What’s Growing On: UF/IFAS SEEDIT Program
North Central Florida is quilt made of different industries that go beyond citrus and other commercial crops. The coronavirus pandemic took a hit on the economy, slowing down research for various industries such as livestock and aquaculture. To bring enterprising industries, the University of Florida has launched a new state program called SEEDIT. Research for […]
Florida Peanut Federation Donates Plot Planter to UF/IFAS
The Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) holds fast to its mission “strive to improve and develop a thriving and sustainable peanut industry, ensuring all of Florida’s peanut producers and allied partners the greatest opportunity to be successful.” Through a research partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the FPF is […]
Emerging Ag Enterprises in Florida Set for Growth
There is no shortage of commodities produced by Florida. There are literally hundreds. But, there’s always room for more, right? A new UF/IFAS grant program is set to provide ample backing in funds and know-how to further research and education of emerging agricultural enterprises in the state. Titled “Support for Emerging Enterprise Development Integration Teams” […]
Cloud Technology Helps Citrus Farmers Count
In his quest to find the right drone and other artificial intelligence to help ensure citrus growers get an accurate count of their crop, Yiannis Ampatzidis and his research team have developed a system known as Agroview. The technology saves farmers time and money and helps them accurately count their trees, which is important for […]
UF/IFAS Researchers Try to Reduce Fruit Drop, Increase Yield in Valencia, Hamlin Oranges
UF/IFAS citrus scientists Tripti Vashisth and Fernando Alferez are trying to reduce the amount of fruit that drops from Hamlin and Valencia trees prior to harvest. If fruit drops, growers can’t harvest it, and that leads to losses for farmers and less fruit at the market for consumers. Normally, about 10 to 15 percent of […]
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 […]