A team of researchers at the universities of Florida and Wisconsin-Madison will use a $7.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to pinpoint genes that could improve plants’ ability to access nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Enhancing plants’ nitrogen uptake could increase food security by promoting crop growth in poor soils and could reduce the need …
UF Expert Helps Ensure “Grain Train” Gets Through
As Hurricane Irma barreled toward Florida in early September, she threatened to starve thousands of dairy cows by delaying the grain train – two dozen freight cars of feed commodities bound for the Lake Okeechobee area. The crisis was resolved by a team that included a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) expert and representatives of …
UF Professors to Lead Grant Project to Turn Seed Into Jet Fuel
With help from University of Florida researchers, pilots will, in the future, fly jets with fuel made from a tiny seed grown in the Southeast. Besides helping the environment and boosting the economy as a source of renewable fuel, the seed can also be used to produce valuable bioproducts and feed for livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute …
Scientist Recognized for Research in Mosquito-Borne Disease Control
University of Florida entomology professor Jeffrey Bloomquist is known to have a restless curiosity about everything, ranging from insecticide toxicology to mosquito control and resistance. That boundless need to know has paid off for Bloomquist, a faculty member with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He recently was honored with the American Chemical Society International Award for Research …
UF Researcher Offers Tips on Controlling Mosquitoes After Hurricane
Hurricane Irma left a lot of standing water in the yards and homes of Florida residents. So, a University of Florida researcher suggests steps for making sure your home doesn’t become a haven for mosquitoes. Some mosquito species can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, so it’s critical to empty cups, birdbaths, pots or anything else on your …
UF Researchers to Use Grant to Help Stop Influenza
University of Florida researchers will use a $2.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to study whether they can harness an unusual type of immune cell in pigs to treat and prevent influenza viruses in animals and humans. Although “natural killer T” – or NKT cells — are very rare, they can be very powerful and can stimulate immune responses …
UF/IFAS Responds to Hurricane Irma with Releases, Resource List
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has prepared links and resource lists for dealing with the impact of Hurricane Irma. Topics include the impact of citrus and other crops, how to safeguard livestock, and what UF/IFAS Extension offices across the state are doing to help residents. Please click here for access to releases, closings and resources. …
UF Extension Gives Tips on How to Protect Livestock During Hurricane
While Florida residents scramble to prepare for Hurricane Irma, agriculture operators are working to make sure their livestock survive the storm. Agents with University of Florida IFAS Extension offer advice on how to safeguard animals before, during and after the storm. “After Hurricane Matthew, we had livestock die from dehydration, electrocution and collapsed barns,” said Cindy B. Sanders, UF/IFAS Extension …
Study Shows Fungal Infections Reduce Frogs’ Tolerance of Heat
Fungal diseases are increasing in animals, which might have serious consequences for wildlife living in a hotter world, said a University of Florida scientist. A new study published in the international journal Scientific Reports shows that fungal infections reduced the heat tolerance of frogs by up to 4 degrees Celsius. “We have seen an increase in animal and plant diseases, …
Extension Farm Field Day – Tuesday, August 22nd
West Florida Research & Education Center Tuesday, August 22, 2017 8 am to 1 pm. Please register by contacting Robin Vickers 850-983-7134 or 850-393-7334. Please see attached flier. CEU’s available: 1- Core, 5 -Private Applicator, 5- Ag Row Crop & 5- Demo & Research Registration: 8:00 am Research Tour: 8:30 am Catered Lunch: 12:00 pm