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Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “UF/IFAS”
Developing Florida’s Agricultural Leaders By Christy Chiarelli “If not us, then who?” That’s a question I ask each class of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Wedgworth Leadership Institute as we consider who is responsible for the future success of agriculture in Florida. In a state with more than 300 commodities, complex water issues, multiple …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is under way across South Florida. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, started planting his crop last Thursday. He outlined his list of concerns heading into this production season. “Making sure we’ve got the right (plant) stock, no diseases, make sure those H-words (hurricanes) stay away from us until …
The preference of Bulimulus bonariensis snails to feed on weeds in citrus groves does not necessarily imply that increased weed management will lead to a reduction in pest populations. This relationship requires further research by Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor and entomologist. “It’s something I think we really need to look …
Many specialty crops grown in the Southeast rely on plasticulture systems to optimize production. Key components of those systems include the mulch itself and other elements such as stakes utilized in crops like tomato and pepper. Paper Mulch For years, growers and agricultural researchers have studied ways to reduce waste in these systems to lessen costs and environmental impacts. Some …
By Frank Giles, Tacy Callies and Clint Thompson This year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa provided an extensive seminar program and various opportunities for growers to network with their peers. Educational programming focused on industry issues, citrus production, specialty crops and alternative crops. General Session The event’s general session touched on various topics like the farm economy, labor …
By Clint Thompson Whitefly management in the Southeast is not predicated on thresholds; how many whiteflies can a vegetable plant tolerate before insecticides need to be applied. Growers know they will encounter the insect pest, so thresholds won’t matter. Management involves more preventative measures, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. Sparks was part of a panel …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) presented Dr. Vance Whitaker with its 2025 Researcher of the Year Award. The award was presented in September during FFVA’s annual convention in Orlando. The Researcher of the Year Award is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to improving Florida agriculture. Whitaker, a professor of horticulture and …
By Clint Thompson Florida’s mango industry has rebounded following a drastic production decrease following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. According to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, the industry hit its lowest point at about 1,000 acres but has more than tripled since. Fresh Florida-grown mangoes are producing high …
Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1% of American farmland. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts and stakeholders …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is advising blueberry growers on management steps they need to implement during September. Producers should scout for algal stem blotch disease, while also monitoring and managing leaf diseases. For those farming operations, continue monthly through-irrigation or banded bed applications of a phosphorous acid product. Insect control is also important. Growers …
