Ever since Florida farmers have been growing tomatoes, they’ve picked them by hand or hired laborers. It’s painstaking work that might be made easier soon with machine-harvestable tomatoes developed by University of Florida scientists. Now that the varieties are available, growers in Florida’s $400 million-a-year…
Read More Machine-Harvestable Tomatoes Available From UF/IFAS; Growers Hope Cultivars Can Help Lower Labor Cost
Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy now, say University of Florida researchers. UF/IFAS researchers are trying to breed and grow blackberries, which ripen in April, May and June in the…
Read More Blackberries In Florida May Become Even More Nutritious In The Future
A new University of Florida-developed web-based tool will help growers reduce risks that come with climate variability. It’s called the “climate indicators tool,” the newest addition to AgroClimate, a web-based platform designed 15 years ago by Clyde Fraisse, a UF/IFAS professor of agricultural and biological…
Read More University Of Florida-Developed Web-Based Tool Will Help Growers Reduce Climate Variability Risks
Florida residents seeking a dose of luck this St. Patrick’s Day likely won’t find it among the weeds in their backyards. Although oxalis stricta, a woodsorrel found throughout the state year-round, closely resembles the shamrock, a colloquial name for clover, the two plants are not…
Read More ‘False Shamrock’ More Likely To Herald Headaches Than Luck
Half of Florida residents don’t know about their local water restrictions, but those who are aware can be persuaded to abide by them, new University of Florida research shows. Water restrictions can be set by cities, counties and the state’s water management districts. But if…
Read More UF Study: About Half Of Florida Residents Are Not Aware Of Local Water Restrictions
Citizen scientists help researchers collect valid data. But University of Florida scientists wanted to know how citizen-science projects change the volunteers. In a newly published study, a project involving urban gardening led participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. For the study, Catherine Campbell, a UF/IFAS assistant…
Read More Citizen Science Project Leads Volunteers To Live Healthier Lifestyles
In a first-of-its-kind study for North America, scientists accumulated a list of potential invasive species for Florida, and researchers deemed 40 pose the greatest threat. A team of experts, led by University of Florida scientists, evaluated terrestrial, aquatic and marine species with characteristics that make…
Read More Study Identifies Florida’s Potential Invasive Species Threats
Fall is not normally when you find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store. But that may change, thanks to University of Florida researchers. This comes as good news for consumers and growers, who would be able to expand their market window by several months. In…
Read More New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way For Fall Blueberries In Florida
Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re…
Read More Florida Superfood Muscadine Grapes Get New Recipe For Success From UF/IFAS Researchers
Communities are hungry for urban food production. Engagement continues at an all-time high when there is opportunity to grow food in containers, hydroponic systems, rooftops, community gardens and any available green space. Why? Urban food production, also called urban agriculture, provides an avenue to grow food…
Read More Learn To Grow Food Locally, UF/IFAS’ Award-Winning Urban Food Production Course Is Back