We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bin Liu to our Discover FSHN Series! Dr. Liu is an assistant professor of human nutrition in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. Her lab‘s research focuses on investigating the effects of calcium on cardiac dysfunctions and developing novel therapies to treat diseases of the heart. In this interview, learn about…
Sarasota County is privileged to source its drinking water from diverse outlets, combining surface and well water to cater to the county’s needs. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority contributes roughly half of the county’s drinking water. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority draws surface water from the Peace River to…
Thatch is the layer of dead material and organic matter between the soil surface and grass. It gives Florida grasses a sponge-like feel under the feet that springs back when you step. This layer can be a double-edged sword. It provides many benefits but if left to accumulate can have a negative impact on the…
Japanese climbing fern growing along a trail in Santa Rosa County. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Walking through the forest, Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) might catch your eye. The fronds are delicate and almost lacy in shape, winding their way along the stems of shrubs and trunks of trees. Like most…
The bright lights of the Ferris wheel, a taste of those delicious, boiled peanuts, the sound of the auctioneer, and that familiar fresh sawdust smell. Those are some of my favorite things about the Osceola County Fair! So, grab some of those boiled peanuts and come to the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show arena to cheer…
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection estimates the state has more than 2 million septic systems. If an owner does not properly maintain one, it poses an environmental threat to the state’s drinking water. Besides regular maintenance, managing the impacts of flooding and groundwater rise are two more issues owners must address. A new UF/IFAS…
A handful of the “lawn ornaments” that will be featured in this blog series. Top row (left to right): sunshine mimosa, perennial peanut, frogfruit, and fleabane. Bottom row (left to right): pennywort, Lobelia, Florida snow, and blue-eyed grass.Welcome to our Lawn Ornament blog series, where we explore the plethora of micro-plants that can help create a biodiverse, predominantly…
West Central Florida’s warm and sunny climate provides an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of edible plants. One underused tropical shrub that not only flourishes in this region but also adds a burst of flavor to your landscape is the Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra). Barbados Cherries, also known as Acerola, can be an attractive…
In November 2014, Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) was discovered in southeast Florida and Pinellas County where it seemed to stay. In the past few years, however, the virus has spread. It is now confirmed in counties in North, Central, and South Florida. Recently, lab reports confirm the disease is present in Hillsborough and Sarasota Counties.…
As we transition from winter to early spring, many residents in Hernando County may find their flowering shrubs displaying signs of winter weather wear and tear. However, there’s no need to worry. Late February into early March provides an ideal window to give these resilient plants the care they need through strategic pruning. Follow these…
Gardening in Wild Winter Weather By Becky Wern, MGV How are you enjoying life on the Northeast Florida weather rollercoaster? Our temperatures go up and down from warm to chilly to freezing. We have lots of sunny, blue-sky days, and a number of rainy days. The cold may come as a surprise to some newcomers…
A closer look at the invasive thrips parvispinus, a hard-hitting insect responsible for damages to a variety of agricultural and ornamental crops. Photo courtesy Daniel Carrillo, associate professor of entomology and nemotology at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center.
The invasive thrips parvispinus is a tiny, elusive insect that has spread across Florida with a…
