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Can You Find a Coral Snake?

August 13, 2022
Most of you – okay… ALL of you who read this column like the outdoors.  Some like it for its peace and beauty, some for recreation opportunities, some like it for both.  One activity I have found many enjoy is seeking creatures from a list.  A sort of “bingo” approach to observing nature.   For…

UF researchers find genes responsible for several flavor compounds in strawberries

August 13, 2022
In their quest to improve strawberry flavor, University of Florida scientists have found the genes behind several aromatic chemicals that enhance the fruit’s taste. These findings will help UF/IFAS researchers Vance Whitaker and Seonghee Lee as they study the sources of the unique aroma in strawberries. As with many fruits, the genes that control aroma and flavor are connected.…

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

August 12, 2022
A rain barrel is an easy way to save water from a rainfall event to water your garden later.  You may choose to buy one ready made, or you can make it yourself. Finding a Barrel The first step of making a rain barrel is finding the barrel.  Some food processing plants will  sell them…

Houseplants for Health and Wellbeing

August 12, 2022
It is well known that plants and gardening can promote wellbeing. Most of you reading this are likely gardeners or plant enthusiasts who have first hand experience with the myriad benefits caring for our green friends can impart. Caring for plants can improve our wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The presence of…

Nocturnal Superheros of the Garden

August 12, 2022
Often underrecognized for their contributions to our environment, bats play a pivotal role in keeping insect populations under control while also providing fertilization and pollination services. Pest Control Emerging from their roosts at dusk, a single insectivorous bat can consume thousands of insects per night, reducing pest populations around gardens, agricultural lands, wetlands, forests, and…

Don’t Worry, Bee Happy

August 11, 2022
The European honey bee A European honey bee collects nectar and pollen from the purple flower of Indigo Spires Salvia. Photo by David Austin The European honey bee has been in the United States for a long time. Brought here in the early 1600s by, you guessed it, Europeans.  The Honey bee may as well be…

In the Garden, We Grow: A Garden’s Pest

August 11, 2022
The Inevitable Pests It is inevitable – any gardener can attest. Look closely and you will see a garden and its pest. But what is a pest? Usually when we think of the term “pest,” we may think of insect pests. Pests also include pathogens, microbes, nematodes, or weeds. A reality in every garden and…

Artificial Intelligence For The Naturally Intelligent

August 11, 2022
All right, let’s talk about UF’s virtual genius elephant in the room: artificial intelligence (or “AI” for short). The University of Florida is currently taking leaps in the field of AI, and it is already impacting how we surf the internet, do business, and the way we look at plants and animals. What is AI?…

Register Your Farm on www.SWFLFresh.com

August 10, 2022
If you are a SWFL farmer selling your products locally or direct to consumer, consider registering your farm on the SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh website. Who can create a profile? Farmers selling SWFL grown produce, meat, eggs, honey, fruit, and other agricultural commodities for the local and direct to consumer market; for example, on…

All Florida pesticide exams now available online

August 10, 2022
In Florida, pesticide licensing exams help ensure the state’s approximately 70,000 pesticide applicators are properly certified to follow state regulations and best practices for mitigating the impact of chemicals on the environment. After the launch of several online pesticide exams earlier this year, all pesticide exams are now available on this platform, including those required…

Florida’s Artificial Reefs

August 9, 2022
New Ask IFAS publications explore the effects of Florida’s popular artificial reefs on habitats, fishing stocks, and economies Several Ask IFAS publications explore the complex interplay between fish, anglers, divers, and the Florida environment on artificial reefs. These publications are designed to help managers decide where and when to deploy artificial reefs to maximize fishing and diving…
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