Tropical REC

¿Es la industria de cáñamo industrial rentable en el futuro de Florida?

Trent Blare, Martha Rivera, Fredy H. Ballen, Zachary Brym, Victor Contreras

El creciente incremento de la competencia extranjera e incidencia de plagas ha hecho que muchos agricultores de Florida se pregunten acerca de la rentabilidad de cultivos tradicionales como tomate, cítricos y aguacate. El cáñamo industrial se presenta como una alternativa viable para estos productores desde que, en el año 2018, la ley agrícola permitió su producción. Para ayudar a la industria a madurar es necesaria una mejor coordinación entre los reguladores, procesadores, instituciones financieras, programas de investigación y extensión, y el sector de venta minorista para crear confianza, así como ajustar políticas y procedimientos para disminuir el costo de transacción a lo largo de la cadena de suministro; con esto se podría asegurar que los productores, industria relacionada y consumidores se beneficien de este mercado emergente. En el presente artículo se examina la cadena de valor del cáñamo enfocada en las oportunidades de mercado en Florida.

2021 Florida Plant Disease Management Guide: Eggplant

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Ken Pernezny, and Aaron Palmateer

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

Abiu Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Provides homeowners with a basic reference for growing abiu in the home landscape. Tables include suggested cultural practices by month, fertilizer program, and nutritional values.

Accounting for Climate Change in Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves for Stormwater Management

Christopher J. Martinez, Young Gu Her, and Eban Bean

This publication is meant to describe three major approaches to account for climate change in rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves and the pros and cons of each approach. This document aims to provide information to practicing engineers, Extension agents, and others interested in how projected changes in rainfall patterns can be considered for water resources management. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Young Gu Her, and Eban Bean, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2024.

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.

Alpine Strawberry as a Potential Niche Crop for Florida Growers and Homeowners

Alan H. Chambers

Alternaria Leaf and Pod Spot of Snap Bean in Florida

Shouan Zhang, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and R. T. McMillan, Jr.

An Overview of Global Papaya Production, Trade, and Consumption

Edward A. Evans and Fredy H. Ballen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Análisis Marginal: Un Procedimiento Económico para Seleccionar Tecnologías o Prácticas Alternativas

Edward A. Evans

Atemoya Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Provides homeowners with an expanded and reorganized basic reference for growing atemoya in the home landscape. Tables include information on cultural practices by month, fertilizer program, and flowering behavior.

Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonthan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Bacterial Black Spot (BBS) of Mango in Florida

Jonathan Crane and Romina Gazis

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Beneficios para la salud de la semilla y perfil nutricional de 35 cultivares de calabaza

Geoffrey Meru, Yuqing Fu, Dayana Leyva, Paul Sarnoski, Yavuz Yagiz, Monique Scoggin, Carlos F. Balerdi, Laura Vasquez y Teresa Olczyk

La semilla de calabaza (Cucurbita pepo L.) es alta en aceite, proteína, y ácidos grasos no saturados (AENS), y es una importante fuente de nutrición y ganancias a nivel global. Este artículo provee información a potenciales consumidores sobre el perfil nutricional y los beneficios a la salud de cultivares seleccionados de semillas de calabaza.

Cabbage Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y. C. Li, W. Klassen, M. Lamberts, Teresa Olczyk, and Guodong D. Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Cannabis sativa Plant Identification and Its Look-Alikes

Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym

The purpose of this document is to provide an identification guide for Cannabis sativa to be used by growers and land managers by showing key factors to distinguish it from similar-looking plants. The general public and aspiring botanists may also use this document to see how a plant is defined botanically and how those characteristics can distinguish a plant of interest from other look-alike plants. Written by Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2024.

Capitalizing on Carbon

Jehangir Bhadha, Mark Clark, Michael Andreu, Yuchuan Fan, Tara Wade, and Young Gu Her

This infographic illustrates the global carbon cycle and discusses sources, sinks, carbon markets, and carbon sequestration. Written by Jehangir Bhadha, Mark Clark, Michael Andreu, Yuchuan Fan, Tara Wade, and Young Gu Her, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2023.

Carambola Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Cashew Apple Fruit Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

John McLaughlin, Jonathan Crane, Carlos Balerdi, and I. Maguire

Common Weedy Plants on Open, Tilled, and Rocky Soil in the Redland Agricultural Area, Miami-Dade County, Florida

Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym

This article provides a reference for the most competitive weeds found in south Florida open areas with Rockdale soil. Written by Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2022.

Consejos basicos para diseñar sistemas eficientes de riego

Haimanote K. Bayabil, Kati W. Migliaccio, Michael Dukes, Laura Vasquez, y Carlos Balerdi

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation. Published by Agriculture Water

Cost and Profitability Estimates for Producing Lychee (Litchi chinensis) in South and Central Florida

Trent Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, Nicholas Haley, Victor Contreras, Jonathan H. Crane, and Daniel Carrillo

Florida is one of three US states (the other two being California and Hawaii) that have the climatic conditions to cultivate lychee. Given the growing consumer demand for this crop, the production of lychee has the potential to be a profitable crop for Florida growers. This publication estimates the costs and returns associated with operating a lychee grove in south and central Florida. It presents the results of field interviews with lychee growers and industry experts. Growers on average can expect to earn nearly $8,000 an acre per year from lychee production when there is a harvest, but climate variation causes inconsistent harvests. When making production decisions, growers must also consider increasing pressure from pests such as the lychee erinose mite, and strong foreign competition.

Cost and Return Estimates of a Mamey Sapote Grove in South Florida, 2017

Fredy H. Ballen, Aditya Singh, Edward A. Evans, and Jonathan Crane

Cost Estimates for Producing Sargassum spp. Compost

Trent Blare, Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, and Helena M. Solo-Gabriele

This publication examines the costs that the city of Ft. Lauderdale incurred to establish a sargassum compost facility. The objective of this analysis is to provide insights to other municipalities and small businesses around south Florida who are considering starting similar composting operations with the expectation that sargassum composting will provide them with more space in their landfills while maintaining their beaches’ tourist appeal. The data for this analysis were collected through interviews in 2021 with several individuals in municipalities and small businesses, which use a wide range of sargassum management strategies. We found that Ft. Lauderdale saves at least $326,000 annually by operating its own composting facility.

Cost Estimates of Producing Pink Guava (Psidium guajava L.) in South Florida

Edward Evans, Fredy H. Ballen, Jonathan Crane, and Aditya Singh

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Food Systems

Cost Estimates of Producing Purple Passion Fruit in South Florida

Trent Blare, Victor Contreras, Fredy H. Ballen,Joshua D. Anderson, Jonathan H. Crane, and Nicholas Haley

This publication examines the estimated costs and returns of an established purple passionfruit orchard in south Florida. The information presented in this publication was collected through field interviews with growers and industry specialists. It is based on a variety of production practices on small scale farms (1-2 acres). The information is intended only as a guide to estimate the financial requirements of running an established passionfruit planting. We estimated that the average net return of an established passionfruit (purple) plantation in south Florida is approximately $2,562/acre, or $0.92/pound.

Cost Estimates of Producing Sapodilla in South Florida, 2017

Fredy H. Ballen, Aditya Singh, Edward A. Evans, and Jonathan H. Crane

Costos Estimados de la Producción de Compost de Sargazo

Trent Blare, Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, y Erick Gonzalez

El objetivo de este estudio fue para dar visibilidad dentro del municipio y negocios pequeños quienes están considerando ser empresas de composteo, realizando operaciones para lo cual usaran Sargazo spp. como materia prima.

Cover Crop Benefits for South Florida Commercial Vegetable Producers

Q. Wang, Y. Li, E. A. Hanlon, W. Klassen, T. Olczyk, and I. V. Ezenwa

This document describes the use of major cover crops grown in southern Florida. The intent of this document is to identify promising cover crops adaptable to Florida's climate. Identified cover crops must also contribute to nutrient conservation and improve soil organic matter by incorporation of cover crop biomass. This document also includes discussion of other aspects of cover crop use in the vegetable production systems of south Florida.

Cultivo de vainilla en el sur de Florida

Xingbo Wu, Pamela Moon, Alan Chambers, y Jonathan Crane; traducido por Alejandra Taco Vilatuna

El 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.

Downy Mildew of Basil in South Florida

Shouan Zhang, Jaimin S. Patel, Zelalem Mersha, Pamela D. Roberts, and Richard Raid

Eight Steps to Developing a Simple Marketing Plan

Edward A. Evans and Fredy H. Ballen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

El Ácaro de la Erinosis del Lichi, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Alexandra M. Revynthi, German Vargas, Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Paul E. Kendra, y Daniel Carrillo

El ácaro de la erinosis del lichi es una plaga nativa de Asia que ha sido reportada en varios países. En Brasil ha causado pérdidas y ha incrementado los costos de producción en un 20%. También en India se ha reportado una reducción del 80% en el rendimiento. En 2018, el LEM fue encontrado en el condado de Lee, Florida y luego en otros del centro y el sur del estado. En consecuencia, la División de Industria Vegetal del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor del estado de Florida estableció un programa de erradicación y cuarentena en el condado de Lee. Esta publicación brinda un perfil a profundidad del ácaro de la erinosis del lichi y está dirigida a personas interesadas con conocimiento de biología, así como a una audiencia académica.

El Aguacate en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet.

El Anon en Florida

R.L. Phillips, C.W. Campbell, C.F. Balerdi, y J.H. Crane

UF/IFAS Fact Sheet

El Canistel en Florida

Julian W. Sauls, Carl W. Campbell, Carlos F. Balerdi, y Jonathan H. Crane

A UF/IFAS fact sheet

El caracol cola de cuerno (Macrochlamys indica): una nueva especie invasiva en Florida

Alexandra M. Revynthi, German Vargas, Daniel Carrillo, Dakshina R. Seal, E. Vanessa Vassilaros y Paul E Kendra

El propósito de este documento es proveer información general del estado actual del conocimiento del caracol cola de cuerno (Macrochlamys indica Benson) así como recomendaciones para su detección y monitoreo en los viveros. El caracol cola de cuerno fue detectado en agosto del 2020 en el condado de Miami-Dade (Talamas 2020). Este caracol es considerado como una plaga de importancia cuarentenaria en los Estados Unidos debido a que se puede convertir en una plaga agrícola y es potencialmente hospedero de nematodos parásitos de importancia médica (Grewal et al. 2003; Cowie et al. 2009; Jayashankar y Murthy 2015). Un programa de monitoreo, control y erradicación del caracol cola de cuerno fue implementado por la División de Industria Vegetal del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor del estado de Florida (FDACS-DPI, por sus siglas en inglés). En la actualidad el programa de erradicación ha sido suspendido por parte de FDACS-DPI.

El Chicosapote o Nispero en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane y Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Lichi en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Limon Criollo en Florida

R. L. Phillips, S. Goldweber, C. W. Campbell, J. H. Crane, and C. F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Limon Persa en Florida

S. E. Malo, C. W. Campbell, J. H. Crane, y C. F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Mamey Sapote en Florida

Carols F. Balerdi and Jonathan H. Crane

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Mamoncillo Longan en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, y Steven A. Sargent

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Mango en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El maracuyá en Florida

Mark Bailey, Ali Sarkhosh, Amir Rezazadeh, Joshua Anderson, Alan Chambers y Jonathan Crane; traducción por Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera

Passionfruit is a short-lived evergreen perennial vine that produces an aromatic, tropical-tasting fruit. This new 14-page Spanish translation of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides a description of passionfruit and its various species and cultivars, as well as a guide to culture and management, harvest and storage, its pests and diseases, and food and marketing. By M. Bailey, A. Sarkhosh, A. Rezazadeh, J. Anderson, A. Chambers, and J. Crane. Translated by J. Clavijo-Herrera.

El Maranon (Anacardium occidentale) en Florida

John McLaughlin, Carlos Balerdi, y Jonathan Crane

UF/IFAS fact sheet

El Picudo del Botón del Hibisco (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell, Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Alexandra M Revynthi, German Vargas, Yisell Velazquez Hernandez, Paul E Kendra, Daniel Carrillo y Catharine M Mannion

El picudo del botón del hibisco es una plaga originaria de México y de Texas, visto en Florida por primera vez en 2017. El incremento de las poblaciones del picudo entre 2019 y 2020 impactó negativamente la industria del hibisco en Florida, resultando en grandes pérdidas económicas (el estado lidera la producción nacional). Esta plaga está regulada por la División de Industria Vegetal del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor, que establece que cualquier vivero que lo detecte debe seguir un acuerdo para reducir probabilidades de dispersión. El propósito de este documento es proveer información acerca de esta importante plaga a productores de viveros y al público interesado.

Entendiendo las Tasas de Cambio: ¿es el debilitamiento del dólar Americano—bueno, malo o indiferente para los agricultores y negocios agrícolas en Florida?

Edward A. Evans

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Estimación de costos de producción de maracuyá morada en sur de Florida

Trent Blare, Victor Contreras, Fredy H. Ballen, Joshua D. Anderson, Jonathan H. Crane, Nicholas Haley, y Andrés Bejarano

Esta publicación examina los costos estimados y los rendimientos de una plantación de maracuyá morada establecida en el sur de Florida. La información presentada en este documento se recopiló a través de entrevistas de campo con productores y especialistas en la industria. Se basa en una variedad de prácticas de producción en producciones a pequeña escala (1-2 acres). La información en este documento está destinada solo como una guía para estimar los requisitos financieros de una plantación ya establecida de maracuyá. Estimamos un rendimiento neto de $2.772/acre/año o $0,98/libra el cual es un retorno económico muy atractivo comparado al de otras frutas tropicales de la zona.

Estimación de costos para la producción de guayaba rosada (Psidium guajava L.) en el sur de Florida

Edward Evans, Fredy H. Ballen, Jonathan Crane, Trent Blare, Victor Contreras y Aditya Singh

Guava is planted thorugh the Tropics and SubTropics and has adapted to a variety of climatic conditions. Florida is the primary producer of guava in the United States. This crop is valued at $3.2 million at the packing house. The growing interest in alternative tropical crops in the last few years has led to increasing interest in this crop. This publication estimates the costs and returns from an established guava orchard in south Florida. We estimate that an established pink guava orchard will have a net return of $9065 per acre per year or $1.13 per pound of fruit sold. 

Estimación de la Rentabilidad y Costo de Producción de Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) en el Sur de la Florida

Trent Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, Aditya Singh, Nicholas Haley, Victor Contreras, y Jonathan Crane

Ese articulo analiza los costos y ingreos esperados en la producción de mango en el sur de Florida. Estimamos que el retorno neto promedio de una plantación establecida de mango en el sur de Florida es de $4,487/acre o de $0.24/libra. La rentabilidad del cultivo de mango en comparación con otros cultivos de frutas tropicales es una opción muy atractiva.

Estimación del costo y la rentabilidad de la producción de lichi (Litchi chinensis) en el centro y sur de Florida

Trent Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, Nicholas Haley, Victor Contreras, Jonathan H. Crane, Daniel Carrillo y Erick Gonzalez

La Florida es uno de los tres estados de los Estados Unidos (junto con California y Hawái) que tiene las condiciones climáticas para cultivar lichi, debido a la creciente demanda de los consumidores, esta fruta tiene el potencial de ser un cultivo rentable para los productores floridanos. En este documento se estiman los costos y rendimientos asociados con la operación de un cultivo de lichi en el centro y sur de Florida; los productores podrían esperar una rentabilidad promedio de $ 8.000 por acre por año; sin embargo, existen factores como la variación climática que causa cosechas inconsistentes, el aumento de la presión de plagas como el ácaro erinoso y el incremento en imperfecciones de la fruta, que también deben considerarse al tomar decisiones de producción.

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.

Estimated Costs and Returns of Hemp Flower 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 costs and returns of hemp flower production for commercial producers in Florida. Written by Trent Blare, Zachary Brym, Andres Bejarano Loor, and Fredy H. Ballen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, August 2024.

Estimating the Frequency of a Storm Event: How to Use NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates

Young Gu Her, Eban Bean, and Christopher Martinez

This article introduces NOAA Atlas 14 and explains how to use it to help Extension agents and the general public estimate the frequency of any storm event of interest. The frequency estimate of a storm event using NOAA Atlas 14 helps the user to understand how large a storm is in relation to the historical storm events that occurred at a certain location. In addition, the information on the estimate’s confidence interval provided by NOAA Atlas 14 is expected to help people better understand the probabilistic nature of rainfall events. Written by Young Gu Her, Eban Bean, and Christopher Martinez, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, May 2023.

Florida Plant Disease Management Guide: Beans

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Aaron Palmateer, and Ken Pernezny

This fact sheet summarizes specific common diseases of beans, briefly describing symptoms and cultural controls. This edition is an update and revision with Geoffrey Meru as an added co-author.

Florida Rainfall Data Sources and Types

Meijing Zhang, Young Gu Her, Kati Migliaccio, and Clyde Fraisse

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==

Florida’s Agricultural Carbon Economy as Climate Action: The Potential Role of Farmers and Ranchers

Young Gu Her, Tara Wade, Sawssan Boufous, Jehangir Bhadha, and Michael Andreu

This article introduces concepts related to carbon sequestration, credits, and markets to help Extension agents, farmers, and concerned residents to better understand how agriculture can help to mitigate climate change, and thus become a part of Florida’s carbon economy. Written by Young Gu Her, Tara Wade, Sawssan Boufous, Jehangir Bhadha, and Michael Andreu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, May 2022.

Frutos tropicales y subtropicales para los patios y jardines: alternativas a los cítricos

Michael S. Orfanedes, Jonathan H. Crane y Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

Growing Miracle Fruit for Specialty Crop Production in Florida

Lynhe Demesyeux, Maria Brym, and Alan H. Chambers

Miracle fruit is the botanical source of miraculin and an understudied tropical fruit species with potential as a natural, noncaloric sweetener. Miraculin changes the perception of sour (acidic) foods and beverages to sweet by temporarily modifying taste receptors on the tongue. This report provides background information on growing miracle fruit, information on miracle fruit yield, and research on miraculin content to commercial growers and those interested in gardening in southern Florida. Written by Lynhe Demesyeux, Maria Brym, and Alan H. Chambers, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 6 pp.

How Are Our Future Agriculture and Natural Resources Projected under Varying Climate?

Young Gu Her, Ashley Smyth, Zachary Brym, and Elias Bassil

This article explains how agriculture and natural resources may respond to projected future climate and how climate projections can be useful in developing management plans for the improved sustainability of Florida’s agriculture and natural resources. It also aims to help increase the public awareness of climate change impacts on Florida and improve understanding of the connections among climate, agriculture, and natural resources.

How Is Our Future Climate Projected?

Young Gu Her, Zachary Brym, Ashley Smyth, and Elias Bassil

Indigo from Indigofera spp.: Historical and Cultural Overview

Pamela Moon, Yuncong Li, Geoffrey Meru, Wagner Vendrame, Terence Molnar, and Xingbo Wu

This EDIS publication is to introduce indigo as a new economic crop in south Florida. It highlights the historical and cultural background, including identification and distribution, uses, and history of indigo. The information included in this publication could be of interest to researchers, students, extension agents, growers, the dye industry, and the public.

Industrial Hemp in the United States: Definition and History

Mark Tancig, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, and Zachary Brym

This publication provides information about industrial hemp, its origins, and its cultivation. Written by Mark Tancig, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2021.

Introducing Agroecology

Zachary Brym, Hamutahl Cohen, Hannah Eason, Emma Matcham, and David Outerbridge

This document aims to introduce the foundational ideas and main concepts of agroecology to a general audience with some specific examples for implementing agroecology on farms and gardens in commercial, hobby, and educational contexts. Written by Zachary Brym, Hamutahl Cohen, Hannah Wooten, Emma Matcham, and David Outerbridge, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, June 2023.

Irrigation Scheduling Tips for Tropical Fruit Groves in South Florida

Haimanote K. Bayabil, Kati W. Migliaccio, Jonathan H. Crane, and Yuncong Li

This fact sheet provides irrigation scheduling tips to growers of tropical fruit (e.g., avocado, mango, papaya, etc.) in south Florida. Written by Haimanote K. Bayabil, Kati W. Migliaccio, Jonathan H. Crane, and Yuncong Li, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, revised September 2022.

Irrigation System Descriptions for Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops in Florida

Jonathan Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Edward A. Evans, and Fredy Ballen

Florida's tropical and subtropical fruit crop industries use various irrigation systems, including high-volume systems designed for irrigation and freeze protection, drip systems for herbaceous fruit crops (papaya, banana), and microsprinkler types, mainly for irrigation and fertigation. There continues to be a steady stream of potential tropical and subtropical fruit producers in Florida, many with little to no knowledge of the various types or purposes of various irrigation system that have been used successfully for the past 60 years.

Is a viable hemp industry in Florida’s future?

Trent Blare, Martha Rivera, Fredy H. Ballen, Zachary Brym

Disease and foreign competition have made many growers question the viability of traditional commodity crops such as tomatoes, citrus, and avocados. Industrial hemp appears to be an attractive alternative, as the 2018 Farm Bill permitted its production. Florida has followed several other states in approving permits in 2020 to allow production of industrial hemp. Markets for industrial hemp products were promising in the first years of production, but market prices started to decline dramatically in 2020 with many growers unable to sell all their product. In this publication, we examine the hemp value chain with a focus on opportunities in the Florida market. Better coordination between regulators, processors, financial institutions, research and Extension services, and the retail sector to build confidence, harmonize policies, and lower transaction costs would help the industry flourish and ensure growers, consumers, and hemp-related enterprises can benefit from this emerging market.

Jackfruit Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

La Carambola en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane y Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

La Guayaba en Florida

S. E. Malo, C. W. Campbell, C. F. Balerdi, y J. H. Crane

UF/IFAS fact sheet

La Maracuya o Parchita en Florida

Robert J. Knight, Jr., Julian W. Sauls, Carlos F. Balerdi, y Jonathan H. Crane

A UF/IFAS fact sheet.

La Papaya en Florida

S. E Malo, C. W. Campbell, C. F. Balerdi, y J. H. Crane

UF/IFAS fact sheet

Las Ciruelas en Florida

R. L. Phillips, C. W. Campbell, J. W. Sauls, C. F. Balerdi, y J. H. Crane

UF/IFAS fact sheet

Lemon Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Longan Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, Steven A. Sargent, and Ian Maguire

Loquat Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and M. Lilia Caldeira

Los Plátanos en Florida

Jonathan H. Crane y Carlos F. Balerdi

UF/IFAS fact sheet

Low-Maintenance Landscape Plants for South Florida

Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym

This publication was originally developed to help answer requests from participants of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program in Miami-Dade County, now Florida Friendly Landscaping TM (FFL), for a list of landscape plants suitable in south Florida and has become a critical reference for the county. The resulting list includes over 330 species of low-maintenance plants. For each species, we provided the common and scientific names, family, size, light preference, salt tolerance, establishment status, invasive status and potential, and other useful characteristics. Written by Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, revised February 2025.

Lychee Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Mamey Sapote Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi and Ian Maguire

Mamoncillo (Genip) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Management of Powdery Mildew in Beans

Qingren Wang, Shouan Zhang, and Teresa Olczyk

Powdery mildew is one of the most commonly occurring diseases on many types of beans. Although the causal organism rarely causes extensive damage, significant yield losses were reported in Columbia County when infection occurred in dry beans prior to flowering. Accurately identifying this disease and immediately taking action for control are critical to effectively prevent spread of powdery mildew in order to reduce significant losses of yield and quality.

Managing Your Tropical Fruit Grove under Changing Water Table Levels

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Bruce Schaffer

This fact sheet has been prepared by IFAS faculty working with tropical fruit crops in an effort to assist growers manage their groves under conditions of flooding, high water tables, or drought. Although weather events cannot be controlled, becoming familiar with the effects of a high water table, flooding, or drought on tropical fruit crops may assist growers in managing their fruit trees so they survive these events with minimal or no damage. However, this process will be impacted by ground water levels, which are managed in south Florida, and thus are dependent on regional water management decisions. 

Mango Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Measuring Leaf Water Potential

Christian Bartell, Haimanote K. Bayabil, Bruce Schaffer, Fitsum Tilahun, and Fikadu Getachew

This article summarizes the basic concepts of leaf water potential measurements and two available methods for measuring leaf water potential under field and laboratory conditions. Written by Christian Bartell, Haimanote K. Bayabil, Bruce Schaffer, Fitsum Tilahun, and Fikadu Getachew, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2021.

Moisture Retention and Chemical Properties of Nursery Potting Substrates

Haimanote K. Bayabil, Fitsum T. Tilahun, Yuncong Li, and E. Vanessa Campoverde

This publication provides general information about differences in moisture retention characteristics and chemical properties of most common potting substrates used by the nursery industry in south Florida. Written by Haimanote K. Bayabil, Fitsum T. Tilahun, Yuncong Li, and E. Vanessa Campoverde, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2021.

Nutrient Management Recommendations Based on Mehlich-3 Extractant for Calcareous Soils in Miami-Dade County

Yuncong Li, Qiang Zhu, Rao Mylavarapu, Kelly Morgan, Guodong Liu, Jonathan Crane, Qingren Wang, Henry Mayer, Jeff Wasielewski, Laura Vasquez, Qingchun Liu, and Teresa Olczyk

This factsheet provides information about the history of soil testing calibrations and justification for recommending extraction of soil nutrients using Mehlich-3 for calcareous soils in Miami-Dade County. The dominant soils from this County have an extraordinarily high concentration of calcium resulting in high pH. This document also includes UF/IFAS approved Mehlich-3 extractant-based testing interpretations and recommendations for these soils. The purpose of this publication is to elucidate an appropriate approach for analyzing the unique calcareous soils from Miami-Dade County for plant available nutrients. The target audiences are Extension agents, agronomists at soil testing laboratories, crop advisors, growers, representatives of the state and local agencies, and others concerned about soil testing and plant analysis in Miami-Dade County.

O Ácaro da Erinose da Lichia (Aceria litchii Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Alexandra M. Revynthi, Livia M. S. Ataide, Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Paul E. Kendra, and Daniel Carrillo

O objetivo deste informativo é fornecer informações detalhadas sobre o ácaro da erinose da lichia. Destina-se ao público leigo e acadêmico, dentre outros interessados em adiquirir algum conhecimento sobre a biologia deste ácaro.

O bicudo do botão do hibisco (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell, Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Alexandra M Revynthi, Livia M S Ataide, Yisell Velazquez Hernandez, Paul E Kendra, Daniel Carrillo, Catharine M Mannion

Este informativo sobre do bicudo do botão do hibisco é destinado ao público leigo e acadêmico, dentre outros interessados em adiquirir algum conhecimento sobre a biologia do bicudo do botão do hibisco. Essa praga do hibisco rosa da China, é originário do nordeste do México e do sul do Texas e pode causar grandes perdas econômicas aos produtores de hibisco. O objetivo desta publicação é fornecer informações importantes sobre essa praga do hibisco aos proprietários de viveiros, proprietários de casas-de-vegetação e outros.

O caracol indiano (Macrochlamys indica): uma nova praga invasora na Flórida

Alexandra M. Revynthi, Livia M. S. Ataide, Daniel Carrillo, Dakshina R. Seal, E. Vanessa Vassilaros, and Paul E. Kendra

O objetivo deste documento é fornecer uma visão geral sobre o Macrochlamys indica Benson), popularmente conhecido como caracol indiano, bem como recomendações para otimizar sua detecção e monitoramento em viveiros de mudas. O caracol indiano foi detectado em agosto de 2020 no Condado de Miami-Dade (Talamas 2020). Este caracol está atualmente sob regime quarentenário nos Estados Unidos, devido ao seu potencial para se tornar uma praga agrícola e hospedar nematóides parasitas de importância médica (Grewal et al. 2003; Cowie et al. 2009; Jayashankar e Murthy 2015). Um programa para pesquisar, controlar e erradicar o caracol indiano foi implementado pelo Departamento de Agricultura e Serviços ao Consumidor da Flórida, Divisão da Indústria de Plantas (FDACS-DPI). No entanto, o programa de erradicação foi suspenso no final de 2021.

Ocho Pasos para Desarrollar un Plan Simple de Mercadeo

Edward A. Evans y Fredy H. Ballen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Orchid Pollination Biology

Haleigh Ray and Wagner Vendrame

Overview of US Tahiti Lime Production and Markets: Trade and Consumption Analysis

Trent Blare, Fredy Ballen, and Jonathan Crane

Key and Tahiti limes have historically been very important to the economy of south Florida. However, there are few commercial orchards left for these lime cultivars in the state. Many orchards were destroyed during Hurricane Andrew, and those that survived were then eliminated by Florida’s Citrus Canker Eradication Program in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tahiti limes are being considered for reintroduction in Miami-Dade County because of the growing demand for this fruit, especially among buyers who are willing to pay more for Florida-grown fruit. In this publication, we explore the history of lime production in south Florida and current trends in the market, especially growing demand in the United States for Tahiti limes. The price premiums from the growing domestic market for Tahiti limes would likely be enough to overcome the challenges growers face in combating the disease pressure from citrus canker, citrus greening, and intense competition from Mexico and other countries.  

Oyster Habitat Restoration and Shoreline Protection

Charles Wallace, Edward Camp, and Ashley Smyth

As the climate continues to change, coastal areas and the people that live there face increasing risks from erosion and wave damage. This is made worse by declines in natural oyster reefs, which would provide some natural protection. However, oysters can be restored for the specific purposes of protecting shorelines. The practicality and cost effectiveness of using oysters in this way is described in this publication, which is intended to be used by coastal property owners, as well as local governments that must make decisions about protecting shorelines in the face of a changing climate.

Papaya Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Peces ornamentales de agua dulce comúnmente cultivados en Florida

Jeffrey E. Hill, Roy P.E. Yanong, y Juan M. Campos Krauer

Esta publicación revisa brevemente los grupos más comunes de peces ornamentales tropicales de agua dulce cultivados en Florida y sirve como introducción a una serie de publicaciones que cubren estos grupos con más detalle. Para simplificar, los peces se agrupan según la familia o familias relacionadas.

Pest Management of Peppers in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Qingren Wang, Shouan Zhang, Dakshina Seal, and Teresa Olczyk

To assist local pepper growers in maintaining crop productivity and improving the quality of produce, this publication illustrates common pests including major diseases and insects and their effective management. The targeted audiences are pepper growers, pest control operators, extension agents and specialists, crop advisors, industrial personnel, and graduate students. A minor revision of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, written by Q. Wang, S. Zhang, D. Seal, and T. Olczyk; 8 pp.

Phosphorus Dynamics and Impacts on Potato Production in Northeast Florida

Joris D. Van Zeghbroeck, Guodong (David) Liu, and Yuncong Li

Florida is one of two states (FL and CA) that produce spring potatoes, FL having the highest crop value out of any state in the country ($469.67 per ton). Due to the low phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), high rates of phosphorus (P) are applied to ensure adequate yields. This has led to a buildup of legacy P, resulting in mehlich-1 levels as high as 375 mg kg-1. These levels are significantly higher than the critical values for potatoes (25-35 mg kg-1), yet farmers still report increased yields with P applications. Several organic amendments, management practices, and new fertilizers have been shown to help increase P availability in potato cropping systems by reducing P fixation and maximizing the available P fraction throughout the growing season. New fertilizers and management strategies should be researched in the TCAA to find methods that maintain yields while reducing the environmental impact of potato cropping systems.

Pineapple Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane