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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

Editorial Team

  • Steve Sargent - Editor, Approver
  • Chris Gunter - Chair
  • aaguirre1 - ICS Editor

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

“Push-pull” Technology and Companion Planting: A Dual Strategy for Insect Pest Management in High Tunnel Vegetable Production and Organic Systems

HS1486/HS1486by Jesusa C. Legaspi, Alejandro Bolques, Fanny E. Ospina, Shufang Tian, Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez, Amanda C. Hodges, Adam J. Pitcher, and Xin ZhaoSeptember 3, 2024This publication is aimed to introduce “push-pull” technology and companion planting for pest management to high tunnel vegetable growers. It is also of interest to other crop producers wishing to improve their IPM practices.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

2024 Florida Blueberry Integrated Pest Management Guide

HS380/HS1156 by Philip F. Harmon, Oscar E. Liburd, Peter Dittmar, Jeffrey G. Williamson, and Doug PhillipsAugust 22, 2024This publication is intended to be a resource for Florida blueberry growers to use in scouting for disease and insect/mite pest damage; managing disease, insect/mite pests, and weeds; and application of certain plant growth regulators.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Florida’s Commercial Blueberry Industry

AC031/HS742 by J. G. Williamson and D. A. PhillipsAugust 13, 2024This publication provides background, statistics, and other information about the commercial blueberry industry in Florida.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Purslane: The Reigning Champion of Vitamins A and E among Vegetables and a Potential Crop for Home Gardens

HS1484/HS1484by Xueyan Zhang, Mary Dixon, and Guodong LiuJuly 29, 2024Purslane is often labeled as a noxious weed in Florida; however, this seemingly pesky plant is perceived as a nutritional powerhouse in Asia and other continents. Levels of vitamin A and E in purslane far surpass those found in broccoli, tomato, and lettuce. A mere 3.5 ounces of purslane can fulfill 81% of an individual's daily vitamin requirements, and up to half a pound can meet the daily needs for both Vitamins A and E. Sustaining this nutritional wealth hinges on the timing of harvest when purslane plants attain a height of 5 to 6 inches. Beyond this stage, purslane becomes excessively fibrous and aged, making it unsuitable for consumption and necessitating removal through weeding. This publication article provides a comprehensive overview of purslane, delving into its botany, garden production, harvest practices, and both culinary and medicinal uses to assist growers and consumers in understanding when to savor its nutritional benefits and when to weed it from farmlands. Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Cultivo de vainilla en el sur de Florida

HS1350/HS1350 by Xingbo Wu, Pamela Moon, Alan Chambers, y Jonathan Crane; traducido por Alejandra Taco VilatunaJuly 2, 2024El extracto de vainilla es popular en el mundo entero como un ingrediente usado en comida, cosméticos y aplicaciones farmacéuticas. La fuente botánica del extracto de vainilla es principalmente las vainas curadas de Vanilla planifolia. Estados Unidos es el mayor importador mundial de vainas de vainilla, pero la producción nacional es mínima. Por otra parte, el sur de la Florida tiene un clima de crecimiento favorable para este cultivo y aunque actualmente no hay producción comercial en la región, el potencial rentable de este rubro en el futuro es bastante alto. Esta publicación tiene como objetivo proporcionar información básica a los  los productores interesados en establecer una plantación de vainilla en Florida.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises