Enter the complex world of biogenetic technology in the May issue of VSCNews magazine. Gain a better understanding of gene editing technology in an article by horticultural scientists Andrew Hanson and Guillaume Beaudoin. They explain how gene editing is revolutionizing agricultural biotechnology. Also featured in the May issue is an article by University of Florida student Anne Schwartz that details …
On Tour in the Everglades Agricultural Area
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a unique region with a long, rich history. Last week, members of the AgNet Media team had the privilege to visit the EAA and surrounding farm areas to meet with some of the area’s key players. During the three-day tour, the team explored agricultural production systems, ranging from sugar to citrus. ROTH FARMS …
A Fair Fight for Florida Farmers
By Jack Payne New plant varieties give Florida farmers a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive global market. University of Florida (UF) public scientists give Florida growers first shot at fruit that stands up to the latest disease, survives harsh weather and catches the eye of shoppers in the produce aisle. Those plant varieties are intellectual property — inventions in …
Hole-Punch Technology Dramatically Reduces Herbicide Use
By Nathan S. Boyd and Arnold Schumann The majority of vegetables grown in Florida are grown on raised, fumigated beds covered with plastic mulch. This production technique has been widely adopted because the combination of plastic mulch and drip tape improves water and fertility efficiency. The use of plastic mulches has many additional benefits, including improved crop quality, reduced water …
Post-Irma Root Rot Concerns in Georgia Peaches
Most of the nation is aware that the Florida citrus industry suffered greatly when Hurricane Irma made landfall in September 2017. The storm resulted in approximately $760 million in citrus damage. In addition, the Florida fruit and vegetable industry sustained about $180 million in loss. By the time Irma reached Georgia, it had weakened substantially, going from a hurricane to …
Annual Meeting of the Florida State Horticultural Society
The Florida State Horticultural Society (FSHS) announces that it will hold its 131st annual meeting on June 10 through June 12, 2018, at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel located at 1617 SE 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With over 100 technical presentations and special sessions with invited speakers, there will also be a welcome reception, Extension luncheon, …
Pest Issues for Florida Berry Growers
By Jaci Schreckengost Many Florida strawberry and blueberry growers face similar challenges when managing mites and insects. Chilli thrips affect strawberries by feeding on the foliage and fruit of the crop. The pest affects blueberries by feeding on new growth in the spring and summer. Chilli thrips are relatively new to Florida growers, said Justin Renkema, assistant professor at the …
Hydrogen Cyanamide for Low-Chill Peaches in Florida
By Tripti Vashisth and Mercy Olmstead Interest in Florida peach production remains steady, with approximately 2,000 acres in the state. Florida peach growers have a number of advantages: 1) Early flowering and fruit set result in the ability to harvest fruit earlier in the domestic market window, yielding higher economic returns. 2) Recent surveys show that consumers prefer local produce, …
Sneak Peek: March 2018 VSCNews Magazine
Growers are constantly looking for ways to better the health of their crops while increasing yields. In the March 2018 issue of VSCNews magazine, growers can learn methods to improve plant production from top researchers in the Southeast. Finding alternative methods to methyl bromide has been a constant struggle for growers. Jenna C. Vance, University of Georgia (UGA) crop and …
Potential for Commercial Vanilla Production in Southern Florida
By Alan Chambers Think about your favorite desserts like ice cream, cookies, cream-filled pastries and chocolate. These indulgences are the perfect end to an otherwise healthy meal, or a guilty snack when no one’s looking. Many of our favorite desserts include a common, yet irresistible, vanillin flavor extract from the “bean” of the vanilla orchid. Vanillin has enhanced the sensory …