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 also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge…
FWC ISSUES NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER OUTLINING NEW HUNTING REGULATIONS FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGEMENT ZONE UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler JonesFollowing confirmation of a positive test sample for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Holmes County in June 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have implemented management…
The plants you bring home from garden centers and nurseries may look beautiful in your landscape but they might be invasive species that could escape your yard and quickly spread into natural areas, becoming an ecological and economic nightmare. To avoid contributing to the problem, homeowners and landscapers should carefully select alternative sterile cultivars or other…
Christopher Hernandez Hernandez in broiler house on internship.Christopher Hernandez is a current UF Animal Sciences student in the Food Animal Specialization. Hernandez spent his summer internship in Pineville, Missouri, on Cobb-Bear Hollow Farm. His internship was specifically under Cobb-Vantress Genetics, a broiler chicken genetics company owned by Tyson. His responsibilities varied as he floated through each department…
The Bioblitz Event The UF/IFAS Extension St Lucie County conducted a “UF Extension Butterflies and Wildflowers Bioblitz” on September 14, 2023, 2023 from 8:30 AM – 11 AM at the Steven J. Fousek Preserve in St. Lucie County, FL. A team of intrepid explorers ventured over a mile into the preserve to observe and identify the species…
The horseshoe crab is an ancient creature. Fossil records suggest it has been around for at least 400 million years. Today there are four species left on the planet, the one found in the United States is Limulus polyphemus and it can be found along the east and Gulf coasts. In recent years there has been a…
Do you skip eating breakfast or maybe skimp on breakfast? For some, not being hungry in the morning or not having enough time is a good reason to skip this important meal altogether. But you might want to re-think that habit. Nut butter instead of butter or margerine on toast offers a powerful protein boost.Breakfast…
Ana Yoko Ykeuti Meiga, a PhD student in SNRE’s Interdisciplinary Ecology program, spent her summer researching giant anteaters in Brazil. Photo credit: Alessandra Bertassoni
Watching giant anteaters eat, sleep, play and give piggyback rides to their pups was part of this summer’s fieldwork for Ana Yoko Ykeuti Meiga, a PhD student in SNRE’s…
Broccoli – Just About Ready to PickIf you like broccoli as I do, you should keep in mind that it is a very easy-to-grow vegetable that needs to go into your garden at this time of year. I have already started my seeds for the coming season and am preparing the soil for planting. Classified…
White titi trees, easily identified by the white racemes hanging from the branches. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
When I first started learning to identify wetland species in the field, titi (pronounced “tye-tye”) trees were among the first I could consistently recognize. They grow all over the place, so I had plenty of…
When it comes to dealing with insect pests of tropical fruit, try not to think “What do I spray?” Instead, use a balanced approach to pest control that will use pesticides only when completely necessary. The most common pests for tropical fruit are scale, weevils, fruit flies, and whitefly with thrips, spider mites and aphids…
The mulberry (Morus spp.) is a fruiting tree rich in flavor, with nutritious foliage, a myriad of medicinal and culinary value, and a fascinating history. With numerous species, hybrids, and endless cultivars to choose from—a mulberry may be the perfect fit for your Florida-friendly landscape. In addition to jackfruit, breadfruit, and figs, mulberries belong to the family…
