Brian Bahder in his lab at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center Courtesy UF/IFAS

UF/IFAS Scientists Develop Method For Detecting DNA Of Invasive Snakes In Florida

Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida’s defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they’ve been, aiding eradication efforts. Once a nonnative species gets into an environment, it is often too late…

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Ashley Smyth with her wave machine model at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead.

UF/IFAS And Florida Sea Grant Secure $250K NOAA Grant To Cultivate Seaweed Aquaculture

Atlantic subtropical seaweed is making waves among scientists who are exploring its potential for economic and environmental benefits for the Sunshine State. The University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant have secured a $250,000 grant from NOAA to investigate seaweed aquaculture cultivated from Florida’s tropical…

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Nile Monitor (UF/IFAS)

New Outreach Program Helps UF Researchers Track Invasive Species In Florida

Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However,…

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Photo Courtesy: Thomas Chouvenc

Fallen Trees Reveal Hiden Termites: UF/IFAS Expert Offers Identification, Prevention Resources

As Floridians begin to work on recovery efforts from the destruction caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, many are dealing with fallen trees that have damaged their property. For some, the situation is even worse due to an unexpected culprit: termites. According to Thomas…

Read More Fallen Trees Reveal Hiden Termites: UF/IFAS Expert Offers Identification, Prevention Resources
Coptotermes gestroi, commonly known as the Asian subterranean termite is a small species of termite that lives underground. Credit: UF/IFAS Thomas Chouvenc

International Team Of Scientists Make Taxonomic Breakthrough By Rewriting The ‘Termite Dictionary’

The community of termite scientists have achieved a major milestone. An international team of 46 researchers has unveiled a new, comprehensive classification system for termites, shedding light on this often-misunderstood group of insects. All living species are classified through a process called taxonomy, which is…

Read More International Team Of Scientists Make Taxonomic Breakthrough By Rewriting The ‘Termite Dictionary’
Hajihassani’s team sampled 15 guava orchards in Homestead and uncovered a widespread presence of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii across 80% of the sampled orchards. New control methods are being devised. Photos courtesy Abolfazl Hagihassani

UF/IFAS Scientists Uncover Root Causes Threatening Guava, Passion Fruit, And Dragon Fruit In South Florida

University of Florida scientists have identified the root causes threatening the health and productivity of some of Florida’s most beloved tropical fruits: dragon fruit, guava and passion fruit. The reveal: New species of the microscopic roundworms known as nematodes that live in the soil and…

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Xiaoying Li evaluates for nematodes and soilborne diseases in a Homestead okra field. Photo taken by Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS Photography

New UF/IFAS Vegetable Crop Specialist Driving Innovative Research, Crop Diversification To Florida’s Small Farms

Ninety percent of Florida’s agricultural operations are small farms with gross sales under $250,000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In South Florida, small farmers benefit from an ideal subtropical climate but need more options for high-value fruit and vegetable crops to grow profitably…

Read More New UF/IFAS Vegetable Crop Specialist Driving Innovative Research, Crop Diversification To Florida’s Small Farms
Coral_Xenia-umbellata is one of the invasive pulse corals detected in Puerto Rico and Cuba that are native to the Red Sea. Photo courtesy Diego Delso

Scientists Seek Public Help To Prevent Spread Of Invasive Soft Coral Along Florida’s Coast

Scientists urge divers, recreational charters, residents and visitors exploring the waters of South Florida to look for an invasive soft coral species that has been reported on the nearby surrounding shores of Cuba. The invasive pulse corals, a species within the Xeniidae family, are native…

Read More Scientists Seek Public Help To Prevent Spread Of Invasive Soft Coral Along Florida’s Coast
State Representative Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, honors Berkley Barnes on the house floor as the 2023 St. Lucie County Fair Queen. (Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie County)

Meet Berkley Barnes: From Shy 4-H Mini-Member To Legislative Change Agent

How does a shy youth grow into a confident and inspirational young leader advocating for legislative change at the state level? For Berkley Barnes, a 17-year-old St. Lucie resident and 4-H member, the journey entailed participation in the robust Florida 4-H youth development program, combined…

Read More Meet Berkley Barnes: From Shy 4-H Mini-Member To Legislative Change Agent
Everglades National Park observation of aquatic ecosystem functions. Photo courtesy Jehangir Bhadha.

UF/IFAS Scientists Host Next ‘STEPS’ Toward Phosphorus Sustainability With National Think Tank In South Florida

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for food security and human survival, and it is an element that cannot be replenished. That is why using phosphorus efficiently is essential and the focus of a national research effort led by leading scientists across the country to promote…

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