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Recent & Revised Publications

Factors Preventing Widespread Vaccine Uptake among Adults

Alissa V. Katsaras, Kathryn A. Stofer, Helen Yates, and LaToya J. O’Neal

This publication is part of the Adult Vaccination in Florida series. This document explores the prevailing factors preventing widespread vaccine uptake by adults in the United States and outlines the most relevant trends and patterns that are seen in direct connection to vaccine uptake among adults. Written by Alissa V. Katsaras, Kathryn A. Stofer, Helen Yates, and LaToya J. O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2024.

Intercultural Competencies: Understanding High- vs. Low-Context Cultures

Pablo Lamino and John Diaz

This first publication in the Intercultural Competencies series provides valuable insights and recommendations on engaging diverse clientele by understanding and applying high-context and low-context cultural communication styles. Written by Pablo Lamino and John Diaz, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, November 2024.

Creating and Maintaining Balance in News Consumption

Kathryn A. Stofer

Becoming informed about an issue does not happen overnight. This publication shares strategies for identifying sources, building habits, and becoming more confident in your knowledge on various current topics. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2024.

Florida Turfgrass Identification

Alex J. Lindsey, Claude J. Jean, Marco Schiavon, Kevin E. Kenworthy, and J. Bryan Unruh

Proper turfgrass identification is required before considering any lawn maintenance practices. Each of the different grasses used for Florida lawns have different management and without accurate identification, mismanagement could occur, leading to undesirable results. Turfgrass identification can be challenging due to the lack of inflorescence or seedheads at certain times in their life cycle or due to being mowed off. Thus, other plant characteristics are used to help with turfgrass identification.

A Review of Feed Attractants as a Guide for Aquaculture Operations

Thaleia N. Roda, Razieh Farzad, and Micheal S. Allen

The aquaculture industry can use feed attractants to improve the feed intake efficiency of various fish and shellfish species. These attractants can improve fish growth and survival, particularly during the sensitive early-life phases when effective feeding is critical to survival. Thus, there is a need to review the types of attractants and their effectiveness in improving fish growth and survival. In this EDIS publication, we provide background information on how feed attractants work and a list of available feed attractants used by the industry.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Young Gu Her, Nikolay Bliznyuk, Yiannis Ampatzidis, Ziwen Yu, and Haimanote Bayabil

This article is prepared to help Extension agents, farmers, farm managers, researchers, graduate students, and the general public better understand AI, associated terms, and technologies. Written by Young Gu Her, Nikolay Bliznyuk, Yiannis Ampatzidis, Ziwen Yu, and Haimanote Bayabil, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, September 2024.

Estimated Costs and Returns of Hemp Fiber and Seed Production

Trent Blare, Zachary Brym, Andres Bejarano Loor, and Fredy H. Ballen

The purpose of this document is to provide a framework and provisional values to estimate the costs and returns of hemp production for fiber and seed for commercial producers in Florida. The primary objective is to illustrate the infrastructure, labor, and input costs associated with a hemp cropping system for the production of fiber, seed, or both related to the potential returns from sales of raw materials. Written by Trent Blare, Zachary Brym, Andres Bejarano Loor, and Fredy H. Ballen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, November 2024.

Preventing Foodborne Illness: Bacillus cereus

Karuna Kharel, Kiara S. Bookman, Renée Goodrich Schneider, Rachael Silverberg, Ploy Kurdmongkoltham, Bruna Bertoldi, and Keith R. Schneider

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive, facultative, anaerobic bacterium characterized by large rod-shaped cells and an ability to form heat-resistant endospores. Since this bacterium is commonly widespread in the environment and is often found in soil, it is naturally present in a wide range of food products of both plant and animal origin. B. cereus grows best in a temperature range of 39ºF (4ºC) to 118ºF (48ºC). Optimal growth occurs within the narrower temperature range of 82ºF (28ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and a pH range of 4.9 to 9.3 (FDA 2012).

The Fire Ecology of Saw Palmetto

By Vânia Maria Pereira, Thiago Souza Campos, Wagner Vendrame, and Raelene M. Crandall

This publication informs fire and natural resources managers as well as other interested people about the relationship between saw palmetto and fire. Saw palmetto is a palm native to the southeastern United States. Like other southeastern palms, saw palmetto thrives in frequently burned environments. Its highly combustible dead leaves fuel fires, after which saw palmetto benefits from the post-fire environment, exhibiting increased growth, resprouting, and induction of flowering. Saw palmettos can survive fires because of their well-insulated buds and waxy leaves. The meristem, where new growth originates, is located inside the top of the stem-like rhizome. Younger leaves grow in the center under several layers of older leaves. Old leaves persist over time and insulate and protect the meristem. This publication includes best management practices for managing saw palmetto to reduce fire hazard and maintain the health of saw palmetto and the entire the landscape.

Resources for Prescribed Fires on Private Lands in Florida

Raelene M. Crandall,Brier Ryver, David R. Godwin, Shelly A. Johnson, Alicia Halbritter, and Ludie A. Bond

Fire is an integral part of the Florida landscape. But what resources exist to support our private landowners who want to incorporate prescribed fires into their management plans? Without a team of skilled professionals on the payroll, safety and fire knowledge are of utmost importance to anyone wanting to ignite prescribed fires on their land. This publication aims to connect Florida landowners with the resources they need for prescribed burning, from planning to ignition to mop up and declaring a fire out. Resources are presented for local, boots-on-the-ground help, as well as training and regional information. Although this is not a comprehensive list, it will guide private landowners who wish to manage their properties with prescribed fire.

Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

Lindsay Mikell and Adam Dale

The tuliptree aphid, Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) is a sap-feeding insect herbivore of Liriodendron tulipifera that commonly reaches high densities on trees planted in urban settings. Liriodendron tulipifera is a large tree species native throughout eastern North America known commonly as tuliptree or tulip poplar. This tree is a common ornamental tree species used in urban forests throughout the mid-Atlantic states of North America. Although it occurs mostly in temperate regions, Illinoia liriodendri can be found in most places where tulip poplar is grown. While its effects are recognized to be mostly aesthetic, heavy infestations of tuliptree aphid can significantly impact young trees, and they are considered the most important insect pest of this tree species in urban landscapes. This publication describes the identification, biology, and management of tuliptree aphid.

Field Guide to Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Diseases

Kevin Korus, Wael Elwakil, Nicholas Dufault, and Zachary Eldred

Industrial hemp is Cannabis sativa that contains < 0.3% THC and can be legally grown with permits in Florida. The plant may be grown for flower, grain, or fiber production. Other than the lower THC levels, hemp is the same plant botanically as marijuana. Because this plant has long been on the Schedule 1 controlled substance list in the U.S. (United States), knowledge of pests and diseases is limited, and labelled control measures are almost non-existent. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for hemp diseases found in Florida. Management options are currently limited as there is a lack of resistant varieties and other management strategies for industrial hemp production.

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$526 billion

Cost of Hurricane Damage in Florida

The cost of damage from hurricanes in Florida since 1990 is equal to that of the whole rest of the United States. Major hurricanes caused 87% of the damage.

13% of people

Food Insecure in the U.S.

Urban agriculture provides diverse benefits and support to local communities. However, there are also limitations to developing or expanding operations and programs.

65,479

U.S. residents have their identity stolen each day

This publication is based on the insights of individuals who have been through this experience, researched it in depth, and have attempted to break it down into understandable segments.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021

95°F

Proper Temperature for Baby Chicks

Newly hatched chicks need to be maintained at 95°F for the first week of their lives. After the first week, chicks can tolerate temperatures 5°F cooler for each week until they are four weeks old.

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