Exotic Fruits to Try and Why

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom fills us in about some exotic fruits to try and why. That’s coming up on this Land of Ours.     It’s unsure of the exact number of edible fruit species available for human consumption, but it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 species of edible plants. It is also highly probable that even if you were …

One of Summer’s Favorite Fruits – Watermelon

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom has some great tips about the best way to buy, cut and store one of Summer’s favorite fruits. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.     Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a juicy, sweet slice of watermelon. Aside from being delicious, watermelons contain water, of course, potassium, Vitamin A, C, and lycopene. While browsing …

USDA Calls for Nominations for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Dan Fruits, Industry News Release, Vegetables

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill vacancies expiring in 2017 on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). FVIAC, administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, was established by USDA in 2001. Members of the committee meet up to two times a year to develop recommendations on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry. Committee members represent …

UF Scientists Trying to Control Avocado Pathogen

Dan Fruits, Research

University of Florida experts are trying to find ways to prevent Laurel Wilt, the pathogen endangering the state’s $100 million-a-year avocado industry, from spreading. They recently took their data to California to talk with scientists, growers, and regulators there. AgNet Media’s Taylor Hillman talked with Jonathan Crane, UF/IFAS professor of horticultural sciences and tropic fruit extension specialist, about the disease …

National Watermelon Day

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom tells us a lot of different ways of celebrating a refreshing and sweet summertime fruit. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.     Which fruit is made up of 92% water, refreshing, sweet, and is a summertime staple at picnics and outdoor cookouts?  Why, yes, of course, it’s watermelon. And today is the perfect day to …

UF Scientists to Help California, Florida Growers Control Dangerous Avocado Pathogen

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release

University of Florida experts know all too well about laurel wilt, the pathogen endangering the state’s $100 million-a-year avocado industry – and they’re trying to find ways to prevent it from spreading. Now, they’re taking their data to California to talk to scientists, growers, and regulators. Faculty from the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center are in California this week …

National Peach Month

Dan Fruits, This Land of Ours

Cathy Isom tells us about a month-long celebration for one of the greatest tasting fruits. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.”     August is National Peach Month. Eat them right off the tree, sliced in cream, make peach cobbler with ice cream or you can even blend them in delicious smoothies or slushies. It doesn’t matter how you …

Agricultural Chemical Use Survey Results Released

Dan Field Crops, Fruits, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The 2016 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey collected data about pesticide use and pest management practices on acres planted to 28 different vegetable crops. NASS conducted the survey among producers in 19 states, focusing on the states that were major producers of the surveyed crops. (Fig. 1) In California, NASS collected data for 23 crops, the most number of crops selected …