By Clint Thompson The December issue of VSCNews Magazine highlights the Florida Ag Expo, which was held on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Various topics like artificial intelligence, best management practices, disease and pest management tips, field tours and a trade show …
Florida, Georgia Remain Top Users of H-2A Program
Florida and Georgia remained the top two users of the H-2A program, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of Sept. 30, 2021. For the fiscal year (FY) 2021, the number of certified positions for Florida numbered 44,706, or 14.1% of the total certified in FY 2021. Georgia was second with 35,205 positions or 11.1%. The other top states …
Current Dry Conditions for Parts of SE a Concern During La Nina Winter
By Clint Thompson The current dry conditions felt in some areas across the Southeast could be a prelude to a long dry winter for vegetable and specialty crop farmers. That would not be good news for next growing season, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “What it does mean is that we have to start thinking about …
Federal Funding: UF Citrus Faculty Secure Resources in Fight Against Citrus Greening
LAKE ALFRED, Fla — Three USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program grants totaling more than $2.2 million will help University of Florida citrus researchers in their fight against citrus greening disease. In addition, UF/IFAS researchers are serving in leadership roles in two other multi-million-dollar grants awarded to other research institutions across …
Jackson Grapefruit Research a Unique Approach to Managing HLB
By Clint Thompson Jackson grapefruit research trials are under the microscope at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Education and Research Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. Scientists like Arnold Schumann are studying the HLB (Huanglongbing)-tolerant rootstock in hopes of providing growers an effective option to counter the ongoing issue of citrus greening. One unique …
Artificial Intelligence for Breeding Better Crops
By Tong Geon Lee Crop breeding has a long history of integrating the latest innovations in biology, genetics and mathematics to enhance yield and agronomic traits having commercial value. As artificial intelligence (AI) has slowly become integrated into agriculture, breeders and geneticists imagine an agricultural revolution with computer science techniques. As scientists become increasingly familiar with AI, there has been …
Strawberry Breeder: Positive Outlook for Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The many challenges facing Florida’s strawberry industry does not dampen the optimism held by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) breeder Vance Whitaker. He shares a positive outlook, even amid rising costs, increased trade and a persistent new disease. The quality of the state’s crop is a big reason why. “I think we’re …
Scouting Report: Asian Bean Thrips Update
According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the highest populations of Asian bean thrips (ABT) were detected this week by scouts in western Hendry County and on the Lee/Collier county line. Many thrips larvae were seen, which suggests that populations may be increasing. On the Lee/Collier line, an isolated infestation was reported where ABT adults …
Safe Eating During Thanksgiving: Keep Foods Free from Foodborne Illness
WASHINGTON — Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving this week with family and friends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds everyone that it is important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illnesses this Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to remind people about food safety,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I personally know how much effort it …
Citrus Greening Detected in Leon County, Florida
Citrus greening disease has been detected in a backyard in Tallahassee, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommended to the homeowner to have the tree removed. It’s the first occurrence in Leon County, according to Xavier Martini, UF/IFAS assistant professor at the North Florida Research and Education Center. According to the UF/IFAS, citrus greening or …