Horticultural Sciences
"Florida's agricultural industry generates more than $103 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 500,000 people. Florida's farmers produce nearly 300 commodities, and winter vegetables and citrus consistently lead the national rankings. To meet the needs of this diverse industry, research and extension programs in the areas of fruit and vegetable production, postharvest technology and weed science are delivered on a county, regional and statewide basis using a variety of methods including field days, intensive hands-on training, and distance learning. Excellence in programming facilitates the exchange of information and technology and contributes to the professional development of extension faculty and the agricultural clientele they serve."
--- Extension Programs, Horticultural Sciences Department
Editorial Team
- Steve Sargent - Editor, Approver
- Chris Gunter - Chair
- aaguirre1 - ICS Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Preparing a Southern Highbush Blueberry Field for Machine Harvesting
HS1481/HS1481by Jeffrey G. Williamson and Douglas A. PhillipsMay 1, 2024Blueberries are grown commercially in Florida for the early-season fresh fruit market. The majority of Florida’s blueberry crop is currently harvested by hand to ensure high quality standards for fresh fruit production. However, hand harvesting is the single greatest annual production cost for Florida blueberry growers, and mechanization of berry harvests could greatly reduce production costs. This is particularly important when considering the volume of fruit imported into the United States from countries where labor rates are significantly lower. Also, at times the availability of harvest labor when needed may be an issue for Florida growers; mechanization could help address that issue. This publication provides information for commercial blueberry growers interested in adopting machine harvesting.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Dehydrated and Freeze-dried Peach Fruit: A Prolonged Shelf-life Product through Modern Drying Techniques
HS1478/HS1478by Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, Steven A. Sargent, and Jeffrey K. BrechtApril 4, 2024Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is a valuable temperate fruit from the Rosaceae family, which also includes many other commercially important fruits such as apples and pears, apricots, cherries and plums, and blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Peaches are known for being a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, as well as possessing a high antioxidant activity, all of which are associated with various health benefits. Furthermore, consumers greatly value high-quality peaches due to their exceptional nutritional value and enjoyable sensory attributes. This publication aims to familiarize growers, Extension agents and specialists, and the public with insight into drying methods of peach fruit, including freeze-drying and dehydration, that can extend shelf life of this commodity for year-round enjoyment.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Dried Persimmon Fruit: A Year-round Available Product
HS1479/HS1479by Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, Muhammad A. Shahid, Steven A. Sargent, and Jeffrey K. BrechtApril 4, 2024Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are known for their sweet and flavorful taste. They are native to Asia, specifically China, and were first grown in Florida in the 1870s. Persimmons are still not as popular in the United States as other fruits, but interest has been growing in recent years. Persimmon fruit are generally classified into astringent and non-astringent types. Astringent varieties can have adverse health effects caused by tannins and must be fully ripe (soft) or artificially treated to remove astringency. Drying is a common method to preserve and extend the shelf life of persimmons while also enhancing the flavor, color, and nutritional value of persimmons. There are different methods to dry persimmons, including traditional and modern methods.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Achachairú (Garcinia humilis) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida
HS1480/HS1480by Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, and Bruce SchafferMarch 21, 2024This article provides detailed information on the achachairú’s characteristics, botany, and recommended horticultural practices for commercial growers and county and state Extension faculty in south Florida and is also applicable for homeowners and students interested in growing achachairú. Written by Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, and Bruce Schaffer, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop
HS1477/HS1477by Kevin M. Folta, Dustin Huff, and Ali SarkhoshMarch 5, 2024Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
