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Carinata

UF/IFAS has been working to identify advanced genotypes of Brassica carinata (carinata) that will be profitable for cultivation as an oilseed crop in the southeastern US. Its high oil content and favorable fatty acid profile make it suitable for the biofuel industry as a biojet fuel. A near relative of collard and mustard, a variety developed by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1972 can be also be grown as a green leafy vegetable in Florida.

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Hemp

UF/IFAS is working to identify varieties and planting recommendations that can be profitable for growers and environmentally responsible, with variety trials to find marketable hemp that grows well in Florida‹s diverse soils, climates, latitudes. Economic research is being conducted to find the input costs and expected market value. Additionally, we are conducting a study for risk of invasiveness.

UF/IFAS Web Resources

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Hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are perennial, herbaceous climbing plants commonly cultivated for their strobiles or cones. The cones are often used for flavoring and aroma in food, tea, and beer. Hops can make a unique addition to a home garden or landscape.

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Publications

Finger Lime: An Alternative Crop with Great Potential in South Florida

Aditya Singh, Edward Evans, Jeff Wasielewski, Manjul Dutt, and Jude Grosser

Spring Mix—An Emerging Crop for Florida

Santiago Rosaro, Alan L. Wright, David D. Sui, Nikol Havranek, and Yigang Luo

thumbnail for publication: Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop

Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop

Kevin M. Folta, Dustin Huff, and Ali Sarkhosh

Despite 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.

thumbnail for publication: Florida Cultivation Guide for Malabar Spinach

Florida Cultivation Guide for Malabar Spinach

Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu

Malabar spinach (Basella spp.) is a nutritious vegetable in the family Basellaceae. Malabar spinach goes by many names, including Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, and climbing spinach. Malabar spinach has long been established in cultivation in China and India. This spinach is a novel crop to Florida and is currently grown only for niche markets. However, Florida’s suitable climate coupled with Malabar spinach’s great taste and nutritional quality suggest that this crop has great potential for commercial cultivation.

thumbnail for publication: Achachairú (Garcinia humilis) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida

Achachairú (Garcinia humilis) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida

Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, and Bruce Schaffer

This 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.