Tech Tuesday: Desigators
In this week’s Tech Tuesday for WCJB TV20, UF Innovate’s Bethany Gaffey interviews recent graduate Alexander Weaver from the University of Florida... Read More
UF Study Shows How Strawberry Growers Can Use Less Pesticide To Control Destructive Chilli Thrips
Florida strawberry growers can use less pesticide and save money as they try to control a mighty pest known as chilli thrips, University of Florida research shows.
UF Study Shows Orange Peel Extract May Improve Heart Health
Orange peels may hold a key to better cardiovascular health, new University of Florida-led research shows.
Where Will Artificial Intelligence Take the Produce Industry?
Yiannis Ampatzidis, a University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering, calls AI the fourth agri-revolution. Ampatzidis, who studies precision agriculture and mechanization for crop production, has seen firsthand the importance — and potential — of AI.
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.
Third International Kratom Symposium Draws Experts From Across the Globe
Faculty from the University of Florida joined kratom scientists from around the world the Third International Kratom Symposium held in Orlando from Feb. 14-15. Hosted by the UF College of Pharmacy, the symposium featured botanists, chemists, pharmacologists, and public health experts as they exchanged ideas and discussed the most pressing issues concerning kratom's use internationally and in the West.
Oliver Grundmann, Ph.D., professor of medicinal chemistry and co-director of the symposium, said this event provides a unique opportunity to tackle the challenges around research and regulation of kratom.
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 Plants Grown in Space Flown Home
Researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences were glad to see their plants returned to Earth last month following an experiment aboard the International Space Station.
The plants were launched as seeds aboard the International Space Station in May as part of a multi-phase experiment being conducted by the UF/IFAS Space Plants Lab. Astronauts aboard the ISS grew the plants in July, harvested them in the Fall, sent them back to Earth in December, and the researchers had them by January.
This experiment focused on genetic strategies to make plants hardier and better able to adapt to the spaceflight environment. Over time, as more plants are given the opportunity to grow during spaceflight, researchers hope to "train" the plants to adapt to this environment.