Newly Translated Publication

Achachairu (Garcinia humilis), árbol frutal: botánica y cultivo comercial en el sur de Florida

Por Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, Bruce Schaffer.

Este documento provee información sobre las características y botánica del achachairu así como las prácticas horticulturales recomendadas para productores comerciales y profesionales de Extensión tanto del condado como del estado de Florida. Esta información también está destinada a dueños de casas y estudiantes interesados en cultivar achachairu.

New Publications on Tropical Fruits

Quick Guide to Environmental Factors Impacting Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crops in Florida

By Jonathan H. Crane, Bruce Schaffer, Young Gu Her, Haimanote Bayabil, Jeff Wasielewski, and Clyde Fraisse.

Commercial tropical fruit crop acreage is expanding in Florida outside the traditional extreme south Florida and coastal counties. This largely results from the significantly warmer climate, less frequent freezing events, and less severity and duration of freezing events throughout the state, especially south-central counties. In addition, as the loss of citrus acreage continues, citrus growers and entrepreneurs are seeking alternative crops to remain in business. The successful establishment and maintenance of tropical and subtropical fruit crops in Florida depend on the crop’s tolerance to critical abiotic factors. These include tolerance to flooded or waterlogged soil conditions and its ability to withstand high soil and irrigation water salinity. Factors also include its high and low temperature ranges for growth, flowering, and production. This publication aims to provide an understanding of the impacts of environmental factors on subtropical and tropical fruit crops grown in Florida.

Feral Papaya Plants in Florida—A Resource for Breeding New Cultivars

By Jugpreet Singh, Sumit Jangra, and Jonathan H. Crane.

Papaya is native to southern Mexico and Central America. It was likely introduced to Florida by the Calusa tribe through their contact with indigenous Caribbean people no later than 300 A.D. Some of the evidence for this introduction comes from seeds found in the Native American mounds of the Pineland Site Complex in Pine Island, Florida. While papaya did not originate in Florida, it is considered naturalized. We have surveyed and sampled several feral papaya plants from different geographical areas of south Florida. Feral papayas may possess unique traits that are absent in commercial papaya cultivars. Such traits may be potentially useful for the genetic improvement of papaya germplasm.

New Publications on Okra

Control Strategies for Seed-Borne Diseases on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

By Monalisa Seaton, Xiaoying Li, Shouan Zhang, Guodong Liu, and Xingbo Wu.

 This EDIS publication focuses on seed-borne diseases affecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a warm-season crop commonly grown in Florida’s home gardens, small farms, and specialty markets. As consumer demand for locally grown and culturally significant vegetables continues to rise across the state, the trade and exchange of okra seeds have become increasingly common. Hence, this effect raises concerns about the spread of seed-borne pathogens. This publication provides an overview of these diseases, their impacts, and control strategies using cultural, biological, and chemical methods, emphasizing integrated pest management (IPM). This publication is designed to be a valuable resource for researchers, students, Extension agents, and growers. Additionally, seed vendors, crop consultants, and others interested in understanding and managing seed-borne diseases in this high-value specialty crop may find value in this publication.

Okra: Nutritional Value and Production Practices in South Florida

By Xiaoying Li, Peyton Ecklund, Yuncong Li, Monalisa Seaton, Dakshina R. Seal, Shouan Zhang, Abolfazl Hajihassani, Guodong Liu, Xingbo Wu, and Haimanote Bayabil.

This EDIS publication introduces okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) as a versatile crop with significant potential in south Florida. Further, the paper provides an overview of the plant’s nutritional and medicinal benefits, global production trends, and multiple uses. Moreover, it includes practical guidance on cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvesting. The publication serves as a resource for researchers, students, Extension agents, and growers. Crop certified advisors, crop consultants, food industry professionals, and the public may also be interested in this high-value crop.

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