By Clint Thompson Tropical fruit production remains an option for South Florida producers. But there are inherent risks that accompany with producing these crops in the southern region of the state. Jonathan Crane, associate center director and tropical fruit specialist at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, highlighted the challenges with producing passion fruit, lychee and avocado during last …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Starts Wednesday
By Clint Thompson One of AgNet Media’s signature events kicks off on Wednesday in Fort Myers, Florida. The two-day Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo, now in its 30th year, is one of the largest gatherings of industry leaders in South Florida. It attracts almost 1,000 attendees every year and will be held at the Lee Civic Center. The event educates …
Georgia Citrus Growers: Be on the Lookout for Lebbeck Mealybug
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialists are alerting Georgia citrus growers about an invasive pest that’s impacting Florida’s crop. Lebbeck mealybugs have yet to navigate their way to Georgia. But it is only a matter of time, says Lauren Diepenbrock, UF/IFAS assistant professor and entomologist. “It’ll get up to Georgia probably. We’re doing our best …
Lack of Mangoes Impacts UF/IFAS Research
By Clint Thompson As predicted, Florida’s mango supply was severely impacted by the chilling temperatures experienced in January. Producers did not have the usual crop this season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher Alan Chambers was not able to conduct part of his research. The plant geneticist at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center …
UF/IFAS Extension to Host Vegetable Growers Meeting
South Florida vegetable growers should mark their calendars for Monday, July 11, as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension will host a virtual meeting on fumigants and systemics. The vegetable growers meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and includes presentations from various UF/IFAS specialists. Josh Freeman will discuss a systems approach …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved nutrient recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops within …
A Primary Challenge to Pepper Production
By Pamela Roberts, Aastha Subedi, Erica Goss and Jeffrey Jones Bacterial spot of pepper is one of the most common and chronic disease challenges to pepper production. Infection can occur on the stems, leaves and fruit of the pepper plant. SYMPTOMS AND SPREADSymptoms on the leaves start as small, water-soaked (dark, greasy-like spots) areas that are light brown at first …
Storms’ Impact on Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s heavy rains in South Florida reminds the state’s blueberry producers the vulnerability of their crop during hurricane season. The combination of strong winds and prolonged rain showers provide a threat to blueberries, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “It depends on whether we get wind, …
The People of U.S. Sugar to be Featured on Upcoming Episode of Mike Rowe’s “How America Works”
Clewiston, FL – Mike Rowe’s How America Works pays tribute to some of the nation’s most vital industries while providing viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how these industries work and contribute to America’s infrastructure. Rowe’s enthusiasm for showcasing these professions often overlooked led him to Florida to dive into one of America’s sweetest industries: sugarcane farming and processing. To help show viewers how sugarcane is grown, harvested, and processed before the sweet stuff ends up on …