GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Hope Hersh has her sights set on something out of this world—freshly baked bread for astronauts.
As a plant molecular and cellular biology doctoral student in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Hersh wanted to help solve problems that astronauts encounter in space. When submissions were requested for the Deep Space Food Challenge, hosted by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, Hersh led a team that devised a way for astronauts to have freshly baked bread on their space expeditions.
“Team Space Bread,” as Hersh deemed the group, joined other students, chefs, small businesses and others in the competition. They were tasked with designing food production technologies or systems to help feed astronauts in deep space exploration. The designs would need to use minimal resources, yield minimal waste, and produce safe and nutritious food.
After a ten-month long process, Team Space Bread was one of 18 U.S. teams move on to the next step in the competition. Each team received $25,000 and the option to continue developing their technology in Phase II.
The bread bag
To successfully bake bread in space, Team Space Bread first focused on a bag that could store the bread-making ingredients, mix them, allow the dough to rise and finally bake in the oven. They settled on bags made of a fluorinated ethylene propylene, or FEP.
The idea of using FEP bags came from seeing them used during blood donation, said Mark Settles, who served as Hersh’s doctoral adviser at the beginning of her program.
“I saw [the phlebotomist] collecting the blood product in an FEP-type bag. The bags have oxygen permeation and let the blood stay alive,” Settles said.
This technology could be adapted to hold dough instead.
“The specially-designed FEP bags can withstand extremely high temperatures as well as extremely low temperatures, and they do not break down,” Hersh said. “This means no chemicals or biological reagents will get into the bread.”
Team Space Bread proposed filling the bags with all the dry ingredients on Earth. The wheat flour, yeast and salt would then be injected with water when the astronauts are in space. The space baker could then massage the bag to mix the dough and leave it to rise.
Finally, the entire bread bag could be placed into the oven to bake. Once it was fully baked, the astronaut would cut open the bag, removing a ready-to-eat loaf.
A “crumb-y” situation
The second component needed to successfully create bread for space missions was a crumb-less recipe.
“Crumbs are really bad for space exploration,” Hersh said. On Earth, crumbs just fall on a table or floor, but without gravity in space, crumbs float around and can get into equipment in the spacecraft.
John Young, an astronaut on NASA’s Gemini 3, famously snuck a corned beef sandwich on his space mission. He was only able to take a bite before it started breaking up and he stuck it back in his pocket. The crumbs were left floating around the cabin as the sandwich started to break apart.
This did not deter Team Space Bread from finding a way to make their bread work.
“The ‘New York Times’ actually has a bread recipe that was fairly easy,” Settles said. They started with that recipe and modified it until they had a freshly baked loaf that didn’t crumble apart when consumed.
“The dough looks a little liquid-y when you mix it,” Hersh said. “But in 12 hours, you have a dough that is beautiful, risen well, and is ready to go in the oven.”
A new(tritional) hope
The Deep Space Food Challenge also asked for designs that were nutritious.
“Sending fresh fruits and vegetables to space costs a lot of money,” Hersh said. “So it’s a rare treat for astronauts to have something fresh.”
To help the bread be more nutritious, Hersh’s team used a few extra ingredients.
“We can use bio-fortified yeast strains, or edible algae, inside the bread,” Hersh said. “Bio-fortified yeast strains produce chemicals called carotenoids. These carotenoids are also known as some of the most well-known vitamins, such as Vitamin A or beta-carotene.”
Bread baked with carotenoids adds color to each loaf. The carotenoids Hersh used produced vibrant orange, yellow and red loaves. The team also mixed edible algae directly into the bread to create a green loaf with additional nutrients for the astronauts.
“When you are in space, these vitamins are not as easily accessible as they are on Earth,” Hersh said. “We tried to make a delicious way for the astronauts to consume the vitamins to keep them healthy during their exploration.”
To infinity and beyond
For Hersh, who plans to graduate in 2022, winning the Deep Space Food Challenge is not the end goal. When she was younger, she had dreams of becoming a doctor or an astronaut. Now, while earning her doctorate, her ambition is to help the people who do travel into space be successful.
“I’m using the money to re-invest into the project. I’m taking my idea to Phase II because I already know my proof of concept works,” Hersh said. “And I want to see astronauts bake bread!”
-30-
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities. The college has received more total (national and regional combined) USDA teaching awards than any other institution.
1
Comments:
February 24, 2022
Hi Cheryl, that's exciting! I'm certain the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County office would be happy to hear from you. You can find contact info at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/collier.
February 21, 2022
I’m going to be staying in Collier County the month of March and am a master gardener volunteer from Franklin county in Ohio. I would like to know more about projects in your area. I have also spent some time in Vero Beach recently and installed a native planting at a residential location.
January 21, 2022
Thank you for your interest in assisting! Columbia County did participate this year and I'm sure would love to include your schools in the 2022 challenge. It will start all over again Oct. 1! https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/columbia/
January 21, 2022
I would love to help with this, I noticed that Columbia County was not listed. What do I have to do to help with this. The school I work at collected over 15,000 items for our local food bank this past October.
December 15, 2021
What a great story. All Gators are proud of Hope Hersh and wish her success. Go Gators and Go Team Space Bread!
December 9, 2021
Looks like it would be pretty tasty down here too.
December 7, 2021
Thanks Ken. You were a major influence and on how I run my eco tourism company. Keep up the good work.
December 7, 2021
Thank you Ken for all of your hard work and dedication. I was blessed to participate in your classes. Since then you have been a valuable resource when I’ve needed help or information.
December 3, 2021
Absolutely awesome. A project that makes sense. I want to see sweet rolls...
November 20, 2021
Fascinating guy to talk to. He is knowledgeable and entertaining which makes learning from him interesting and fun!
November 11, 2021
Hi Kristopher, thanks for the question! You can find the contact information and hours for the Duval County office at http://duval.ifas.ufl.edu/.
November 11, 2021
Two neighborhood based organizations with community gardens in New Town and North Riverside are looking for assistance with design and horticulture. Can you advise how we can make an appointment with Jax staff to get the ball rolling? Thanks in advance.
October 20, 2021
Very informative and the archival photos are great! NFREC has a wealth of historical resources. Thank you!
October 4, 2021
Thank you. Much appreciated. Dr. Chouvenc is available for interviews.
October 4, 2021
This ia extraordiarily intriguing! In terms of evolution, a fascinating phenomenon although its sigificance yet to be elucidated. A fine piece!
July 10, 2021
I am a resident of Texas, a lifelong wannabe farmer, this software is one of the most useful tools imaginable. The people of the Great State of Florida should be proud of the work presented here!!!!!!!
June 25, 2021
very helpful article . thanks for sharing
June 24, 2021
My ottb Halo who is now 16 years old has been suffering for 11 years. I have tried every product on the market. Plus acupuncture and now I have him in a stall with an AC during the day and turned out at night. He's managing well but I'm not able to ride him much during the hotter months. I live near Tampa Bay. I would love to move him us north and I have trying to find him a home off and on for years with no luck. I'd love to get him into a study if possible.
June 24, 2021
I have a horse that is 18 years old that suffers from this condition horribly. Every summer I am afraid he won't make it through the Arkansas summers. If you would like to use him for any research and could travel to Arkansas for it, you are more than welcome. We do everything we can to help keep him comfortable and with us.
June 23, 2021
My gelding, Dashing Big Red, developed Anhidrosis when he was 8 years. old. He was a registered QH but the bloodlines were 50% Thoroughbred. He raced until he was approximately 5.5 years old. He died at 18 years. I tried dark beer, One AC, Signal. None worked. An old race remedy helped more than any - sugar, lite salt and salt. I free leased him out so that he would be doing arena work instead of trail riding. I got him back a number of years later. He would sweat some on his neck near his mane, under his legs and flanks. His sire was Dashing Val, by Dash for Cash. His dam was Ma Hemp, by Hemp Myers out of Comin Honi.
June 23, 2021
I have my Eventer that is anhidrosis. I have had him for 5 years and we successfully compete Beginner Novice and Novice. I have an ice regime that I do after each phase that helps him. Also the best thing I do for him is keep him competition fit. I do ride at all times of the day as I may have to compete in it at some point. I have tried EVERYTHING on the market and the only thing that works for a 2 week period is acupuncture. Although it is crazy expensive. So I will be doing it myself for him. Im not sure why the same drug that is used for humans couldn't be tried on horses as we use many of the same drugs as a human. If there is ever a study to do with those drugs in mind I would like to try them for my guy. Thank you for trying to find out how to help these horses. Lisa
June 23, 2021
Are y’all working on a future test to see if a breeding horse carries the genetic marker for anhydrosis?
June 23, 2021
We need to have a test that can be done as part of a pre-purchase exam. Having gone through this with my Morgan mare and making the difficult decisions to manage her care and untimely getting her out and of the state of Fl...it would have been so helpful to know prior to purchasing her.
May 17, 2021
Thank you for your comment and question. According to Dr. Czyz, his lab has not done any work with yeast, and yeast is a component of SCOBY.
May 17, 2021
Great news Samantha Murray! My spirit believes in it. :) Congrats to Dr. Czyz and his team! Would you mind tell us ... Did they ever try some scientific essay with kombucha SCOBY? Thank's in advance!
April 25, 2021
I have experienced this amazing phenomenon while birding one day. I came across other birders who where using a a recording device playing the sound of an Eastern Screech owl being mobbed by a group of Tufted Titmouse and Black-capped Chickadees. I was amazed at how many different species of birds came in from different areas.
April 22, 2021
Do they sell organic local fruits and vegetables at wickham park farmers market
April 16, 2021
Baby I just read this with tears running down my cheeks to Daddy he said why didn’t you say anything about him I had to laugh! Thank you I love you so much
February 27, 2021
Love you Mommy!
February 27, 2021
Awesome information about you as well as your family roots.
February 27, 2021
Sandra has an amazing capacity for compassion and mercy, within her career and her personal life. Always willing to lend a hand and help someone in need. She is a strong African American woman who believes in unity and peace. I admire her strength and commitment.
February 25, 2021
I am thoroughly proud of this young African American man I have known him the majority of his life Highly recommend him and esteem his work in society toward the betterment of human life. Della Wheeler
February 18, 2021
Jesus in your heart, excellence in your bloodline, knowledge in your head, and Black Girl Magic...well that's EVERYTHING!!! Thank you for representing well and blazing a positive trail for others to follow!!
February 18, 2021
Correction to previous post. So very proud of you!
February 17, 2021
Correction to previous post. So very proud of you.!
February 16, 2021
Loved the article!
February 16, 2021
Awesome Awesome. So very pride of you, the work you’re doing and the beautiful young woman you’ve become. Congratulations.
February 15, 2021
I am so proud of your and your continuous stand in faith for the youth that have cross your path. Thank you for your support and spirit of excellence and knowledge in all you have done. Baker
February 14, 2021
You are a blessing and have been for many youth and adults. Very proud of you and expecting to hear and read much more of your experiences and compliments
February 14, 2021
I had the pleasure of spending a week or two with Dr. Lloyd studying Fausis reticulata at my home in the western highland rim of Tennessee some years ago. I would like to think we became friends. I certainly gained a great respect for the man, his passion and his intellect. We spoke on the phone and through email from time to time, but I never had the privilege and the gift of his presence again. I very much would like to purchase a copy of his book, 'A Naturalist's Long Walk...' I think it may again be like being in the woods in the dark with my friend and mentor. Please let me hear from you with whatever you can offer. Sincerely, Jim Singleton
February 13, 2021
Awesomeness, Dr. BT❣️
February 13, 2021
Dr. Tennille, This is incredibly beautiful! Girl we can see that you truly worked hard for it, and are representing in a BIG way. You have established such a great legacy that definitely makes our entire family so proud. You are our trailblazer, so Keep up the awesome job that you're doing . Aunt Gwen
February 12, 2021
Great job!
February 12, 2021
You continue to be a role model and a light in a very dark world. You continue to be a trailblazer and focal point of the tip of a modern day spear that pierces the veils of female inequalities in the work force. If you persist in your endeavors, you will always be rewarded with the blessings of God! Thank you for your service and support.
January 13, 2021
thanks for this
November 9, 2020
Hi Lois, our experts say the only really way to protect monarch caterpillars from predators would be to raise them indoors. Thanks again for your question.
November 6, 2020
Hi Theresa, thank you for your question. You can find recommendations for pollinator friendly plants for Florida in these two UF/IFAS Extension publications: Butterfly Gardening in Florida A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida
November 6, 2020
Hi Lynette, we suggest contacting the Vermont Extension Master Gardener program for recommendations on pollinator friendly plants for your area. Here's the link to their help page: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener/helpline
November 6, 2020
Hi Lois, thanks for your question. We're asking our experts about it and will get back to you.
November 6, 2020
Hi Tammie, thanks for your question. We recommend contacting Laura Vasquez (lavasquez@ufl.edu) at the UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County office for recommendations. Or, call the office at (305) 248-3311.
November 6, 2020
Hi. I live in S. FL (Miami-Dade) and we are having problems finding native milkweed to feed our Monarch caterpillars. Is there any suggestions on where we can find nurseries that have them? Thank you.
October 31, 2020
Nayda's influence and impact has been national and beyond. I had the benefit of working with her on various USDA/NIFA CYFAR projects in Georgia, one of many state CYFAR projects that Nayda coordinated and strengthened. Nayda is still remembered fondly as a faculty member at the University of Georgia, more than 30 years ago. I am fortunate to consider her a mentor and friend.
October 29, 2020
My mother-in-law is Effie Stone Rolfs' grand-daughter, Effie Hargrave Kirby. She is 91 and lives in La Crosse.
October 28, 2020
How does one control lizards from eating the catapillars? I have counted 40 plus catapillars on a bush in the evening, and the next Morning there are none. This is happening all over my acre garden.
October 22, 2020
I am so moved by this organization as a Women in Agriculture. I pioneered growing Wine Grapes in 1976 and I was the first sole proprietor, female, to get a farm loan 1986. I hold high standards for Women in Agriculture and my mentor is Dee Ann Connor. I was unaware of her dedication until now.
October 22, 2020
Hi Don, thanks for your questions. Here's some information from Jaret Daniels: "The general recommendation for tropical milkweed in Florida is to cut it to the ground in late Oct/early Nov to help prevent winter breeding and disruption of the migration. This stands for folks living north of Lake Okeechobee. South Florida is more complicated and already has a non-migratory population and winter breeding. Regarding other plants for pollinators and monarchs, the list is extensive. Here are a few resources: Butterfly Gardening in Florida and A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida."
October 22, 2020
what other plants can be used locally for monarchs and other pollinators? Do I need to worry about local monarchs migrating to Mexico and cut back my milkweed planes some time in the fall or winter? Is there a good reference (IFAS publication or similar) for raising monarchs and other butterflies?
October 21, 2020
great article; thank you for sharing
October 19, 2020
It would be very helpful & list the various flowering plants used in this study. Being from Vermont, close to the Canadian border, are there any similar lists for areas much farther north than Florida?
October 17, 2020
I thought you would give suggestions on which wild flowers to grow for migratory
October 16, 2020
Sure is! The UF/IFAS Extension Okeechobee County office is located at 458 US Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee (34972). If you need other information, here is the office's website: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okeechobee/. Thank you for your interest!
October 2, 2020
A wonderful charitable way to feed the hungry- maybe save a life today! My daughter lives in FL . I know she will donate. She loves ppl.
October 1, 2020
Is there an extension office in or near Okeechobee County?
October 1, 2020
Hi Sandra! Thanks for your interest. The UF/IFAS Extension Marion County office is located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd in Ocala. Here is their website if you need any other contact information: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/.
October 1, 2020
Collection locations in Ocala?
September 15, 2020
I totally understand the article our Son went thru a bout of Chemo for tx and the article was fascinating to me... Thank You
September 15, 2020
Very interesting article. Awesome
August 17, 2020
Hi MS Malagday. Sorry for the delay, I am unable to find your original request. In the meantime, I will forward your inquiry to Dr. Alan Chambers.
August 16, 2020
Did you ever hear an answer? I would love to try to grow one? Thanks
July 15, 2020
Thank you for reaching out to UF/IFAS. We are very excited about this opportunity to continue 4-H programs. If you’d like information about supporting youth and families through 4-H in your community, please contact Caylin Hilton with Florida 4-H at grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu or 352-392-5432. To get involved with 4-H in your area, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office by visiting http://florida4h.org/getinvolved/. For more information about UF/IFAS Extension Broward County 4-H’s work, please visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/broward-4-h-youth-development/
July 15, 2020
Thank you for reaching out to UF/IFAS . At this time, due to COVID restrictions, the children are unable to meet in groups. The 4-H agent, however, is still working virtually on continuing the program.
July 15, 2020
Hi Alan My wife and I have just moved from Canada to Florida and looking for land to purchase for farming and are interested in many of the new initiatives you are exploring especially vanilla. We want to grow a few as well to get more familiar while we are locking in land etc and a plan here to farm the natural way. Can you and are you able to let us purchase some plants to try or direct us to the right area? We also could and are willing to assist you in testing etc if you wish. Let us know please and excited to here more
July 14, 2020
Thank you for reaching out to UF/IFAS. Unfortunately, this was designed for Palm Beach residents only. The UF/IFAS Extension Office did not have the same arrangement. However, there are many online virtual camps that you can take advantage and that are available from any one of the counties. Please log on to http://florida4h.org/programsandevents_/4-h-adventures/ If you wish to reach the Broward County 4-H site, please go to http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/
July 14, 2020
Hello Paul, thank you for reaching out to UF IFAS. The UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County office covers and offers programs for the City of Melbourne. Here is some information with a contact number. The website can be reached by logging on to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/brevard/ The Extension Direction is Elizabeth Shepherd who can be reached via email at bshephar@ufl.edu. If you wish to call the office, please call Tel: (321) 633-1702 but please keep in mind that due to COVID restrictions, there may be some schedule conflicts.
July 14, 2020
Hello Sharon, so sorry for the delay. Let me put you in touch with Lorna Bravo, the UF/IFAS Broward County Extension Director. Her phone 954-756-8529 lbravo1@ufl.edu
June 8, 2020
I work in Palm Beach but live in Broward. Can my kids still get a take home kit? I can’t find this for Broward County extension office.
May 29, 2020
Are the children still allowed to meet at the Community Garden?
May 29, 2020
Awesome news for our community! 4H greatly contribute to balance life with exceptional family-oriented leadership programs. Thank you Glick Philanthropies.
April 18, 2020
Is it possible to join the hydroponics class?
April 2, 2020
Who is the UF/IFAS point of contact for the Melbourne, Florida area? Thanks.
March 31, 2020
HI Jeffrey, I am forwarding your request to Lorna Bravo, the extension director for UF/IFAS Extension Broward who will be happy to assist you.
March 29, 2020
I read this article fully regarding the difference of most up-to-date and preceding technologies, it's amazing article.
March 26, 2020
Where can I get the plans to make those bucket planters?
March 19, 2020
Outstanding! Congratulations!
March 1, 2020
Good Morning! We are very excited about this new research on Vanilla Planifiolia in Florida. We are landowners interested in starting a Vanillery . Our la nd offers the shade, humidity and natural structures that support orchid habitat at a large scale. Please reply this comment at chamilton21@gmail.com Looking forward to hear from you or Mr Chambers
February 15, 2020
Hi, I am a retired physician and am very intrigued with the idea of growing vanilla in Florida. I was thinking of setting up a greenhouse in my area, Fernandina Beach to start, a small business. I think vanilla growing would be do-able here in a green house to protect the plants in the winter. I have been to Tahiti and visited a vanilla farm; it has interested me ever since, and I have made extract with the beans I brought home. It is far superior to any store bought. I was wondering how I would be able to procure enough cuttings to start my business? Are you in contact with a supplier for your ventures? I would appreciate any help you could give me in this area. Thank you for any help you can provide.
February 12, 2020
Hello, Thirty years ago when I was coming back to Florida from Hawaii I had to leave behind a vanilla orchid I was given. I hated it. I knew I couldn't and wouldn't smuggle it back here. I have wanted one ever since. Is there a way I could buy one? I live in Fort Walton which is more humid than there and gets very cold at times, so I would build the orchid it's own house if necessary. Please contact me when you have time. cperkins1000@gmail.com Cheryl P. Malagday 40 Windham Ave. #40 Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
February 10, 2020
Hi Tanya, I will forward your question to Dr. Brym as well as other scientists at UF. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Lourdes Rodriguez rodriguezl@ufl.edu 954-577-6363
February 10, 2020
If this should escape could parts of the plants be toxic to horses? I asked our ag agent awhile back and we discovered conflicting reports. Thanks
February 5, 2020
So sorry for the delay. Let me get working on that request for you.
January 14, 2020
That's great! You can sign up for the course here:
January 14, 2020
I'am interested
January 13, 2020
I have a huge hive of honey bees you are welcome to in Port Charlotte.
January 3, 2020
Are there Master Naturalist classes, and volunteer opportunities, available in Leon County?
December 22, 2019
Wow, I would love to have cuttings to try in my location. I have a few cuttings that I started this past September but am interested it what you are doing.
December 21, 2019
I have been growing the orchid for 2 years, no flowers as of yet...excited fir my first bloom.
November 14, 2019
You can make a pre-sale order. See details: https://sites.google.com/site/ufhortclub/poinsettia-sale
November 14, 2019
Is it possible to purchase December 3rd. There is a teachers luncheon December 4 that I’m responsible for flowers. I’ve purchased the last three years and have been extremely pleased with the plants and would live to share with the teachers at Oak Hall School.
October 30, 2019
Brilliant idea! I asked out sons advisor for a mentor for him! It would have really made a difference and still could! Great minds think alike!
September 13, 2019
Denise is a wonderful person - fabulous mother, volunteer and so many other jobs she has. I am pleased to have worked with her. She always has a smile on her face and a good thing to say about people. Thanks for highlighting this wonderful 4-H volunteer.
November 29, 2018
Juanita Popenoe, I was a citrus grower,killed by greening. Located at 7317 Crystal Beach Road, Winter Haven, Florida, just south of your area and a little warmer. Pushing out last of dead citrus now. Replanting with avocados, Choquette, Monroe and Oro Negro. Now 2500 in ground half 1 year old and half 2 years old. Will have 35 to 40 acres of avocados. They will be cold protected by micro jet irrigation. Advantages: They are hard when mature to be picked, will not bruise and can be handled like fresh citrus, picked, processed, packed and sold by Dundee Citrus Growers Association ( I am a member). They have a shelf life of 3 to 4 weeks. You might be able to grow cold hardy varieties in your area. I purchased the trees from Heather Teatig at Pine Island Nursery. She is very knowledgeable about Avocados. I will be interested in having more growers in this area to build up the market. Howard C Lucas 560 Avenue K, SE, Winter Haven ,Florida 33880 ( mailing address) email. hclmdeyes@aol.com office phone 863-294-2450 cell phone 863-412-4961
April 3, 2018
You’re a special lady and a wonderful dairy advocate! So happy to see you featured...congrats and thanks for all you do to promote the beneficial aspects of women in dairy!
March 31, 2018
Awesome article and Colleen is an awesome lady! I taught with Colleen's mom, and watched Colleen growing up. She was in my daughter's class at school. They were on the same softball team for several years. So glad to see she is doing well. I am sure that the students that Colleen teaches will be well taught!
January 4, 2018
It is a very interesting news. Since especially, Ethiopia has a huge livestock population but the income from these livestock population is very far below the expected. The greatest problem in addition to genetics and disease, "Lack of good-quality, year-round feed for livestock" is a very critical which was mentioned and described above. Therefore the project will bring a good insight for the rural poor smallholders' livestock keepers through conducting research, extension and technology transfer.
December 4, 2017
Where can I purchase this book
September 20, 2017
A tour of storm damage in the heavily wooded Orange Park area revealed that about 95% of the downed trees were laurel oaks (often mis-identified as the less common water oak which has similar properties). There was almost no damage to the much stronger live oaks and few other species came down. Laurel oaks, especially large, old ones, are much more susceptible to storm damage than most other large trees and homeowners should be aware of this. They are prone to breaking off in any part of the trunk, have weak root systems and easily shed branches in strong wind. They are very heavy and can do a lot of damage. Even worse, they are subject to internal rot in the roots, trunk and branches which often remains invisible until the tree breaks off or comes down. They are prone to rot in the roots and hollowing in the stump that can result in the tree falling down even in the absence of wind. I had one large tree and several large limbs come down that way and have seen others fall with no wind. Homeowners take heed.
September 10, 2017
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I am quite familiar with your extension sites and I am very pleased with the great knowledge that you share. UF is the best!!! So let's here it ! GO GATORS!! Thank you again for all your hard work & the knowledge you share. God Bless and stay safe~
August 10, 2017
Hi Barbra, Thanks for your message! If you'd like to participate in the Air Potato Patrol, please go to https://airpotatobeetle.com/.
August 1, 2017
I have air potato vines at my house on the Aucilla River in Taylor County. I have not been able to attend any class on the problem even tho I am a MG for Leon Co Extension. I will be glad to report, participate, help in any project to get rid of them. I have two emails, one listed below and the other is barbra@fairclothagency.com
July 12, 2017
Hi, Tom, thanks for getting in touch. You can request beetles online at http://bcrcl.ifas.ufl.edu/airpotatofiles/airpotatoforms.shtml. Since you're in Polk County, you'll fill out a request for Area 2. Let us know if you have any other questions!
July 7, 2017
Are air potato beetles available for Polk County? We have had an ongoing problem along our property line in south Lakeland for several years and, with the recent rains, the plant is again overtaking our native vegetation, including elephant ears and even oak/camphor trees to the extent the smaller plants are all dying. I contacted the City's Parks & Recreation Department about acquiring beetles and was advised to contact you myself rather than through their office. I can send you pictures of our damage if necessary, but would definitely appreciate your timely assistance. In addition to my personal email (below) you may contact me at 863-398-1079. Thank you.
June 26, 2017
Hi Laurie, Thanks for writing! You can request more beetles here. We also have a new citizen science program for those interested in helping scientist control air potato. You can find out more at https://airpotatobeetle.com/.
June 21, 2017
2 years ago, I registered for and received the red beetles to help control the air potato vines in my yard. I am wondering if I can get more of the beetles through your co-op. I live in Seminole, FL and the beetles helped control the vines but we no longer have the beetles in the yard and need more. Thank you. Laurie
Comments are closed.