UF/IFAS News
Predicted El Niño Has Florida Strawberry Growers on High Alert
New study digs into the influence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation on Botrytis infection in Florida strawberries.
Okra Emerging as a New Powerhouse Crop
The popularity and demand for okra is on the grow. Learn why okra going from a home garden staple to a ‘food is medicine’ star in Florida and beyond.
New Study Testing To See if Volcanic Rock Dust Can Improve Plant and Soil Health
University of Florida researchers are testing the use of volcanic rock dust to improve soil health across the state’s sandy and organic farmlands.
Beneficial Bugs With a Big Appetite for Citrus Psyllids
Researchers have found three commercially available insect species that devour the eggs of the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector of citrus greening.
New Research Taps Into Genetics To Catch Strawberry Runners
If left to their own devices, strawberry runners can ruin slow up a healthy crop. New research aims to find the parts of DNA that control runner growth.
Fresh Take on How To Improve Artichokes
New research focuses on finding better ways to store and handle artichokes, so they stay fresh longer and keep more of their healthy nutrients.
Researchers Focus in To Develop Disease-Resistant Lettuce Varieties
Backed by a $500,000 federal grant, University of Florida scientists are closer to a breakthrough that could safeguard the nation’s lettuce supply.
Beneficial Wasps Emerge as New Allies in Controlling Invasive Leafhopper
University of Florida researchers have identified two native parasitic wasps, that might help Florida growers combat the two-spot cotton leafhopper.
Cold Hardy Avocados Offering New Promise for Florida Growers
Cold‑tolerant avocado varieties could open production much farther north in Florida, presenting new opportunities as western states face growing challenges.
Scientists Break New Ground With Vitamin A-Enriched Tomato
University of Florida researchers have developed a tomato with significantly higher levels of beta-carotene, aiming to combat global vitamin A deficiency.
Hope Grows for Florida Citrus in Special Millennium Block Project
Harvest has begun in the Millennium Block, a seven-year, 5,000-tree research project designed to identify HLB-tolerant citrus varieties and rootstocks.
New Research Brings Good News for Strawberry Growers Under Siege From Pests
The twospotted spider mite and the chilli thrips are a pain for Florida strawberry growers. Scientists focus on a predatory mite could bring needed relief.
New Study Unlocks Secrets of the Invasive Thrips Parvispinus Pest
University of Florida researchers have mapped out new intel on the lifecycle and habits of the Thrips parvispinus pest for more effective control strategies.
Scientists Teaming up to Wage High Tech War Against Citrus Greening
University of Florida researchers are joining forces to wage a high-tech war against plant pests and diseases with citrus greening as top priority.
Why Scientists Put 5,000 Strawberries to the Taste Test
Find out how University of Florida researchers are going all in on helping strawberry growers produce tastier fruit.
Scientists Probe Protein Power as New Way To Fight Citrus Greening
UF/IFAS researchers have developed a plant they’re calling NuCitrus. It’s based on a protein that can help make some fruit more tolerant to citrus greening.
Smart Tech
Unique Ag Tech Startup Aims To Make Crop Production Easier
EZ-Ag Innovations’ technology can help growers spray only weeds and minimize damage to surrounding crops, including strawberries and tomatoes.
Florida Avocado Growers on the Lookout for Sunblotch Viroid
Florida avocados are facing a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). The disease can severely stunt tree growth, deform fruit, and more.
What in the World Is Going On With Plant Diseases? Check Out This App
Learn more about Robigus, a newly developed app that can help detect crop threats globally with the tap of a screen or keyboard.