florida

Vanilla DNA Mystery Uncovered by Latest UF/IFAS Research in S. Florida

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida scientists have developed a tool to unlock the genetic traits that pinpoint the vanilla variety that produces an abundance of beans, grows efficiently and sustainably, with consumer-approved taste. As part of their breeding program, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) believe their work is an essential tool that will be …

florida

UF Scientists Sequence Vanilla Genome

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

Could Support Domestic Industry University of Florida scientists have sequenced the genome of Vanilla, which will help them select the best types for breeding new varieties of the popular plant to grow in Florida. Some consumers crave vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of tropical fruit breeding and genetics at …

strawberry

UF/IFAS Researchers Find Aromatic Strawberry Variety Grows in South Florida

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

As National Strawberry Day approaches on Feb. 27, University of Florida scientists have found another variety that can grow in South Florida. It’s largely unknown to American consumers, it’s temptingly tasty and it’s good for local markets, UF researchers say. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, led a team …

UF/IFAS Hopes to Grow Vanilla, Meet Consumer Demand

Dan Education, Florida, Nursery Crops, Research, Specialty Crops

For dessert, how about a scoop of ice cream flavored with vanilla from Florida’s farmers? Because so many consumers enjoy vanilla, University of Florida scientists hope to help Florida farmers grow the bean. Consumers have an appetite for vanilla. The U.S. leads the world in imported vanilla beans, said Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences at the UF …