UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Events, Florida

LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …

UF/IFAS Research: Lahiri Studies Chilli Thrips on Borders of Fields

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By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research has yielded confirmation on why chilli thrips are an annual problem for strawberry growers, especially early in the season. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, talked …

The Role of Root and Leaf Age in Blueberry Water Relations

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By Gerardo H. Nunez Blueberry bushes have a complicated relationship with water. Too little water can limit blueberry growth and productivity, while too much water can lead to root diseases and loss of vigor. This article focuses on the role that leaf and root age plays in irrigation success. WATER UPTAKE AND ROOTSBlueberry bushes take up water through their shallow …

ADA is part of the DNA of UF/IFAS

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Through a project called Florida AgrAbility, Serap Gorucu tries to ensure that everyone – even those with functional limitations — can operate the technology and machinery on the farm where they work. “Agricultural producers must be able to work their farms,” said Gorucu, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of agricultural and biological …

UF/IFAS Research: Ammoniacal Nitrogen Preferred in Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Nitrogen is an element that blueberry plants require most. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher believes there is room for improvement in how growers distribute that essential element. Gerardo Nunez, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, discusses nutrient research in blueberries. “It is an element where we believe there …

New Chair: Mathews Paret to Lead UF Plant Pathology

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Mathews Paret, professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathology department, will step into the role of department chair starting Sept. 15, 2023. Paret will lead the department of more than 30 faculty members based on the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus and at research and education centers around the state. Plant pathologists …

Central Florida Event to Help Farmers Navigate Regulations

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Farms are businesses, and producers have the double challenge of following a host of complex rules and regulations while also trying to turn a profit. That’s why the University of Florida is hosting the inaugural Growing Together: Central Florida Partners for Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Florida Institute of …

UF/IFAS Benefits From Record-Setting Session

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By Mary Ann Hooks and Christopher Hodge  This year, the total Florida state budget climbed to $116.5 billion, the largest in the state’s history. There are historic investments in Florida’s higher education system, environment, healthcare, rainy day funds, and just about every other silo as we shine bright into the future. Here are some of the highlights of how the …

Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Watermelon

While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …

Registration Ongoing for Tomato Conference in September

Web AdminEvents, Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey highlighted what growers and industry specialists can expect at this year’s event. “Our goal is to make it useful …