News & Updates

Reducing Conflicts Between Trees and Power Lines

Power is a great luxury enjoyed by many. This is true especially in the Florida summer. We love our air conditioning, functioning fridges, etc. Any time the power goes out, it is stressful. Your house can get hot, your food may go bad, it is generally not a great time. One way to keep the…

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Mango Day

Mango day is quickly approaching (July 22nd), and these fruits definitely deserve their own day for their popularity in salsa, smoothies, and as a snack by themselves. However, be careful when you have extra mango, as they can attract fruit flies in your kitchen! Originally from the Indo-Burma region in Asia, they are known for…

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Grape Expectations: Growing Muscadine Grapes

    Immature grape clusters growing on a vine. While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their…

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A Sea of Grass; Part 11 – Reptiles

When snorkeling the grassbeds of the Florida panhandle encountering a reptile has a low probability, but it is not zero.  Of all the reptiles that call this part of the state home, few enter marine waters and most of those are very mobile, moving up and down the coast heading from one habitat to another. …

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Our Intense Weather and Climate Change

Everyone has noticed the intense weather that crossed the United States in recent years.  Tornadoes are hitting communities throughout the Midwest, but are also hitting places like Seattle, southern California, and even recently Pensacola Beach.  Thunderstorms, though common, are occurring in waves.  Typical summer days here in the panhandle include afternoon thunderstorms, but recently there…

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Creatures from the Glowing Lagoon

    Florida doesn’t have snow angels, we have bioluminescent angels! Angel: Tanya Goldberg, Photo credit: Lauren Michelle Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bays, but did you know that we have the same organism creating bioluminescence right here in Florida?  Each summer, the northern Indian River Lagoon attracts visitors at night for a special…

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Meet The 2023 4-H Interns!

Step into the world of opportunity as we introduce an outstanding group of high school interns who are cultivating their passion for agriculture and health sciences. These nine students have joined Miami-Dade County 4-H for the 2023 AgriTech and Food Systems Apprenticeship. This program aims to connect students with the fascinating world of urban agriculture, with…

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New chair: Mathews Paret to lead UF plant pathology

 Mathews Paret, professor in the UF/IFAS plant pathology department, will step into the role of department chair starting September 15, 2023.Mathews Paret. Photo by Cristina Carriz.Paret will lead the department of more than 30 faculty members based on the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus and at research and education centers around the state. Plant pathologists work…

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New research shows U.S. consumers willing to pay more to receive a natural casing on produce that would reduce food waste.

Highlights According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide goes to waste every year. Study used a choice experiment to determine what consumers would be willing to pay for tomatoes and bananas that were given a natural coating to increase shelf-life. Overall, customers were willing…

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Weekly “What is it?”: Mole cricket

    A young mole cricket. Its round head and large front claws distinguish it from other cricket species. Photo credit: Lucy Adams Stevenson A mole cricket has a face only a mother could love. They are so strange looking, in fact, that in the past week I’ve had two people ask me what they were. They…

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Summer Food Adventures

My favorite thing about summer is the food. I think that’s because it’s more adventurous. There’s a mild risk factor involved with eating outdoors, contending with sun and sand, shooing away bugs, and lighting a charcoal fire that adds fun and excitement to an ordinary meal. Many of the most popular foods we enjoy at…

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