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
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
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
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
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
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
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 …
New Research Looks to Pollen for Plant Heat Stress Resilience
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are investigating how to improve plant resiliency to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department, is looking to how pollen …
Algorithm to Help FAWN Be Even More Reliable
A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain. Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting them know when readings are out of a normal range, said Rick Lusher, director of …
Monthly Blueberry Updates Help ‘Remind’ Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson The monthly blueberry updates administered by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) serves as a reminder for Florida growers of what needs to be done from a management standpoint. Even following the recent harvest, producers have important tasks to complete if they want to have another productive season the following year. Doug Phillips, …