Horticultural scientist Uttara Samarakoon has joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) to focus on researching protected agriculture practices. As ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Oak galls are one of my favorite examples of how complex plant–insect interactions can be. If you’ve ever walked past an oak tree and noticed odd growths (round, leafy, fuzzy, spiky, or shaped like little apples) you’ve seen the work of ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Recap of December 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector This month, we dove into the topic of invasive mites, specifically focusing on the ones that can damage plants. These tiny arachnids are everywhere: on plants, animals, humans, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension
When it comes to raising sheep in the warm, humid climate of Putnam County, Florida, Katahdin sheep stand out as an excellent option. These hardy animals are known for their adaptability, low-maintenance care, and high-quality meat production. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Livestock, Pests & Disease
As a horticulture agent, one question that always makes me uneasy is, “What is killing my tree?” It sounds simple, but the answer is rarely straightforward. Finding the cause often feels like solving a mystery—sometimes it takes horticultural ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Global seaweed production is currently at an all time high (World Bank, 2023; FAO, 2024). Almost all of that production occurs in Asia. The small amount that does occur in the US is restricted to cold water species, like the kelps of New England ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. El final del otoño y la temporada de invierno en Florida no solo traen un clima más fresco y menos húmedo, sino también la llegada de las fresas cultivadas ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Florida’s late fall and winter don’t just bring cooler, less humid weather. The seasons bring the sweet burst of locally grown strawberries. Juicy, vibrant and fresh from the fields, these Sunshine State gems are waiting for you at your ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS
The UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Dairy Production Conference has traditionally been held in Gainesville, attracting students, industry professionals, and dairy producers from around the state. But as dairy operations across the state and region grew ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Farm Management, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, , Water