by Brad Buck, University of Florida,/IFAS 9 beetle species carry deadly fungus Many people love their avocados – not to mention guacamole dip. So it was bad enough when scientists said a beetle was ravaging avocado trees in South Florida. Then scientists found out that the redbay ambrosia beetle — originally determined to transmit laurel wilt — is rare in …
Agri View: The Avalon Pecan
Everett Griner talks about a new pecan variety going on sale in today’s Agri View. There is a lot of interest in that new pecan variety I mentioned a few days ago. Seedlings will go on sale for the first time this spring. Here is why buyers are anxious. It is a big nut. That makes it easy to hull. …
Nutrients are Nice, but Produce Better Pass the Taste Test
by Brad Buck, University of florida/IFAS Consumers want produce that tickles their taste buds and is easy on the eye, but they think quality fruits and vegetables are a matter of luck, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers. The fact that consumers purchase produce to satisfy their senses – not necessarily for its nutrients …
Bumblebees Boost Blueberry Yield
by Brad Buck, University of Florida/IFAS Bumblebees can boost blueberry yield by 70 percent, good news for Florida growers in the heart of their blueberry season, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences study shows. The news also accentuates the need for blueberry pollinators, said Joshua Campbell, a post-doctoral researcher in the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department. …
Agri View: Peach Crop Outlook
Everett Griner talks about trouble for the 2017 peach crop in today’s Agri View. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune …
U.S. Sugar Exec Comments Regarding Senator Rob Bradley’s Strike-All Amendment to Senate Bill 10
Statement from Judy Sanchez, Senior Director for Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for U.S. Sugar “This amendment makes significant progress and demonstrates that the Florida Senate has begun taking seriously the concerns of residents from communities south of Lake Okeechobee. The decision to no longer take 60,000 to 153,000 acres of farmland out of production is a positive step forward. While the amendment improves the bill, there …
ASA to House Ag Subcommittee: Keep Sugar Policy Strong Amid Low Prices, Foreign Subsidies
A U.S. sugar policy that costs taxpayers $0, protects American producers against foreign sugar subsidies, and keeps consumer prices among the lowest in the world should remain in effect in the next Farm Bill, according to a top industry economist. Jack Roney, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis for the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), testified today before the House Agriculture …
Alabama Fruit Crop Braves Cold Temperatures
Exceptionally low temperatures in mid-March were worrisome for peach, blueberry and strawberry producers. With portions of North Alabama sinking into the low 20s and central and south Alabama slipping below 30 degrees, producers and Alabama Extension agents feared for the future of spring berry and fruit crops. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded …
Spring into Strawberries
Alabamians craving farm-fresh fruit should look no further than the nearest roadside stand, farmers market or U-pick patch for sweet strawberries. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mac Higginbotham encouraged families to load up, support local farmers and pick a farm from the organization’s new list of strawberry growers. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Vegetable Crops Report-Southern Region
For 2016, the value of utilized production for U.S. vegetable crops was $13.4 billion. Tomatoes, head lettuce, and onions claimed the highest values, accounting for 32 percent of the 2016 total value when combined. Sponsored ContentFL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers …