Recycle Phosphorus Before It Goes Into Public Waters
Recycle phosphorus while it’s still on the farm, and you can help prevent the nutrient from flowing downstream — where it could pollute water bodies — says a University of Florida scientist. Reusing phosphorus using on-farm ponds can cost the state less than $40 per kilogram compared to $355 to $909 to treat the phosphorus […]
Managing Our Forests: Breeding a Superior Pine
Trees are an incredible natural resource. They provide wildlife habitat, improve air quality, and of course, supply the raw materials for many vital industries. Toilet paper has recently had its moment in the spotlight, but forests support countless other products, from lumber for building homes to the cellulose used in our toothpaste. To keep up […]
UF/IFAS Researchers Make Strides in Saving Florida Avocado Industry
As consumers commemorate National Avocado Day on July 31, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences scientists keep a steady pace of lab and field work for the Florida avocado industry as they fight laurel wilt. Detected in Georgia in 2002, laurel wilt’s devastating effects were observed for the first time in […]
UF/IFAS Engineer Earns National Honor for Work in Micro-Irrigation
With his compact-bed geometry design, Sanjay Shukla has helped growers around the world save on water, fertilizer and money. In Shukla’s design, taller, narrow beds of soil replace shorter, wider ones. Current beds tend to be 3-feet wide and 6-8 inches in height. Shukla developed beds that are 16 to 24 inches wide and 10 […]
Hopes High to Crack the Code on Bacterial Spot of Tomato
Bacterial spot can topple tomato crops anywhere the malady strikes. To help growers stay out of the red zone, University of Florida scientists are aiming to dig deeper into how the pathogen that causes the disease spreads and evolves on farms. Erica Goss, a UF/IFAS associate professor of plant pathology, was recently awarded a $455,000 […]
UF/IFAS Experts Outline Hurricane Prep, Recovery for Citrus Growers
Like all farmers, Florida’s citrus producers must prepare for the worst before a hurricane strikes. That’s why Fernando Alferez co-wrote a manual that gives growers tips on how to get their citrus farm ready for – and recover from — the potentially dangerous storms. It’s not just coastal counties, where ]the storms hit first, that […]
New Institute to Address Food Production and Sustainability at Global Scale
The University of Florida has announced the creation of the UF/IFAS Food Systems Institute, which will bring together the university’s top researchers to find solutions to feeding the world in a way that is economically and environmentally sustainable. The new Food Systems Institute will be led by Adegbola Adesogan, Ph.D., professor of ruminant nutrition in […]
Plants That May Help Repel Bugs Like Mosquitoes, Flies and Spiders
When it comes to the inevitable face-off between you and bugs, keeping them away from your immediate vicinity is probably a top priority as they thrive during the warmer months. While there are always options like pesticides and bug traps, it certainly doesn’t hurt to explore potential natural solutions before trying harsher chemicals (even though […]
Genetic Study of Arabian Horses Challenges Some Common Beliefs About the Ancient Breed
A study involving Arabian horses from 12 countries found that some populations maintained a larger degree of genetic diversity and that the breed did not contribute genetically to the modern-day Thoroughbred, contrary to popular thought. An international team of scientists was led by the University of Florida‘s Samantha Brooks, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of animal […]
Getting More Bang Out of Blackberries
Growing blackberries commercially in Florida is a relatively new endeavor. But interest in the crop continues to increase. Those who do produce blackberries in the Sunshine State are looking to increase their yield. UF/IFAS researchers are on the case but know the goal to grow bigger and better fruit is not easily attainable. Similar to […]