A bed system used in citrus groves is still under research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. But one researcher is already convinced that the system, which includes fabric mulch, is beneficial for growers. “This system is better for them. It’s already being used in …
Fort Pierce Research Center to Host Open House
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) will host its annual open house on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2199 South Rock Road in Fort Pierce. It will offer tours of the research facility, interactive workshops and glasses of fresh orange juice. The event provides …
Pruning Young Citrus Trees
Pruning is an important management tactic that cold-hardy citrus growers need to implement, especially during the early stages of tree development. Fernando Alferez, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus horticulturist, discussed pruning during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop in Quincy on Oct. 1. “Pruning is important because it will give the tree …
Freeze Tolerance Is Key to Diversification
Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …
Florida Avocados Face Threat From Sunblotch Viroid
Florida avocados, a signature staple in kitchens, a favored fruit tree in landscapes and a source of pride for the state’s growers, face a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). The disease can severely stunt avocado tree growth, deform fruit and silently spread through groves. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are …
‘Ember’ Strawberry Variety Provides Stronger Resistance to Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ newly released ‘Ember’ strawberry variety will be widely grown in South Florida’s strawberry region. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, plans to grow half of his crop this year with the ‘Ember’ variety. It has numerous attributes that make it a valuable …
Blood Oranges Could Be Profitable Option for Cold-Hardy Citrus Producers
Blood oranges may be an enticing fruit to grow for cold-hardy citrus producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlighted his blood orange research during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop at the North Florida Research and Education Center …
First Citrus, Then Other Specialty Crops To Be Focus of Crop Transformation Center
By Clint Thompson The current focus of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Crop Transformation Center is the development of citrus varieties that are resistant to citrus greening disease. The effectiveness of the Center is it’s not just isolated to citrus. Other fruit and vegetable crops will also be studied, says Scott Angle, UF/IFAS Senior …
Weed Management Strategies
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers who hope to control weed growth with cover crops during the fallow period must remember that this management strategy is not totally effective with every weed, particularly yellow and purple nutsedge. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic …
From Risk to Rescue: Life-Saving Tractor Safety Videos Every Farmer Needs
Agriculture, forestry and fishing combine to make for the most hazardous industries in the United States, with 23 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the most dangerous tools in farming is the tractor. A new series of videos from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provides …



















