florida

Vanilla DNA Mystery Uncovered by Latest UF/IFAS Research in S. Florida

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida scientists have developed a tool to unlock the genetic traits that pinpoint the vanilla variety that produces an abundance of beans, grows efficiently and sustainably, with consumer-approved taste. As part of their breeding program, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) believe their work is an essential tool that will be …

bees

Blueberries and Bees, UF Scientists Play Matchmaker

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Pollinators, Research, Specialty Crops

(UF/IFAS) — Chew on this the next time you eat a blueberry: Every single blueberry is the result of a flower that was pollinated by a bee. In other words: no buzz, no berry. With that in mind, it’s no wonder blueberry growers bring in hives of honey bees or bumble bees when their blueberry bushes are in flower. “We …

passion

Pondering adding passion fruit to your edible home landscape? UF/IFAS offers tips

Dan Industry News Release, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops

(UF/IFAS) — Got a passion for fruit? Perhaps you have been pondering the mystery of the passion fruit tree? If it is on your must-try list to add to your edible home landscape, then you are in luck. Extension agents and faculty at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have just released Passion Fruit Problems in …

blueberry

Blueberry App Developed to Help Growers Battle Diseases and Pests

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, Technology

(UF/IFAS) — A new University of Florida app will help the state’s blueberry growers identify and manage disease and insect injuries commonly encountered in Florida before their crop is ruined. Collectively, blueberries are a $60 million-per-year crop in Florida. Patricio Munoz, the UF/IFAS blueberry breeder and an assistant professor of horticultural sciences, came up with the vision for, and supervised …

control

UF/IFAS Study Shows Less Need for Pesticides to Control Pests

Dan Florida, Fruits, Research, Specialty Crops

It’s harvest season for Florida’s $300 million-per-year strawberry season, so those who grow this fruit need help to control pests such as the tiny (up to 2-millimeters long), destructive chilli thrips. Farmers often use pesticides to control thrips, but they would like to use minimal chemicals. University of Florida scientists may have found a good reason to use pesticides at …

pests

UF Scientist Request Citrus Grower Help to Set Research Directions for 2021

Dan Citrus, Florida, Industry News Release, Research

(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock is looking to the future of her research program and needs citrus industry professionals to help her see a clear picture. Since arriving at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in 2018, she has worked with many growers to identify best practices for successful …

What’s in Store for 2021? UF/IFAS Experts Predict Food and Garden Trends

Dan Economy, Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Nursery Crops, Organic, Research, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

(UF/IFAS) — No one could have predicted the kind of year 2020 has been. But in late 2019, when UF/IFAS experts were asked to predict the top food and garden trends for the coming year, they made some startlingly accurate predictions. Today, these trends are no longer forecasts but facts of life in a year characterized by a global pandemic …

New UF/IFAS App to Identify Toxic Plants

Dan Cattle, Florida, Industry News Release, Livestock, Research

(UF/IFAS) — Some livestock, pets and even children occasionally nibble on poisonous plants, presenting a potential pitfall to the animals and youth. Now, a new, free app designed by UF/IFAS researchers and Extension faculty helps you identify toxic plants. Not only is this the first app to identify strictly Florida plants, it’s also the first to distinguish between toxic weeds. …

flower bud

Flower Bud Advisories Have Resumed

Dan Citrus

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has resumed providing growers with regular flower bud advisories now that the critical time for citrus grove management has begun this season. Tripti Vashisth, UF/IFAS assistant professor, restarted the advisories Nov. 23 and will continue providing them every other week through the spring. The advisories provide critical information about …

wineries

UF/IFAS Researchers Help Wineries Capitalize on Carbonation Craving

Dan Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Research, Specialty Crops

Oenophiles rejoice! University of Florida researchers are helping wineries make their product bubbly to meet taste trends and expand their business. Andrew MacIntosh, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, is working with Florida wineries to teach and encourage more of them to produce carbonated wine. About one in  10 Florida wineries currently carbonate, and they use the …