Gulf Coast REC
Editorial Team
- Vance Whitaker - Editor
- Jack Rechcigl - Chair, Approver
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
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
School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 1—Introduction to Industry Certifications
WC437/AEC776by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14, 2024"Introduction to Industry Certifications" briefly discusses the history of agricultural education and the Smith-Hughes Act. It also provides an explanation as to what industry certifications are, as well as recognizes the organizations and the different types of certifications available to students within the Agriculture and Natural Resources pathway.Critical Issue: 7. 4-H Youth Development
School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 2—Getting Started
WC438/AEC777by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14, 2024"Getting Started" discusses how to get involved with industry certification testing organizations and entities. It also explains the registration process for many different testing organizations and entities to better prepare students for test day. Critical Issue: 7. 4-H Youth Development
School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 3—Resources and Regulations
WC436/AEC775by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14, 2024"Resources and Regulations" discusses where to find test prep and study materials to better prepare students for industry certification testing. This article also discusses a few important rules and reminders to follow while preparing for and distributing industry certification tests. Critical Issue: 7. 4-H Youth Development
Evaluating Pomegranate Cultivars for Resistance to Anthracnose Fruit Rot, a Severe Fungal Disease in Florida and Southeast United States
EP643/ENH1379by Alexander Schaller, Zhanao Deng, Gary E. Vallad, and John M. ChaterMarch 5, 2024Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has primarily been cultivated at home in Florida and other southeastern states. Over the past 15 years, growers, nurseries, researchers, and Extension agents have explored the potential of pomegranate as an alternative fruit crop. Early field trials revealed that pomegranates are highly susceptible to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causing severe anthracnose fruit rot and premature fruit drop. The development and use of disease-resistant cultivars are considered some of the best methods to manage this disease. This publication presents our findings from evaluating 35 pomegranate cultivars under natural disease pressure in central Florida and by artificial inoculation. The susceptibility of such pomegranate cultivars varied widely, with six exhibiting resistance to anthracnose fruit rot. More comprehensive research is warranted to further develop anthracnose-resistant cultivars and to enhance our understanding of disease resistance in this crop. Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
