By Ernie Neff Brian Pearson, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor, discusses diverse research into production practices for the future growth of industrial hemp in Florida. He addresses fertilization, irrigation, pests and the light needs of the plant. Pearson works at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Pearson says there is “a …
Tropical Research and Education Center to Host Open House
(UF/IFAS) — On Dec. 4, the South Florida community has an opportunity to engage in innovative, high-tech research at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) open house. The center, located at 18905 Southwest 280th Street in the heart of Homestead, is a hub of research and development that helps South Florida be one of the world’s leading agricultural and …
Disaster Areas Declared in Georgia Due to Drought
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 13 Georgia counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Barrow, Clarke, Dade, Greene, Hancock, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Taliaferro, Walker, Walton and Warren who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency …
Facts of the Flow: Lake Okeechobee, 2019 Year-to-Date
(SFWMD) — Here is the latest update on inflows into Lake Okeechobee for the calendar year to date. This data is provided by South Florida Water Management District’s DBHYDRO database. There has been no back-pumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area this year. Source: South Florida Water Management District
Evaluating Methods to Reduce Runoff in Blueberry Beds
By Gary L. Hawkins Water and nutrients are needed items for plant growth, and blueberries are no different. However, when nutrients leach below the root zone that is a loss for the farmer. Where water tables are high and farmers use subsurface tile drains to remove excess water, mobile nutrients such as nitrogen in the form of nitrate can cause …
New Bed Design Can Save Growers Money
(UF/IFAS) — From Florida to Virginia, farmers are enjoying the fruits of Sanjay Shukla’s labor. His compact-bed geometry system allows growers to plant crops in tall soil beds, and the result is thousands of dollars in annual savings. New research by Shukla and his team shows that with savings of up to $102,000 per crop, annually, for a typical, 250-acre …
Postharvest Practices Necessary for Peach Trees During Drought
By Karla Arboleda According to Extension faculty at the University of Georgia (UGA), peach growers need to continue to water their trees after harvest to avoid negative effects from the ongoing drought. Dario Chavez, an assistant professor in peach research and Extension at UGA, said there is still a lack of water in areas throughout Georgia. GEORGIA DROUGHT Since at …
Healthy Ponds for Healthy Environments
By Alexander J. Reisinger, Steven P. Hohman, Ashley R. Smyth and Eban Z. Bean If you live in an urban area, you have likely noticed small lakes or ponds in your community that are often paired with newer residential or commercial developments. Maybe you fish in them, canoe across them or watch wildlife attracted to the water. These ponds are …
Action Taken to Protect the United States From Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is taking immediate action to prevent the introduction of tomato brown rugose fruit virus into the United States and protect U.S. tomato and pepper production worth more than $2.3 billion annually. APHIS has issued a federal order imposing restrictions on imports of tomato and pepper seed lots …
Managing Pests in Florida Blueberries
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are working on techniques for managing pests in Florida blueberries. Both blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips are problematic for several blueberry varieties. Oscar Liburd, a professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, shared findings from the past season on managing pests. PEST ACTIVITY AND IDENTIFICATION …