UF/IFAS Research: On Verge of Developing Domestic Industry for Valuable Spice

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Vanilla takes the crown as the second most valuable spice (after saffron) and the world’s most popular flavor among consumers. University of Florida researchers in Homestead are on the verge of developing a domestic vanilla industry, poised to transform agriculture in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for interested small growers and investors. Thanks to nearly $400,000 in grants from …

Interim Senior Vice President: UF/IFAS Vision is to Become Silicon Valley of Agriculture

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By Clint Thompson A legislative success story this year for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will help pave the way for the future of agriculture. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, discussed the financial backing that was provided to support the new artificial intelligence (AI) center at the Gulf Coast Research and …

UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo

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The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim Senior Vice President for …

UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Events, Florida

LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …

UF/IFAS Research: Lahiri Studies Chilli Thrips on Borders of Fields

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By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research has yielded confirmation on why chilli thrips are an annual problem for strawberry growers, especially early in the season. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, talked …

ADA is part of the DNA of UF/IFAS

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Through a project called Florida AgrAbility, Serap Gorucu tries to ensure that everyone – even those with functional limitations — can operate the technology and machinery on the farm where they work. “Agricultural producers must be able to work their farms,” said Gorucu, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of agricultural and biological …

UF/IFAS Research: Ammoniacal Nitrogen Preferred in Blueberries

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By Clint Thompson Nitrogen is an element that blueberry plants require most. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher believes there is room for improvement in how growers distribute that essential element. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, discusses nutrient research in blueberries. “It is an element where we believe there …

UF/IFAS Benefits From Record-Setting Session

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By Mary Ann Hooks and Christopher Hodge  This year, the total Florida state budget climbed to $116.5 billion, the largest in the state’s history. There are historic investments in Florida’s higher education system, environment, healthcare, rainy day funds, and just about every other silo as we shine bright into the future. Here are some of the highlights of how the …

UF/IFAS Scientist to Train for National Leadership

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FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Lorenzo Rossi’s role with the American Society for Horticultural Science will begin to increase. Recently selected for the organization’s Leadership Academy, Rossi will commence training to support agricultural production on a global scale.    Rossi, an assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River and Research and Education Center …

UF/IFAS to Host Summer Blueberry Meetings

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By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for various meetings scheduled this summer across the state. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has scheduled meetings for July 12 in Hardee County, July 14 in Lake County, July 19 in Polk County and July 21 in Alachua County. UF/IFAS scientists will address issues pertaining …