News & Updates

Video: Turfgrass Attracting Pollinators?

Centipedegrass is a low maintenance turfgrass for North Florida landscapes. Scientists from Georgia also found an added benefit when the grass is in flower. Learn about the specific insects found visiting the flowers of centipedegrass. by Beth BollesSource: UF/IFAS Pest Alert Note: All images and contents are the property of UF/IFAS.   

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Five ways to help honey bees

National Honey Bee Day is August 19, and there are many ways to support the powerhouse pollinators. “Honey bees are critically important to our food supply,” said Amy Vu, UF/IFAS Extension state specialized agent in the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL). The lab celebrates five years on the Gainesville campus this month. “Here in Florida,…

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Take-all Root Rot Fungicide Options and Their Modes of Action

Compiled by Mara L. Johnson, UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County Horticulture Program Assistant Take-all Root Rot damage, UF/IFAS photoUsing fungicide to combat Take-all Root Rot? If a fungicide that you are using to combat the fungus becomes ineffective, it is possible that the fungus has developed a resistance to the way the fungicide works. The way fungicides…

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Some Herbicides Are Killing Trees

Beware of weed killers containing MSM! If you are routinely spraying herbicides to kill weeds around trees and shrubs, beware.  Many products containing the weed-killer glyphosate also contain a chemical called metsulfuron-methyl: “Over the past few years, there have been numerous inquiries regarding damage to ornamental plants growing near turfgrass areas that have been treated with…

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Growing Summer Vegetables in Hernando County

What Can I Grow During The Summer? Summer in West Central Florida offers an excellent opportunity for gardeners to cultivate a variety of heat-loving vegetables. The problem is that many traditional vegetable crops do not grow well here in Central Florida like they do in northern states. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can…

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Know Your Heat Zone

Placing the right plant in the right place is crucial for gardening success, especially in the challenging climate we have here.  Most of us are familiar with plant hardiness zones but have you heard of heat zones?   Rhododendron in bloom by Anastasiya Dalenka on UnsplashThe lush and elegant garden of @Magdas_garden is one of my favorite…

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Citrus Postharvest Day at UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center

  FORT PIERCE, Fla.—Florida’s fresh citrus industry members will join together for Citrus Packinghouse Day on Thursday August 24 to hear of promising research updates, updates in various shipping requirements, and Ag. labor related to fresh fruit handling and transport. The free event will include exhibitors and networking opportunities. Citrus Packinghouse Day will occur…

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September 14: Learn science-based composting basics from UF/IFAS experts, industry leaders at workshop

Food and garden clippings make great compost; just mix them with a pitchfork or rake. Courtesy UF/IFAS PhotographyThere are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of composting. It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health…

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Florida Land Steward Update, August, 2023

SUMMER-FALL ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE In this issue: Florida Tree Farm Program Announces 2023 Jon Gould Outstanding Florida Tree Farmer of the Year: Terry and Howard Putnal, Mass Timber: A significant Opportunity for Forest Landowners and Society OveralI, Check out the Online Forest Landowner Academy, Emergency Order Issued to Protect…

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Meet the Map Turtles

Florida has a great variety of turtles.  Actually, the species richness here is higher than any other state – though Alabama may argue.  Many are familiar to us.  If we have not seen them, we have at least heard of them.  But that may not be the case with map turtles. Map turtles are in…

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Florida Farm Pests: Small Hive Beetles

The Western Honey Bee has many pests and diseases that beekeepers must control to maintain their bees’ health. Among these pests are Small Hive Beetles. What are Small Hive Beetles and how I can Identify them?     Adult Small Hive Beetle measurements. Photo Credit: Luis O. Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension. Small Hive Beetles are a pest of honey bees…

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