News & Updates

Gingers for Your Central Florida Garden

Turmeric plant in bloom. Cultivated as food and medicine for thousands of years, ginger, turmeric and galangal are members of the ginger family that are both ornamental and edible. They are prized worldwide for their edible, underground, tuber-like rhizomes. They are key ingredients in many cultures’ cuisines and are also high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory…

Landscape with Loquats

A Loquat tree is a must-have for every Florida edible landscape. This gorgeous evergreen tree is also low-maintenance compared to other fruit trees. Fruit from any Loquat is edible, but for good-tasting, high quality fruit, select a variety of Japanese Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) that is bred for its edible fruit. Loquat varieties have a wide…

UF ABE Extension Blog: Dr. Haimanote Bayabil – Water

Water. We wash the dishes, draw a bath, and run the washing machine, but thanks to a public utility system that delivers a seemingly endless supply of fresh, clean water to our indoor taps and outdoor hoses, we rarely have to think about how much water we use, much less where it comes from or…

UF scientists use AI to uncover signs of early decay in produce

UF researchers are leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle the global problem of food waste. The scientists analyzed how chemical changes in aging broccoli correspond with visual data picked up by a highly sensitive camera called a hyperspectral camera. The researchers hope to use these insights to develop a device that can scan produce for freshness.…

What does the new definition of One Health means?

At the end of May 2021, the One Health High-Level Expert Panel was launched with the support of the governments of France and Germany. This panel has an advisory role to state members of the United Nations (UN) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and it includes 26 selected key international experts from 24 countries. The…

Restaurant Customers value sustainability in seafood and are willing to pay more for it, UF Researchers say.

Highlights Consumers prefer seafood entrees more transparent information at casual and fine dining restaurants. Country of origin was unimportant, showing customer choices at restaurants differ from those made at grocery stores. Consumers prioritized sustainability and would pay more for less expensive species if they were sourced sustainably. UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics (FRE) postdoctoral associate…

AI helps detect watermelon disease quickly, accurately

If you savor a juicy watermelon in the scorching summer heat, Florida farmers toil to meet your tastes. The Sunshine State leads the nation in watermelon production. But, like all farmers, those who produce watermelons seek ways to control diseases, so they don’t lose all or part of their crops. The needs of growers drive Yiannis…

Heat, Hydration, and Dehydration: Know the Signs and Symptoms

It is hot in Florida and around the country. We need to be mindful of keeping our bodies properly hydrated. Bring a source of water with you when working, playing, gardening, biking, running, and/or enjoying any outdoor activity. Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration and seek help when you need it. I have heard…

Spots on Your Plant Leaves? It May Be Algae!

Every summer we get a flood of emails and samples from residents who have problems with spots on their plant’s leaves. Florida summertime weather is perfect for fungi and a variety of insects who may be to blame for this problem. Sometimes herbicides can drift in the breeze and cause spotting on leaves. But every…

More rain events mean more mosquitoes

As we move more into summer months, Florida’s rainy season is in full swing.  These rain events could be hurricane or severe storm related but one of the side effects is increased mosquito populations. As UF/IFAS Entomologist Dr. Estelle Martin explains, increased rain levels can raise water into areas where mosquitos have laid their…

Time to prep for your fall Florida garden

Time to garden! With food prices climbing toward the sky it may be time to consider pulling that brown thumb out of your pocket and adding a little green paint to it.  Growing a garden can be a humbling experience, especially in Florida, but despite the fact, that you may feel your thumb is brown,…
to top