Peaches are popular, especially in the Southeast, with annual national production of about 806,000 tons. Growers can help keep pests and diseases from damaging the fruit by placing bags around individual peaches, University of Florida researchers say. David Campbell, a UF/IFAS post-doctoral researcher, led new research, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Research and Extension Initiative grant. UF/IFAS …
UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook in Stock for Florida Producers
The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) 2021-2022 vegetable production handbook is in stock for Florida producers. The 19-chapter handbook, which is updated every production season, provides guidance on vegetable production throughout Florida. The handbook also includes extensive pesticide tables for each crop that is covered. Growers are asked to contact Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension …
UF Hops Produces Tasty Craft Beer
BALM, Fla. — A somewhat bitter beer produced from hops grown at the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center is just what UF scientists want. UF scientists showed the latest research results from their hops studies on Tuesday. Craft beer lovers want details about taste and aroma. UF/IFAS researchers see an increase in alpha acid in …
Open House, Field Day Planned for UF Citrus Research and Education Center
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) research information pertinent to Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, will be front and center at a Nov. 16 Open House and Field Day at the Lake Alfred experiment station. What Can Attendees Expect? More than 20 hands-on exhibits will feature the latest research findings to …
UF/IFAS to Host Upcoming Citrus Events
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) faculty are hosting a number of events for citrus growers in the upcoming weeks. All events are free but require preregistration. Oct. 26              Citrus Nutrition Day  9 a.m. to Noon Citrus Research and Education Center Ben Hill …
Hemp Pests: UF/IFAS Offers ID Tool
The first step in tackling a pest problem in hemp is proper identification. A new University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agriculture Services (IFAS) hemp pest identification tool helps producers take the guesswork out of identifying some of those pests. The hemp pest identification guide, available for purchase through the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore, includes 20 of the most …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
Ready for Strawberries: UF/IFAS Offers Tips on Producing Crop for Homeowners
Florida may be known as the winter strawberry capital of the world, but the time is now to plant strawberries. Fall means the air is soon going to get a little drier and maybe a little cooler in much of Florida. The temperature should be between 50 degrees and 80 degrees for best strawberry growth. Vance Whitaker, a strawberry breeder …
UF/IFAS to Offer Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar in Lake Alfred
LAKE ALFRED, FLA — The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is offering a Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar at the UF Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida on Oct. 26. Proper nutrition for citrus trees damaged by various diseases is essential to extending their productivity. Growers can learn more about UF research into …
New UF Highlands County Extension Agent Excited to Work With Area Producers
LAKE ALFRED, FL – Lourdes Pérez Cordero, who recently started her position as the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Extension agent for Highlands County, is excited to work with local citrus and vegetable growers. Originally from Puerto Rico, Pérez Cordero is completing her master’s degree in entomology with UF and expects to graduate in spring, …