Category: UF/IFAS

Papaya banker plant system strengthens biological control of whiteflies

by Stella Canfield
March 25, 2026

A new study finds that papaya banker plants can strengthen control of the sweet potato whitefly, one of the most damaging pests in ornamental crop production. Published in the journal “Biological Control,” the research highlights a promising ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Cindy McKenzie, Lance Osborne, Papaya, Pests, Poinsettias, Whiteflies, Whitefly
Leaves of industrial hemp plants in a greenhouse

Hemp flowering behavior research provides further guidance for Florida growers

by Tory Moore
February 26, 2026

New UF/IFAS research suggests Florida growers must carefully select hemp varieties and factor the length of a given day when scheduling when to plant. Understanding hemp flowering behavior, or how it responds to light and varying daylengths ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Archive, Hemp, Hemp Research, Industrial Hemp, UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research Education Center, UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center
Macro image of the texture of begonia leaves

Building better begonias

by Tory Moore
February 26, 2026

Begonias are among the top five most popular plants found in flower beds and Florida leads the way in production with sales valuing more than $11.8 million, according to the USDA. But heat waves and drought have hurt begonia production in the ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Archive, Begonias, Climate Change, Environmental Horticulture, Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services, Fngla, Grant, Plant Breeding, Usda
Carved pumpkin in a forest.

Halloween with a Horticultural Twist: Spider Mites and Poison Ivy

by Stella Canfield
November 20, 2025

Halloween is a time for ghosts, ghouls and goblins, but the real fright might be lurking right under your nose. From destructive pests to dangerous weeds, these formidable foes can transform your greenery into a gruesome graveyard.   Fangs ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS
Tags: Chris Marble, Entomology, Halloween, Herbicide, Horticulture, Lance Osborne, Landscape Weeds, Pests, Poison Ivy, Spider Mites, Weed Identification, Weeds

Banker plants effective for managing thrips on roses

by Tory Moore
October 7, 2025

Chilli thrips are a nuisance to rose growers, as their feeding causes foliar and flower damage. For the first time, UF/IFAS researchers investigated the utility of a banker plant system for managing chilli thrips on roses. Recently published ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Banker Plants, Biological Control, Chilli Thrips, Department Of Entomology And Nematology, Entomology, Entomology And Nematology, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Predatory Mites, Thrips, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center
A close up image of pokeweed, a stalk with some green buds and pink flowers.

Be aware of these common toxic plants, experts say

by Tory Moore
October 1, 2025

Weeds and invasive plants can be a nuisance to a home or business landscape, and some of them are also toxic to people or animals. A new UF/IFAS publication details some of the most common poisonous plants found in Florida residential landscapes. Ingestion ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Awareness, Gardening, Landscape, Marble, Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Poisonous Plants, Scouting, Toxic, Toxic Plants, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research And Education Center, Weed Science
Panorama of sunrise at Lake Alice.

New Online Resource for Florida Well and Septic System Owners

by Stella Canfield
September 29, 2025

Floridians who rely on private wells and septic systems now have access to a valuable online resource to ensure the safety and maintenance of their household water. Water resources regional specialized agents Yilin Zhuang (Central District) ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Home Management, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Andrea Albertin, Disaster Preparation, Drinking Water, Florida Well Owner Network, FWON, Groundwater, Hurricane, Private Wells, Septic Systems, Water, Yilin Zhuang
Well system with a tank.

Free Webinars on Private Well and Septic Systems for Floridians

by Stella Canfield
October 8, 2024

Florida homeowners with private wells or septic systems are invited to learn more about their home water and wastewater management system through three free webinars hosted by a UF/IFAS and MREC expert. WHO: Yilin Zhuang, water resources ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Home Care, Home Maintenance, Maintenance, Private Well, Septic System, Water, Water Conservation, Webinar
A hand pulling out a weed.

Master Weed Management with MREC Expert in Greenhouse Training Online Course

by Stella Canfield
October 1, 2024

Weeds pose a persistent challenge in nurseries and greenhouses, making weed management and control crucial components of such operations. To help professionals master weed management, the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department’s Greenhouse ... READ MORE

Category: Farm Management, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Chris Marble, Greenhouse, Greenhouse Weed Management, Herbicides, Nursery, Weed Management, Weeds

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