by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
Southern Region Noncitrus Fruit and Nut
Key findings for the Southern Region: Avocados: Florida’s utilized production is down 13 percent from 2015 and the associated value of production is down 7 percent. The Laurel Wilt disease continues to have a negative impact on Florida avocado groves. Blueberries: The value of utilized production for the United States is down 13 percent for 2016. Georgia’s utilized production is …
Achieving ‘Bliss’: Children, Adults Differ in How They Perceive Sweetness of Fruits
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Most children want their food to taste sweet. So, do you want your child to eat a candy bar or fruit when they have a snack? A team of researchers from the University of Florida and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Pennsylvania found children and adults differ in …
Farmers Market Frosty Summer Smoothies
Cathy Isom has some tips on making the very best smoothies with all of that farm-fresh produce. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.” Now that you have carried in all of that great farm-fresh produce, after a trip to the local roadside stand or Farmers Market, it’s time to treat yourself. And, with summer upon …
Keeping Fruits and Veggies Fresh
Cathy Isom has some tips about how to keep your fruits and veggies fresher, longer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There is nothing more annoying or perhaps upsetting when finding one of your favorite fruits and vegetables that you’ve been waiting to enjoy has already ripened to the point of rotten. Every year, the typical …
Agri View: Chemical Challenge to Control Insects
Everett Griner talks about controlling insects and pests is a challenge without the use of chemicals in today’s Agri View. Farmers use a lot of chemicals to kill bugs. It might surprise you to know how much. Well, it is in the thousands of tons. Our EPA has called on the government to ban the use of …
APHIS to Allow Importation of Fresh Pitahaya Fruit from Ecuador
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the fruits and vegetable regulations to allow the importation of fresh pitahaya fruit into the continental United States from Ecuador. APHIS scientists have determined that fresh pitahaya fruit from Ecuador can be safely imported to the United States while continuing to provide protection against the …
Feed a Bee Announces Coast-to-Coast Recipients for $500,000 Pollinator Forage Initiative
Bayer Feed a Bee program celebrates National Pollinator Week by kicking off initiative to support forage projects in all 50 states In the spirit of true National Pollinator Week celebration, Bayer today announced the first round of organizations that will receive funding to establish forage for pollinators across the nation. Nearly 100 projects were submitted in response to the request …
Shorter Georgia Peach Crop Harvest Expected
We told you last week that this year’s Georgia peach crop has been negatively affected by the lack of chill hours it received this winter. According to Jack Spruill, director of marketing with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, not only is the crop looking at an estimated 80% loss this year, time of normal harvest has also been affected. Sponsored …
Georgia Peach Crop Negatively Affected
Some people have wondered how the freezing temperatures back in March may have affected the Georgia peach crop. But according to Jack Spruill, director of marketing with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the crop was affected but not by the freeze. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril …