The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Taking Fertilizer Knowledge to the Next Level
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched a new online graduate certificate program for agricultural professionals. “The certificate program is called Fertilizer Science and Technology, offered completely online at the student’s pace and oriented to growers, consultants, suppliers and regulators,” says Kelly Morgan, UF/IFAS professor of soil fertility and water management. The certificate is …
Tickets on Sale for Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet
TAMPA, Fla. — Tickets are on sale for the 44th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will honor two inductees who have contributed to Florida agriculture – Donald Quincey and Dr. John T. Woeste. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 14. The banquet celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served in …
Florida Blueberries Escape Significant Damage from Christmas Freeze
By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
Christmas Freeze ‘Not Much of an Impact’ on Florida Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Timing can make the difference in the success of a specialty crop. In the case of Florida blueberries, it likely has helped the crop survive one of the coldest freeze events in recent memory. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, explains how the lack of blooms in Florida’s …
Citrus Pest Management Workshop Scheduled
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will hold a workshop on citrus insect, mite and nematode management Jan. 19 at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presentations will be made by UF/IFAS faculty members. UF/IFAS pointed out that pest management in citrus …
Mites Levels Remain Low Across South Florida
Mites levels are still low in some fields across southern Florida, though some species are increasing in numbers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Broad mites are increasing in Southwest Florida but still remain at low population levels Spider mites were reported to be low in multiple crops. Spider mite populations are growing in younger corn in …
Correct Disease Diagnosis Crucial for Producers
By Clint Thompson An incorrect diagnosis of a plant disease can be a costly error for a producer. In an era where input prices are just as high as they have ever been, a farmer can ill-afford to apply the wrong fungicide. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
Bacterial Spot Disease Intensifying, Spreading Across Florida Peppers, Tomatoes
Bacterial spot disease has been observed in multiple locations across South Florida. The weather has attributed to the disease increasing and intensifying in some vegetable crops. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, dense fog and isolated rain events led to disease development. Bacterial spot is moderate to high in tomatoes and peppers across south Florida. Bacterial spot …
Florida Specialty Crops Impacted by Frigid Weekend
By Clint Thompson Florida specialty crop producers are feeling the sting from a frigid weekend across the state. More time is needed to determine the long-term effect from temperatures dipping into the 20s (degrees Fahrenheit) in Plant City, Florida, where there is a lot of vulnerable strawberry production. Temperatures also dropped into the 30s further south in the Labelle/Immokalee areas, …