Cover crops may increase sustainability of carambola groves. (ASA) — It’s not just oranges that grow in Florida. Carambola, or star fruit as most in the United States call it, is gaining popularity. One researcher from Florida International University is researching how cover crops can help the sustainability of star fruit farms. “Tropical fruit production has become a prominent practice …
BMPs Discussion Attracts Growers
By Ernie Neff A Dec. 16 discussion of local agricultural issues with a focus on best management practices (BMPs) attracted more than 50 attendees to Immokalee. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center hosted the event. Professor and center director Kelly Morgan summarizes the discussions, which he says included “some …
Scientists Developing Recipe for Growing Vanilla in South Florida
(UF/IFAS) — A tablespoon of vanilla goes a long way. As a key spice in baking, the intoxicating aromatic bean that reminds folks of delicious holiday desserts has a variety of uses throughout the year. As a bean, it is used to flavor foods and products from cakes to candles. As an extract, it is a basic ingredient in flavoring …
Production Practices for Higher Quality Cabbage
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) Hastings Agricultural Extension Center are studying ways to grow the best quality cabbage. Although research on higher quality cabbage is relatively new at the center, experts are working to establish facts. Lincoln Zotarelli, an associate professor in the UF Horticultural Sciences Department, discussed updates on cabbage research at the recent …
UF Scientists Join Multistate Blueberry Breeding Grant
(UF/IFAS) — A plant breeder and a food scientist, both with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), will join a $12.8 million, multistate research grant to broaden the nation’s blueberry breeding capabilities. For the project, Patricio Muñoz, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences and Charlie Sims, a UF/IFAS professor of food science and human …
Finger Limes for the Specialty Produce Market
By Manjul Dutt, Edward “Gilly” Evans, Jude Grosser and Aditya Singh Finger limes are 2- to 4-inch, finger-shaped, cylindrical fruits belonging to the citrus family. They taste like limes but are generally less sour. Finger limes are native to the Australian rainforests. The trees are found growing wild in the coastal regions of western Australia and have been used for …
Cole Crop Field Day Looks at New Crops on the Horizon
Researchers from the University of Florida Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (UF HAEC) gave growers updates on cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and more at the annual Cole Crop Field Day held at the center’s research farm. Cole crops continue to be a cornerstone crop of the Tri-County Agricultural Area. Gary England, director of the UF HAEC, summarized a few of the …
Florida Agri-Women Tour Agricultural Operations
(AgPR) — Women around the state who work in agriculture came together Dec. 5 for Florida Agri-Women’s first farm tour. The initiative aimed to provide education on agricultural issues while visiting farm operations. The goal of Florida Agri-Women (FAW) is to work together as a collective voice to promote the industry and keep the future of Florida agriculture sustainable. The …
Update on Romaine Lettuce E. coli Outbreaks and Investigation
Illnesses subsiding, FDA continues to aggressively investigate source and route of contamination to prevent future outbreaks (FDA) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is providing an update on its investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. The FDA takes its responsibility of protecting the public from unsafe food very seriously and is committed to providing …
UF Blueberry Breeding Program Updates
By Karla Arboleda The University of Florida (UF) Blueberry Breeding and Genomics Lab recently released a new cultivar and is aiming to improve harvesting technology. Blueberry breeders look for the best quality traits in the small fruit, including yield and taste. Patricio Muñoz, an assistant professor and blueberry breeder at UF, discussed updates from the breeding program. COLOSSUS CULTIVAR “In …