Ask IFAS: Horticultural Sciences

Horticultural Sciences

"Florida's agricultural industry generates more than $103 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 500,000 people. Florida's farmers produce nearly 300 commodities, and winter vegetables and citrus consistently lead the national rankings. To meet the needs of this diverse industry, research and extension programs in the areas of fruit and vegetable production, postharvest technology and weed science are delivered on a county, regional and statewide basis using a variety of methods including field days, intensive hands-on training, and distance learning. Excellence in programming facilitates the exchange of information and technology and contributes to the professional development of extension faculty and the agricultural clientele they serve."
--- Extension Programs, Horticultural Sciences Department

Useful Links

Editorial Team

Steve Sargent - Editor, Approver
Chris Gunter - Chair
Paul Roberts - ICS Editor

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Floricane Blackberry Pruning Guide for Florida

HS1458/HS1458by Muhammad A. Shahid and Ali SarkhoshMarch 16th, 2023This article aims to provide a general overview of growth habits, fruiting patterns, and pruning requirements/timing for county and state Extension faculty, growers, homeowners, and students interested in growing floricane blackberries in Florida. Written by Muhammad A. Shahid and Ali Sarkhosh, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2023.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Use of Gibberellic Acid Treatments to Improve Health and Yield of HLB-Affected Sweet Orange Trees: Concerns and Considerations (Part 2 of 2)

HS1457/HS1457by T. VashisthFebruary 13th, 2023This publication discusses fruit quality and gibberellic acid use in citrus. Written by T. Vashisth, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, February 2023.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Use of Gibberellic Acid Treatments to Improve Health and Yield of HLB-Affected Sweet Orange Trees (Part 1 of 2)

HS1456/HS1456by T. Vashisth and A. SingermanFebruary 12th, 2023This publication discusses gibberellic acid use in citrus. Written by T. Vashisth and A. Singerman, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, February 2023.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Chayote—A Potential Vegetable Crop for Florida

HS1454/HS1454by Yuheng Qiu and Guodong LiuDecember 4th, 2022Chayote, known as the vegetable pear, is a nutritious plant with a pale-green, ridged, fleshy fruit with a single seed. Florida’s suitable climate combined with chayote’s excellent taste and nutrition indicate that it could be an economically viable crop for commercial production. The intended audience of this new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department is vegetable growers, Extension agents, certified crop advisors, crop consultants, environmentalists, agricultural policy makers. Written by Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems

Using Supplemental Lighting to Grow Hemp in Florida

HS1452/HS1452by J. Desaeger, J. Coburn, and S. AgeharaOctober 26th, 2022With the removal of hemp from the controlled substances list, hemp is now one of the emerging crops in Florida. There is limited information on how to grow this crop in Florida. Like hops, hemp is another recently introduced crop in the state, with one of the major yield-limiting factors of premature flowering induced by inadequate day length. This article provides guidelines for hemp growers in Florida on the use of supplemental lighting to control flowering and improve growth of hemp under Florida’s environmental conditions. Written by Johan Desaeger, Jacqueline Coburn, and Shinsuke Agehara, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 4 pp.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems