Bacteria

Mycotoxins

Parasites

Phytophthora

Pythium spp.

Viruses

UF/IFAS scientist secures $3.5M grant to study soil micro-predators

Megan WinslowSeptember 16th, 2024Ever-present but undetectable to the naked eye, micro-predators like viruses, nematodes, protists and some bacteria are constantly working in the soil to hunt and kill the pathogens that threaten plants. But how they do this “dirty” work is not well understood. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $3.5 million to […]

UF experts warn of potential peril caused by ocean acidification

Brad BuckJuly 11th, 2024The world’s oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which does not bode well for Florida’s 825 miles of coastline. Carbon dioxide can contribute to ocean acidification — a reduction in the pH of the ocean — which puts some forms of marine life such as oysters, clams, sea urchins and corals […]

Nearly half of global septic systems work inadequately; UF scientist urges safety in wake of climate change

Brad BuckSeptember 12th, 2022Nearly one-fourth of the world’s wastewater comes from residential septic systems, according to the United Nations. But only 48% of such systems adequately treat wastewater. The most common type of septic system includes the tank and a drain field – sometimes called a leach field. In Florida, nearly one-third of households depend on a septic […]