Pumpkins are making a comeback! It’s been many years since we have offered demonstrations on pumpkin varieties at UF/IFAS HAEC (Hastings Agriculture and Extension Center). A few years ago, our local ag inspector and I… Read More
One of the objectives of the Hastings Plant Triage Lab is to provide rapid diagnostics. That means providing an answer in a timely manner with the most efficient methods and equipment available to me. That… Read More
Corn smut discovered on sweet corn variety trial! Smuts, caused by Basidiomycetes (second largest phylum of fungi), include about ~1,200 species of fungi. This includes the pathogen Ustilago maydis, which causes the common smut. Smuts can… Read More
Pythium is an oomycete pathogen that can infect artichokes. Globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are not currently a commonly grown crop in Florida. California represents 99% of globe artichoke production in the United States. However, Florida… Read More
What is a hydroponic system? How does it differ from traditional growing of plants? How can we try it at home? Last Water Wednesday, we invited the Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Agent in Seminole… Read More
Preservation of agricultural land is crucial. Annually, one million acres of farmland are converted to nonfarm uses. Most of the conversion happens in metropolitan counties where four out of five Americans live. Urban agriculture is… Read More
Water Wednesdays in December will focus on Urban Agriculture. Last Water Wednesdays, Dr. Catherine Campbell gave an overview and discussed the benefits and risks of urban agriculture. What is Urban Agriculture? There is no standard… Read More
Urban Agriculture is part of a local food system where food is produced within an urban area and marketed to consumers within that area. According to U.S. EPA, urban agriculture can contribute to the revitalization… Read More
