UF Scientists Plan To Lengthen the Shelf Life of Artichokes
Scientists from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are finding out how to extend the shelf life of artichokes.
Artichokes, Known as a Healthy Food Crop, Also Make for Pretty Plants
Artichokes are more than just a tasty dish. Their flowers bloom bright and colorful, as artichokes are immature flower buds.
Shinsuke Agehara, an associate professor of horticultural sciences at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences began growing and harvesting Florida's first artichokes in 2017 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) as well as the UF/IFAS Hastings Agricultural Extension Center.
UF Uses Artificial Intelligence To Detect Poison Ivy
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research Center are using AI to identify poison ivy, which causes rashes on up to 50 million people each year.
Nathan Boyd, researcher and professor of horticultural sciences, led the research alongside post-doctoral researcher Renato Herrig, who designed the mobile app. Designed as a tool for hikers and those working outdoors, the app uses a camera to identify poison ivy in real time and works without an internet connection.
Check Out These Catchy New Caladium Cultivars, Courtesy of UF/IFAS
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have released three new caladium varieties called 'Pinky Swear', 'Wonderland' and 'Salsa'. 'Pinky Swear' and 'Salsa' are now available, with 'Wonderland' ready for purchase next year.
Zhanao Deng, a plant breeder and professor of environmental horticulture with the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), works with caladium growers in Florida to develop new cultivars like this on commercial farms in the area. He recently published his research findings on these three new types, exploring their characteristics and yield potential.
UF/IFAS Scientists Join Together To Promote Compost Standards, Practices in Florida
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is seeking alternatives to encourage Floridians to compost common waste like food items, grass clippings, and more. This effort, aimed at reducing demand on landfills, will see UF/IFAS personnel partner with industry professionals and organizations to minimize environmental impact and encourage economic development.
Interest Continues To Brew for Hops Grown Fresh From Florida
University of Florida scientists showed off the latest research results from their studies on hops during a field day event held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm. Craft beer connoisseurs want to know about taste and aroma, and UF/IFAS researchers see an increase in alpha acid in the hops they grow. That acid indicates bitterness.
UF Scientist Works on Improving Tomato Production, Size
Florida growers produced 606 million pounds of fresh-market tomatoes last year, which brought in $463 million in revenue. But with competition from places like Mexico, farmers are always looking for an edge – to grow more and bigger fruit. That’s why University of Florida scientist Tong Geon Lee spends countless hours in his lab and fields looking for the right combination of genes to expand the size of individual tomatoes and to help growers increase their yields.
UF Finds Some Nematodes Like Hemp; First Step to Pest Control for Emerging Crop
For two years, University of Florida scientists across the Sunshine State have studied whether hemp can serve as a viable alternative crop for Florida farmers. One of the first steps to determining the economic feasibility of any crop is managing its known and potential pests. For hemp, that includes nematodes.
UF/IFAS Plows Forward To Breed and Grow a ‘Superfood,’ the Pomegranate
Zhanao Deng, a University of Florida environmental horticulture professor, is trying to breed and grow more pomegranates in Florida.
Gator Pale Ale Becomes First Beer Brewed Using Hops Grown Only in Florida
Scientists at UF's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center are trying to produce hops that can be grown under Florida conditions. "We are trying to find out not just if we can grow this crop, but we are trying to find out if it is going to be cost-effective," said Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, the lead UF researcher on the project.
