By Clint Thompson North Florida agricultural leaders are still assessing damage left by Hurricane Idalia last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provided an overview of what happened to the crops in the field and infrastructure on farms and in the different communities impacted by …
Scouting Remains Vital Step in Pepper Weevil Control
By Clint Thompson Pepper weevils continue to be a nuisance for Florida vegetable growers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts are providing guidance for producers on how to manage the pest. Jawwad Qureshi, associate professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, discussed the situation during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. He emphasized that any management …
Future of UF/IFAS Research Centers on AI
By Clint Thompson The future of research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in agriculture. UF/IFAS uses this argument when discussing funding for new faculty positions, says Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS. “We’re able to get 15 faculty at IFAS, and part of …
Floods, Warm Temperatures Promote Mosquito Production
Extensive rains, flooding and scattered debris that hold water can lead to mosquito development. Eva Buckner, an Extension specialist at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, remains in close contact with many of Florida’s more than 65 mosquito control programs providing training, solutions and information on topics including mosquito …
Cover Crops Part of Management Strategy for Nematodes
By Clint Thompson A multi-pronged approach to nematode management remains the best approach for Florida specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed nematode management during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “It just …
What’s Done During Fallow Period is Key Strategy for Weed Management
By Clint Thompson What growers do during the fallow period will have just as big of an impact on weed suppression than what is done during the production season itself. That is the mindset shared by Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He discussed weed management during …
UF/IFAS Research: On Verge of Developing Domestic Industry for Valuable Spice
Vanilla takes the crown as the second most valuable spice (after saffron) and the world’s most popular flavor among consumers. University of Florida researchers in Homestead are on the verge of developing a domestic vanilla industry, poised to transform agriculture in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for interested small growers and investors. Thanks to nearly $400,000 in grants from …
Hurricane Idalia Recovery: Well Water Safety After Natural Disaster
After Hurricane Idalia, is your well water safe to use? If your private well or septic system is damaged during the storm, your well water may be contaminated with harmful bacteria. To avoid getting sick, make sure you boil or disinfect your water before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, cleaning wounds or cooking. Boil water for at …
Relay Cropping Efficient Way to Produce Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson An innovative way of producing specialty crops provides Florida growers a more efficient, and potentially, a more sustainable way of farming. Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor of horticulture and weed science, focused on the topic of relay cropping during his presentation at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. Relay …
Growing Lettuce in Non-Traditional Areas of Florida
Each year, U.S. farmers produce enough lettuce to feed everyone in the country. Up to 73% of U.S. lettuce comes from California producers and is distributed nationwide through extensive retail chains. Lettuce grown in Florida accounts for 3% of the national total and has a unique market window during the winter months. Traditionally, Florida lettuce has been grown between October …