Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge was getting consumers to …
Hurricane Idalia: UF Economists Estimate Florida Agricultural Production Losses Top $78M
Early reports from agricultural operations in Florida’s Big Bend region indicate production losses caused by Hurricane Idalia fall in an estimated range of $78.8 million to $370.9 million, according to University of Florida (UF) economists. An estimated 3 million acres of agricultural lands were in the storm’s path, including row crops like peanuts and cotton, dairy and poultry farms, aquaculture …
Guava Root-Knot Nematodes Threat to Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson Guava root-knot nematodes are still the most threatening species to impact Florida tomatoes every year. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialist believes an integrated management approach remains the best management tactic. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida, …
A Year Later: Southwest Florida Recovering from Ian with Help of UF/IFAS Extension
In the year since Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Southwest Florida, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents have helped communities in their long road to recovery. What was left in the path of the hurricane’s 150 mph winds and flooding rain? How about damaged crops, eroded beaches, downed trees and power lines, property …
Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25
By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …
UF/IFAS Conducted More Than $300 million in Research for Historic Fiscal Year 2023
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reached a new record for fiscal year 2023 with more than $300 million in research expenditures. This number is up 8% from last year’s $278 million. UF/IFAS is the second-largest contributor to UF’s record-breaking $1.25 billion in research spending for fiscal year 2023, a nearly 15% increase from 2022. …
Replacing Chemical Fertilizer With Nitrogen From Soil Bacteria
By Kristen Van Gelder The invention and use of chemical nitrogen fertilizer starting in the early 20th century have led to a phenomenal gain in agricultural output. For example, typical maize yields in the U.S. have risen from 2 tonnes per hectare in the early 1940s to about 11 tonnes per hectare today — a 450% increase that is in …
Bacterial Spot in Tomatoes: Too Much Fungicide Sprays Can Make Problem Worse
By Clint Thompson Tomato producers applying fungicides should be wary the management tactic could exacerbate bacterial spot disease. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, spoke at the Florida Tomato Conference in LaBelle, Florida, last week. He cautioned growers to consider the spray …
Better Watch Out: Neopestalotiopsis Still a Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are on the brink of planting this season’s crop. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) expert is cautioning producers about disease control. One disease specifically comes to mind, says Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “I think Neopestalotiopsis is still …
UF/IFAS Leader: Plant Pathology Department Has Broad Reach on Variety of Crops
By Clint Thompson Mathews Paret’s appointment as the new head of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathology department starts on Sept. 15. It is a critical time for Paret to take over the department considering the plethora of plant diseases that specialty crop growers must manage every year in Florida. “It’s a department …