HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Popularity in papaya prompted University of Florida scientists to conduct a research trial. The results, just published in Scientia Horticulturae, examines 21 different varieties ripe for growing in South Florida for fruit quality, aroma, plant height and yield components. “This research is timely as growers are looking for higher value crops that resonate with consumers,” said Alan …
Hemp Update: UF/IFAS Pilot Project Yields Interesting Results
The University of Florida/IFAS’ two-year Industrial Hemp Pilot Project yielded interesting findings, though further research is needed. Variety trials showed some promising aspects of hemp genetics for grain and flower production in Florida. Key factors impacting genetics that will also determine the crop’s success include planting date, fertility management and pest control. Many varieties exceeded the 0.3% total THC threshold …
Show Director: Growers Excited About Expo’s Return This Year
By Clint Thompson Growers and industry leaders are ready for the return of the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo in August, says Josh McGill, show director. After being held virtually in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual two-day event returns in-person this year. “Not only are we excited but the exhibitors are excited. The sponsors and growers we’ve …
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding: UF/IFAS to Offer Program
By Clint Thompson Students interested in earning a Ph.D. in plant breeding can now turn to the University of Florida/IFAS as their collegiate home. The Florida Board of Governors granted approval to the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to start a Ph.D. Plant Breeding program, which will begin in August. “We certainly have had a long history of …
Final Citrus Forecast Released
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its final citrus production forecast on Monday. The 2020-2021 Florida orange forecast is 52.8 million boxes, edged out by California’s 54.5 million boxes. Texas oranges remained at 1.05 million boxes. Click on citrusindustry.net to see about in-depth forecasts for oranges, grapefruit, lemons and tangerines. The first forecast of the 2021-2022 season will be released …
UF/IFAS Appoints Rechcigl as Director of Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
DAVIE, Fla. – The University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS FLREC) has a new director. Jack Rechcigl was appointed the FLREC director effective July 8. “I am excited to be the new director and look forward to working with the amazing faculty and staff and continue to make this a world-renown research center focusing on …
Cover Crops: Benefit Now and in the Future
By Clint Thompson Most South Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers don’t utilize cover crops during the summer. University of Florida/IFAS research might change that philosophy in the future. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, has a year and a half of research data that point to multiple advantages that cover crops …
Costly Concerns: High Inputs, Freight Costs, Pallet Prices Worry Farmers
By Clint Thompson What had Southeast producers concerned in late spring and early summer has not changed in early July. High input costs, increased freight rates, outrageous pallet prices; all add up to a challenging time to produce vegetable and specialty crops. “We’re very concerned about it. Freight rates haven’t really backed off yet. We don’t know what’s going to …
Weather Update: Wet, Wet, Wet
By Clint Thompson Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor tells farmers something they already knew – it is wet across the Southeast region. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows sufficient moisture in Alabama, Georgia and most of Florida. Only a portion of Miami-Dade County in Florida shows abnormally dry conditions. “They’re not even showing any abnormally dry conditions in Georgia …
Government Subsidies: Mexico’s Advantage Leads to Increased Imports
By Clint Thompson One of the key factors in Southeast producers’ fight against increased imports are subsidies. Growers and industry leaders have said for years that the Mexican government provides subsidies to its producers. Farmers can afford to sell their produce at low prices or literally dump them in the U.S. if they are supported financially. University of Florida Associate …