strawberry

Aromatic Strawberry Variety Grows in South Florida

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Research, Strawberry

As National Strawberry Day approaches on Feb. 27, University of Florida (UF) scientists have found another variety that can grow in South Florida. It’s largely unknown to American consumers, it’s temptingly tasty and it’s good for local markets, UF researchers say. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), led …

benjamin butler

South Florida’s Water Politics Raising Questions

Web AdminEnvironment, Water

By Gary Cooper One of several bombshells dropping at last week’s South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board meeting was the resignation of district executive director Ernie Marks.  In the audio clip below, Governing Board Member and Vice Chair Brandon Tucker echoed the feelings of several other board members about Marks’ resignation:  There was no quorum at last week’s …

UF ‘Dream Team’ Plans to Change Face of South Florida Ag, Natural Resources

Web AdminIndustry News Release, Research, Top Posts

Contact: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu HOMESTEAD, Fla. – They don’t wear capes and tights, but the new University of Florida (UF) faculty members hope their research will help grow the state’s agriculture and natural resources, and stave off enemies that threaten industry. The eight scientists, based at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead, Florida, are bringing new …

Downy Mildew Confirmed in North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in a North Florida watermelon field, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Not only that, it was also confirmed in South Georgia as well. But growers must consider all the facts before responding to the breaking news. Hochmuth …

Thrips Populations Increasing in Southern Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Thrips populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts reported moderate levels of chili thrips and low levels of flower thrips in strawberry fields in central Florida. Population levels are increasing in Southwest Florida. Levels have increased from low to moderate for flower thrips and melon thrips. …

High Whitefly Populations Across Southern Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

High populations of whiteflies are being observed across the southern region of Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High population levels are being reported in some watermelon fields in Southwest Florida. However, scouts indicate low, yet increasing population levels in most crops, with nymphs being reported in some older fields. Whitefly …

drought

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Worsening in Southern Florida

Dan CooperDrought, Weather

The lack of rainfall continues to be observed in the central and southern regions of Florida, while Georgia and Alabama are mostly enjoying sufficient moisture, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate and severe drought conditions dominate the central and southern areas of Florida. Severe drought starts as far north as Hillsborough, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Osceola and …

Drought Monitor Update: Southern Florida Remains Dry

Clint ThompsonDrought

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains over the previous week across the Southeast has left most of the region with sufficient moisture except for southern Florida, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of the southern region of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The dry conditions start as far north as Volusia, Seminole and …

Vanilla Could Be the Next Big Crop for Small Farmers in Southern Florida 

Web AdminAgribusiness, Vanilla

Florida is on the verge of a new agricultural crop that could give small farmers in the southern region of the state a high-value alternative to vegetable and fruit production.   University of Florida researchers at the Tropical Research and Education Center have embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of vanilla – from developing fertilizer recommendations to developing the highest-yielding and disease-resistant …

Thrips Update: Populations Vary in Central, Southern Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Thrips pressure is low across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are observing low numbers in pepper in central Florida, with thrips only found in the bloom. Dak Seal, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomologist at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida, reports low …