scientists

Supersweet Success: UF Scientists Sequence Genome of Sweet Corn

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

By Brad Buck/UF University of Florida (UF)/IFAS research has yielded supersweet results that should lead to better sweet corn varieties for producers. Now, a University of Florida scientist is laying the genetic groundwork for better sweet corn varieties. Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS sweet corn breeder, led a research team that sequenced the genome of a type of supersweet corn. Resende …

Seed Facility: Bayer Opens Distribution Center in South Georgia

Web AdminFruit, Georgia, Top Posts, Vegetables

A new fruit and vegetable seed distribution center will provide seed to Southeast produce farmers in a timely and efficient fashion. Bayer Vegetable Seeds announced the opening of its new distribution center in Valdosta, Georgia, located about 10 minutes from the Georgia-Florida state line. It will provide access to its Seminis branded large seed portfolio. Currently, the distribution center is …

Defeating Disease: What Can be Done About Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot?

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Strawberry, Top Posts

Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has emerged as a significant disease of Florida strawberry production. Instances have increased over the last three years, to the point this year the disease was discovered in fields that had it the prior season. But what can producers do to manage this destructive disease? Natalia Peres, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS …

Competitive Disadvantage: Why are Mexican Imports Increasing?

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

Statistics show that fruit and vegetable imports have increased dramatically from Mexico in recent years. But why? University of Florida Associate Professor Zhengfei Guan explains why imports have gone up significantly over the last decade. Mexico and Florida are in the same market window. They are direct competitors for such commodities as tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers and squash. Reasons Why …

Long Wait: Solution for Citrus Greening Will Take Years

Web AdminCitrus, Florida, Top Posts

It may not be the news Florida citrus growers want to hear but it’s the reality of citrus greening. It is likely to be several years before a remedy is found and put in place to combat this destructive disease. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida Professor in Horticultural Sciences, shared his assessment during a recent American Seed Trade Association …

Additional Despair: USITC Blueberry Verdict a Sign for Vegetable Producers?

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Georgia, Top Posts

The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) decision regarding blueberry imports dealt a disheartening and devastating blow to Southeast producers claiming serious injury to the domestic industry. But does the verdict foreshadow additional despair for vegetable farmers who are also claiming imports have hurt their respective commodities; namely, squash, peppers and cucumbers? “There is concern. Each case is kind of held …

Choosing Cover Crops for Nematode Management

Web AdminOrganic, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

By Johan Desaeger Cover crops are one of the more practical options for nematode management as their use is already common practice for many growers. The subtropical climate in Florida and the southeastern United States allows growers to plant crops year-round, and cover crops have been an important component of Florida’s agro-ecosystems since its early days of agriculture. Until the …

Chill Out: New UF/IFAS Study Shows Why Strawberries Must Keep (Their) Cool

Web AdminFlorida, Strawberry, Top Posts

It is strawberry season in Florida. Odds are any strawberries eaten right now taste oh-so-sweet. Those strawberries consumers see at the grocery store should be shipped and stocked at the right temperature, says a University of Florida (UF) scientist; should being the operative word. To ensure the fruit is at peak form, you’re not supposed to break what’s referred to …

Harvesting Issues: Blueberry Harvesters Remain Challenge for Industry

Web AdminBerries, Florida, Top Posts

Two issues facing University of Florida (UF)/IFAS scientists regarding the future of blueberry production are machine harvesters and blueberry flavor. Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder, spoke about both issues during the recent American Seed Trade Association webinar last week. “The major issue that I see for us is the machines that we are using nowadays, they are not to the …

Cautionary Tale: UF/IFAS Scientists Provide Insight Regarding Dragon Fruit

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Scientists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are providing valuable insect management information to farmers interested in producing dragon fruit. The fact sheet Pitaya (Dragon Fruit) (Hylocereus undatus) Pests and Beneficial Insects provides insight on insects and pests that can limit production by this vine-like cactus. As is the case for any …