Post-Harvest Control of Bud Mites Essential for Blueberry Producers

Web AdminBerries, Pests, Research

By Clint Thompson Multiple control methods are available for blueberry producers trying to manage bud mites. It starts post-harvest when scouting and management of the pests are most important, says Ash Sial, University of Georgia entomologist. “While they don’t seem to be a serious issue in most situations, in some situations they can causes extremely high levels of damage. Last …

Blueberry Management: What to do in June

Web AdminBerries, Disease, Research

Florida blueberry harvests have ended for the 2022 season, but management continues this summer. According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, growers need to be actively scouting for algal stem blotch. The disease is significant on southern highbush blueberries. It will stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing, as well as increased susceptibility to Botryosphaeria. Producers need …

UF/IFAS Study Looks to Oxygen as Solution for Flooded Fields

Web AdminResearch, Weather

Flooded fields can be problematic for Florida specialty crop farmers. Various locations across the Sunshine State average 40-60 inches of rainfall per year. Florida still ranks No. 1 in the nation in production of several crops. This includes snap beans, the subject of a new study from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers that evaluated …

Pineberry Enjoying Sweet Success in Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Research, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Interest continues to increase in the Florida Pearl strawberry, also known as the white strawberry and the pineberry. University of Florida (UF) strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker provided an update on acreage and what is expected for next season. “The pineberries have done well this year from all accounts. We expect an increase in acreage next year. I …

UF Research Produces Information on Which Compact Tomatoes Grow Well Indoors

Web AdminResearch, Tomatoes

A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist is researching which fruits and vegetables can flourish indoors. Celina Gómez, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of environmental horticulture, led a recently published study in which she found that several compact tomato varieties grow well indoors. “Most of the compact plants we’ve grown are short and narrow, making them …

More Efficient Way to Apply Genome Editing to Plant Breeding

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New research led by a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist shows a development regulator can help plants grow. The study’s results also may help genome editing and as a result, plant breeding. Development regulators are genes that regulate plant development and growth. UF/IFAS scientists have discovered that one such gene can help deliver DNA …

UF/IFAS Strawberry Specialist: Lack of Neopestalotiopsis a Blessing for Producers

Web AdminDisease, Research, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson A drier year meant a good production season for Florida strawberries regarding a lack of diseases. A state known for its high-quality strawberry crop was ravaged in prior seasons because of neopestalotiopsis fruit rot disease. But rainy seasons exacerbated the problem. This year’s dry weather led to minimal disease impact, said Vance Whitaker, University of Florida Institute …

Strawberry Growers Could Benefit From UF/IFAS Research into Powdery Mildew

Web AdminDisease, Research, Strawberry

Strawberry farmers worldwide may get help from new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research that shows a way to battle one of the fruit’s fiercest foes. The key: combine genomic data with phenomics. The genome amounts to all the DNA in an organism. Phenomics is the study of plant growth, performance and composition. Through phenomics, …

Plum Curculio Currently Not a Concern for Florida Peach Producers

Web AdminPeaches, Pests, Research

By Clint Thompson Plum curculio is not currently a pest for most Florida peach producers. But that shouldn’t deter growers from keeping a watchful eye and ensuring the insect does not become a problem in the future. Amanda Hodges, an Extension scientist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomology and nematology department, discusses the impact …