In COVID-19 Era, UF/IFAS Research Adapt
As Florida moved to “safer at home” measures, not all work could be put on pause. When it came to University of Florida research, many UF/IFAS projects could not wait. There are living plants, animals and insects to feed and maintain; some projects have regular monitoring procedures for which postponement could have broader environmental consequences. […]
Is This Mushroom Safe? Expert Fields More Concerned Calls During Pandemic
For mushroom identification expert Matt Smith, spring is usually a slow time of year. “Mushrooms are less common during the spring in Florida, so this time of year I hardly have anyone contacting me about someone having eaten a mushroom that might be poisonous. But since everyone started staying home because of COVID-19, I’ve been […]
Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Research Expands to On-Farm Trials
As the UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project moves into its second year, on-farm research trials begin with commercial growers across the state. Twenty farms across twelve Florida counties were selected for the UF/IFAS on-farm trials. These farms are in different agricultural regions to provide a variety of conditions to study the growth and success of […]
Florida Finger Limes Could Be a New Addition to Your Grocery Citrus Aisle
Sweet oranges. Ruby red grapefruit. Sugar Belle mandarins. When one thinks of Florida citrus, these fruits immediately come to mind. But finger limes? A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher believes that finger limes may be the next food trend that will continue to fortify Florida’s role as a citrus producer […]
UF Scientist Uses Work Lessons to Succeed in New Home Working Environment
University of Florida scientist Christopher Vincent is used to working with the unknown to learn new grove management practices. As a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences plant physiologist, Vincent works to discover how citrus trees can thrive under stressful conditions. Now, during the coronavirus stay-at-home recommendations, he’s applying those skills in […]
What Are Asian Giant Hornets, and Are They Really Dangerous? 5 Questions Answered
According to recent press reports, two Asian giant hornets – a species not known to occur in North America – were found in northwest Washington state in late 2019, and a hornet colony was found and eliminated in British Columbia. Now scientists are trying to determine whether more of these large predatory insects are present in […]
University of Florida Researchers Find Promising New Treatment in Fight to Beat Citrus Greening
University of Florida researchers have discovered another possible solution to the plague of citrus greening that is impacting Florida’s citrus groves. This new information adds to the growing portfolio of knowledge that UF scientists are amassing to fight the disease. Led by UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences microbiology and cell science professor Claudio […]
UF/IFAS Scientists Help National Team Breed Better Pomegranates
California farmers produce 90% of the nation’s pomegranates, but ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates come from cuttings in Florida, and some Florida farmers seeking alternative crops see pomegranates as among their options. Zhanao Deng, a professor of environmental horticulture at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), soon will collaborate with researchers nationwide to breed more […]
Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul Appointed Director of UF ICBR
The University of Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research recently announced the appointment of its new director, Anna-Lisa Paul, Ph.D. Dr. Paul assumed the position effective March 20, 2020. For the past year, Dr. Paul has served as ICBR’s interim director. During that time, Dr. Paul spearheaded the center’s acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and furthered […]
UF/IFAS Working Hard to Deliver for the Citrus Industry
While the scenery may have changed, the work remains the same for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences citrus faculty and Extension agents. “The coronavirus pandemic has altered the daily routine but not our mission to provide research and educational service to the citrus industry,” said Michael Rogers, director of the […]