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Gulf Coast REC

UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center is located at
14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL33598
. http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/

Editorial Team

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 1—Introduction to Industry Certifications

WC437/AEC776by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14th, 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: Youth

School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 2—Getting Started

WC438/AEC777by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14th, 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: Youth

School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 3—Resources and Regulations

WC436/AEC775by Devon E. Morrison, Debra M. Barry, and Carla B. JaggerMarch 14th, 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: Youth

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 5th, 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: Agricultural and Food Systems

Managing Spider Mites in Florida Hops

IN1417/ENY2106by Hugh Smith and Shinsuke AgeharaJanuary 9th, 2024This publication is designed to provide information on managing spider mites on hops grown in Florida to hops growers, UF/IFAS Extension agents, and other crop protection professionals. Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) (Cannabinaceae), a new crop for Florida, has been studied at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) since 2016. A fall and spring crop have been cultivated each year, providing opportunity to observe pests and evaluate pest management strategies over several seasons. Spider mites (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) have been a consistent pest of hops at GCREC each season. Information on chemical and biological control is provided.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems