By Clint Thompson Yield and quality remain at the forefront of Vance Whitaker’s focus as University of Florida/IFAS strawberry breeder. But not far behind is Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. “We always have to pay attention to yield and quality, but we’re definitely shifting a lot of effort toward it for sure,” Whitaker said. “It certainly has leapfrogged, probably most traits, at …
Fresh Produce: How UF Scientists Are Using AI to Cut Food Waste, Loss
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Fresh produce can look a lot different on your table than it did when first harvested from the field. What was once fresh and vibrant looks wilted and moldy. Tie Liu feels your pain. “Everybody has this problem: Which of these vegetables or fruits should I use first? Guess wrong, and you end up throwing out the …
UF, Australia Collaborate on Tropical Fruit Research
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Board of Trustees and Northern Territory of Australia have signed an agreement to increase the development of research projects and share technological knowledge on tropical crop production. It’s a win-win for both entities who are trying to enhance vanilla, mangoes and passionfruit in both countries, believes Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical …
Looking to the Future: UF/IFAS Research Focused on New Cultivars
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — New citrus cultivars could be the future for food production, believes one University of Florida/IFAS graduate student. Consider the obstacles that stand in the way of citrus production in Florida: Citrus greening, climate change and devastating insects. Martin Zapien is looking to the future to combat these challenges. Zapien’s research takes place at the Indian River …
Farming’s Future: UF/IFAS to Host Ag-Tech Expo
The future of agriculture is ready to be unleashed today. Between robots, drones, machine learning and plant genetics, growers can use any combination to make crops disease-resistant and, perhaps, tastier. To find out more about innovative technology that includes artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and plant genetics, register for the “Future of Farming.” It’s a two-day virtual Ag-tech Expo that will …
Impact: UF Study Focuses on How Soil Health Impacts Citrus, Other Tree Crops
How can changes in soil health impact citrus and other sub-tropical tree crops? That’s a question UF/IFAS researchers hope to answer in a four-year, $500,000 project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Specifically, they will examine how quickly soil health can change in Florida’s sub-tropical sandy soils and how changes in the soil’s …
New Chair: Gunter to Lead UF Horticulture Programs
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will soon have a new chair of the Horticultural Sciences Department. Christopher Gunter will join UF/IFAS, with an official start date of June 7. Gunter will lead experts and programs specialize in research, plant breeding and genetics, fruit and vegetable production and related disciplines that continue …
AI: UF Researchers Using Artificial Intelligence to Study Nematodes
Artificial intelligence (AI) may help Florida producers combat one of the most destructive pests farmers encounter every year. University of Florida (UF) scientists are using AI to identify parasitic nematodes more rapidly. Some nematodes live in the ground and harm plants, while others are beneficial. It is important to distinguish which ones are which, said Peter DiGennaro, a UF/IFAS assistant …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent: Cold Damage Was Close on Watermelons
Almost two weeks after a cold Easter weekend, North Florida watermelon producers are still counting their blessings. They understand the minimal damage their crop sustained during a chilly Easter weekend could have been a whole lot worse. “It was really, really close,” said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Because a lot of those plants …
Peachy: UF Scientists Find Rootstocks That Survive Flooding
Flooding can be problematic for Florida peach producers. It can cause permanent damage to peach trees and lead to tree death. Ali Sarkhost, a UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Horticultural Sciences, said floods will increase as climate change continues to challenge growers across the world. “If peach farmers experience flooding, the fruit size and quality can be adversely affected, and the tree …