberry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers have found ethyl vanillin — an aroma compound in many artificial vanilla-flavored food products — in a UF/IFAS-bred strawberry. This is a key finding for the food and beverage industry and for the UF/IFAS strawberry breeding program. Vanilla beans contain the character-impact compound vanillin, which imparts vanilla flavor. Ethyl …

Enjoy Florida-Grown Foods At Thanksgiving

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

When you’re giving thanks this Thanksgiving, consider that much of your food grew in the Sunshine State, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts. Those edibles include corn, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes. Like many of us, Nelly Nelson, family and consumer sciences agent for UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, said she and her …