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 Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Nearly $1 Million Grant Will Help Struggling Blue Crab Industry
A researcher at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences wants to study the blue crab and a viral pathogen that infects it. Now, a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help Donald Behringer and colleagues study the disease along the entire western Atlantic seaboard. In Florida, several disasters—including hurricanes in 2004, 2005, …
Ronald Cave Named Director of UF/IFAS Indian River Research Facility
An entomologist recognized internationally as a specialist in biological control of insect pests has been named the director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center. Ronald D. Cave will serve as the sixth leader of the Indian River REC. From the Indian River REC’s 1947 start as the Indian River …
It’s Tougher to Reproduce When You Change Diets – Just Like a Bug
With the constant introduction of invasive species worldwide, thousands of types of wildlife eat new food, weakening their ability to reproduce, says a University of Florida scientist. That, in turn, could lead to a reduction in our wildlife populations. Scientists already know that when wildlife feed on invasive species, they can get sick, but until now, no one had studied …
UF study: Cloning insect-fungus duo kills 500 million trees
by Ellison Langford, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Laurel wilt disease has killed as many as half-a-billion trees. And,a new study by a researcher with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences suggests it may have been spread by a single insect cloning itself. “In biology, there is no evidence of a single strain …
UF Study Helps Save Revenue, Farms From Wireworms
by Beverly James University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Scientists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are helping state growers save money by managing wireworms in their sweet potato farms. Wireworms became a problem in Florida after sweet potato growers converted fields previously used to grow grain crops, said Robert Hochmuth, director …
University of Florida/IFAS Hoping for Good Legislative Session
The 2017 Florida Legislative Session is set to start next week, and many in agriculture are gearing up for the annual event. One of those is Mary Ann Hooks, lobbyist for the University of Florida/IFAS. She looks ahead at what they are expecting during this year’s session. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril …