Vanilla takes the crown as the second most valuable spice (after saffron) and the world’s most popular flavor among consumers. University of Florida researchers in Homestead are on the verge of developing a domestic vanilla industry, poised to transform agriculture in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for interested small growers and investors. Thanks to nearly $400,000 in grants from …
Hurricane Idalia Recovery: Well Water Safety After Natural Disaster
After Hurricane Idalia, is your well water safe to use? If your private well or septic system is damaged during the storm, your well water may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, make sure you boil or disinfect your water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cleaning wounds or cooking. Boil water for at …
Relay Cropping Efficient Way to Produce Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson An innovative way of producing specialty crops provides Florida growers a more efficient, and potentially, a more sustainable way of farming. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic of relay cropping during his presentation at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Relay …
Growing Lettuce in Non-Traditional Areas of Florida
Each year, U.S. farmers produce enough lettuce to feed everyone in the country. Up to 73% of U.S. lettuce comes from California producers and is distributed nationwide through extensive retail chains. Lettuce grown in Florida accounts for 3% of the national total and has a unique market window during the winter months. Traditionally, Florida lettuce has been grown between October …
Idalia Could Impact Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson The storm known as Idalia will become a hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida this week. That’s not good news for the region’s strawberry growers already preparing for the upcoming season. Producers are already laying plastic with expectations of planting their crop in September. A storm, with potential to reach Category 3 status, could …
Interim Senior Vice President: UF/IFAS Vision is to Become Silicon Valley of Agriculture
By Clint Thompson A legislative success story this year for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will help pave the way for the future of agriculture. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, discussed the financial backing that was provided to support the new artificial intelligence (AI) center at the Gulf Coast Research and …
Sept. 1 Deadline for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Nominations
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association reminds its members that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its next class of inductees. Nominations must be received by Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized 173 inductees since 1980. Their contributions have helped advance the industry moving forward. Inductees are chosen from …
Soil Sampling Timing Critical in Nematode Management
By Clint Thompson Soil sampling can be an integral part of a farmer’s planning for nematode management for the upcoming season. But growers should know when is the proper time to conduct soil samples. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …
Scout, Scout, Scout for Thrips Parvispinus
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the …
Strawberry Growers Can Be More Efficient When Managing Chilli Thrips
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …















