Everglades REC

Abundance of Soil Insect Pests in Florida Sugarcane

Ron Cherry, Mabry McCray, Hardev Sandhu, and Michael Karounos

Bacterial Leaf Spot of Lettuce: An Unpredictable Enemy to the Florida Lettuce Industry

Germán Sandoya and D. Calvin Odero

Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) of lettuce is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas hortorum. BLS is more damaging in Florida, where the climate is conducive for disease development. The most effective control method is host resistance currently being developed by the UF/IFAS lettuce breeding program in all lettuce types. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department was written by Germán Sandoya and D. Calvin Odero.

Best Management Practices in the Everglades Agricultural Area: Fertilizer Application Control

T. A. Lang, S. H. Daroub, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

This EDIS document is one in a series of publications that provide current implementation guidelines for commonly employed BMPs that target the reduction of P loads leaving EAA farms via drainage water. This document is SL-232, a fact sheet of the Soil and Water Science Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2006.

Biology and Control of Amazon Sprangletop and Bearded Sprangletop in Florida Rice

Alex C. Rodriguez and D. Calvin Odero

This article describes the biology and control options for sprangletop species associated with rice in Florida to assist growers in making correct identification and appropriate management decisions. Written by Alex C. Rodriguez and D. Calvin Odero, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, April 2022.

Biology and Control of Coast Cockspur in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Goosegrass in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Horse Purslane and Common Purslane in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Sorghum-almum in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Calcium Silicate Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

The publication presents recommendations for calcium silicate application for sugarcane grown on Florida mineral soils along with supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, August 2022.

Calcium Silicate Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Ronald W. Rice, and Leslie E. Baucum

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Checklist of Birds of the Everglades Agricultural Area

Elise V. Pearlstine and Frank J. Mazzotti

Cob Flies, Megaselia spp. (Diptera: Phoridae), in Sweet Corn

David Owens, Gregg S. Nuessly, Robert Beiriger, and Nicholas Larsen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Common Bacterial Blight of Snap Bean in Florida

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and Jeffrey B. Jones

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Cost Assessment of Utilizing Bagasse to Grow Sugarcane Based on Nutrient Availability

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, Trent D. Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, and Stewart Swanson

This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department explores the potential of using bagasse, a dry and fibrous residue of sugarcane left after the sugar juice extraction, as a nutrient source to potentially reduce inorganic fertilizer inputs in the sugarcane production system. Information provided in this article will be useful to commercial sugarcane growers, crop consultants, and fertilizer manufacturers in helping them explore alternative fertilizer options. This paper provides important and timely information for the target audiences, considering the recent, rapid rise in fertilizer prices. Written by Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, Trent D. Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, and Stewart Swanson.

CP 03-1912: A Sugarcane Cultivar Expanding on Sand Soil in Florida

Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, Amandeep Sharma, and Wayne Davidson

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and yield and disease information for CP 03-1912 to assist growers in a decision-making process of whether to further expand acreage of this cultivar with a clearer expectation of potential insect pest and disease issues that may need to be addressed through pest management strategies. Written by Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, Amandeep Sharma, and Wayne Davidson, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, September 2024.

Current and Emerging Protocols for Carbon Measurement in Agricultural Soils

Suraj Melkani, Noel Manirakiza, Shirley M. Baker, and Jehangir H. Bhadha

Soils have the capacity to function as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide and are crucial for climate regulation. Soil have the potential to store around 1.5 to 2.4 trillion metric tons of C in the soil globally. They contain large C pools that can store three times more C than the atmosphere and four times more than plants. These massive C sinks have the potential to reverse soil degradation, mitigate climate change, and enhance food security. It is therefore essential to monitor the C cycle by accurately measuring the amount of soil C in agricultural fields. This can help in developing sustainable management practices that can minimize C emissions and sequester C into the soil from the atmosphere. This publication describes the various current and emerging protocols that can be used to measure soil C.

Diagnosing Herbicide Injury Symptoms in Sugarcane and Rotational Crops in Southern Florida

Calvin Odero, Matthew VanWeelden, and Christian Kammerer

This article describes how to diagnose injury symptoms from herbicides commonly used in sugarcane and rotational crops in southern Florida based on their mode of action. This information is intended to help growers to pinpoint sources of injury from off-target movement, carryover, or improper use of herbicides. Written by Calvin Odero, Matthew VanWeelden, and Christian Kammerer, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2023.

Effects of Harvest Method on Microclimate in Florida Sugarcane

Hardev Sandhu, Maninder Singh, Robert Gilbert, Kelly Morgan, Ronald Rice, Leslie Baucum, James Shine Jr., and Mike Irey

Elemental Sulfur Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Agriculture Water

Escarole and Endive: Nutritious Leafy Vegetables with High Potential for Floridians

Germán Sandoya, Makou Lin, Jeongim Kim, and Steven Sargent

Escaroles and endives are two leafy vegetables of the Compositae family rich in nutrients and minerals. Both crops are uncommon in the United States, but both are planted in wintertime in Florida and in other states such as California and New Jersey. This publication aims the public and inform of their use in the leafy vegetable industry in Florida. As other leafy vegetables, escaroles and endives are susceptible to pests and diseases and other physiological disorders such as pink rib at postharvest. Using the correct management practices and the correct cultivars adapted for Florida could help producers in fields and in the home garden to achieve a successful crop.

Evaluation of Lettuce Cultivars for Production on Muck Soils in Southern Florida

German Sandoya and Huangjun Lu

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

Fall Panicum: Biology and Control in Sugarcane

D. Calvin Odero and Brent Sellers

This publication describes the biology and control options for fall panicum in sugarcane to assist growers, county Extension faculty, and crop consultants in making correct identification and effective management decisions to help mitigate its impact on sugarcane. Written by D. Calvin Odero and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised February 2022.

Fertilization Recommendations for Crisphead Lettuce Grown on Organic Soils in Florida

George Hochmuth, Ed Hanlon, Russell Nagata, George Snyder, Tom Schueneman, J. Mabry McCray, and German Sandoya

This publication presents UF/IFAS recommendations for fertilization of crisphead lettuce on organic soils in Florida. Written by George Hochmuth, Ed Hanlon, Russell Nagata, George Snyder, Tom Schueneman, J. Mabry McCray, and German Sandoya, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, revised January 2023.

Florida Crop/Pest Profile: Sugarcane

D. C. Odero, J. M. Beuzelin, M. VanWeelden, C. L. Kammerer, R. N. Raid, S. Swanson, P. Rott, and M. Mossler

Sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids) is the main source of sugar in the world. It is grown in more than 90 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. Cultivation techniques and production challenges vary by location. This document discusses characteristics of the sugarcane crop and pests affecting its production in Florida, which is the largest producer of sugarcane in the United States. Minor Revision.

Fusarium Wilt: A New Threat to Florida Lettuce Production

Germán V. Sandoya, Jesse J. Murray, Richard N. Raid, and Christian F. Miller

Fusarium wilt of lettuce is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae. The disease is present in all lettuce production areas worldwide. Recently this disease has been identified in Florida in localized fields. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents information about the disease, symptoms, and control measures useful to lettuce growers in Florida. Following these recommendations may help to avoid the spread of this fungus in muck soils at the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), where 90% of the lettuce in Florida is planted.

Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems

Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, Francisco Rivera, and E. Vanessa Campoverde

This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents an overview on the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners for lettuce. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are presented in this publication as well. Written by Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, Francisco Rivera, and E. Vanessa Campoverde.

History and Methods of the Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory

J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice

This publication provides a history of the University of Florida Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory (EvSTL), current analytical methods, and information about fertilizer recommendations made by the laboratory. Written by J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, October 2023.

Identification of Broadleaf Weed Seedlings Commonly Found in Florida Sugarcane: A Quick Reference Guide

D. C. Odero, M. VanWeelden, and C. Kammerer

This publication describes the proper identification of broadleaf weed seedlings commonly found in Florida sugarcane fields and aims to assist growers in selecting effective control measures. Written by D. C. Odero, M. VanWeelden, and C. Kammerer, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2023.

Identification of Grass Weed Seedlings Commonly Found in Florida Sugarcane: A Quick Reference Guide

Calvin Odero, Matthew VanWeelden, and Christian Kammerer

This article describes proper identification of grass weed seedlings associated with sugarcane in Florida to assist growers with selecting effective control measures. Written by Calvin Odero, Matthew VanWeelden, and Christian Kammerer, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2023.

Insect Management in Sugarcane

Julien M. Beuzelin, Ron H. Cherry, Gregg S. Nuessly, and Hardev S. Sandhu

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

La Mancha Foliar Bacteriana: Un Enemigo Impredecible para la Industria de la Lechuga de Florida

Byron Manzanero, Germán Sandoya, y D. C. Odero

Este artículo describe las prácticas de manejo de cultivo requeridas para la producción de lechuga de campo en Florida y para ayudar a los productores a tomar decisiones de manejo que ayudarán a controlar la mancha bacteriana de la lechuga. A translation of HS1412, by Byron Manzanero, Germán Sandoya, and D. C. Odero; published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 4 pp.

La Producción de Lechuga en Sistemas Hidropónicos a Pequeña Escala

Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, y E. Vanessa Vassilaros

This publication presents an overview on the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are presented in this publication as well. Spanish translation of HS1422, Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems, by Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, and E. Vanessa Vassilaros. Published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 8 pp.

Lesser Cornstalk Borer Damage to Sugarcane and the Effects of Tillage and Harvest Residue Management

Hardev S. Sandhu, Leslie E. Baucum, and Gregg S. Nuessly

Lettuce Cultivars for Insect Resistance in Southern Florida

German Sandoya, Huangjun Lu, and Alan L. Wright

Lettuce is the most popular ingredient in salads and salad mixes consumed in the United States. Florida's subtropical climate facilitates lettuce production from fall through spring, but the warm and moist conditions are also favorable for insect proliferation and damage. Insect pests cause direct (feeding) and indirect (contamination) damages to the lettuce crop. This manuscript presents data on cultivars and breeding lines with tolerance to some of these pests. Minor Revision; 5 pp.

Miscellaneous Insect Pests of Florida Sugarcane

Gregg S. Nuessly, Ron H. Cherry, Hardev S. Sandhu, and Julien M. Beuzelin

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane Production for Sugar on Florida Sand Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Kelly T. Morgan, and Les Baucum

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Agriculture Water

Nutritional Requirements and Fertilizer Recommendations for Florida Sugarcane

J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice

This publication combines fertilizer recommendations for organic and mineral soils into a comprehensive guide for Florida sugarcane growers. Written by J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised January 2023.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

This presents phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for sugarcane produced for sugar on Florida mineral soils along with supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, August 2022.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane Production on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Ronald W. Rice, and Alan L. Wright

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

Plant Essential Nutrients and Their Role

Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan

The purpose of this publication is to inform Extension agents, consultants, and farmers about plant essential nutrients, benefits, and deficiency symptoms. This publication provides a whole plant picture with deficiency symptoms for each nutrient and the location of those symptoms on the plant. Written by Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2022.

Potassium Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

This publication is intended primarily for Florida sugarcane growers, but it may also be useful to researchers and others interested in sugarcane nutrition. It presents potassium fertilizer recommendations for Florida mineral soils and supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2022.

Potassium Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Agriculture Water

Producing Biochar Using a Custom Designed Top-Lit Updraft (TLUD) Gasifier

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Stephen Jennewein, Julio Sanchez, and Timothy A. Lang

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Conservation practices and efficiency improvement

Rainfast Time for Postemergence Herbicides Commonly Used in the Everglades Agricultural Area: Quick Reference Sheet

D.C. Odero

Raising Soil Organic Matter Content to Improve Water Holding Capacity

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Jay M. Capasso, Raju Khatiwada, Stewart Swanson, and Christopher LaBorde

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

Rice Physiology, Products, and Critical Steps Associated with Postharvest Operations in Southern Florida

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Sangeeta Mukhopadhyay, Charlene Andrews, and Matthew VanWeelden

Sequential Sampling for Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) at Sugarcane Planting

Matthew T. VanWeelden and Ron Cherry

Soil Organic Matter Impacts on Sugarcane Production on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray and Stewart Swanson

Spring Mix—An Emerging Crop for Florida

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

Stem Borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Florida Rice

Julien M. Beuzelin, Erik L. Roldán, Ronald H. Cherry, and Matthew T. VanWeelden

Three stem borers, the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), rice stalk borer, Chilo plejadellus Zincken, and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), infest rice in the southern United States. They occur in Florida, with the Mexican rice borer being an invasive species recently introduced into the state. This publication briefly describes stem borers and sampling methods and reports results of the first extensive survey conducted to measure their occurrence in Florida rice.

Stink Bugs in Florida Rice

Ron Cherry

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Strategies for Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Lettuce Grown on Histosols

Gustavo F. Kreutz, Jehangir H. Bhadha, Guodong D. Liu, Marcio F. R. Resende, Alan L. Wright, D. Calvin Odero, and Germán V. Sandoya

The global demand for P fertilizers has been significantly increasing, resulting in higher costs and environmental concerns associated with eutrophication. Fertilizer expenses and environmental risks can be reduced through the implementation of sustainable strategies. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department compiles several strategies to improve the utilization of P fertilization in lettuce grown in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Sugarcane Cultivar Descriptive Fact Sheet: CPCL 05-1102 and CPCL 05-1791

Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, and Wayne Davidson

This fact sheet provides basic information and yield and disease information for CPCL 05-1102 and CPCL 05-1791 to assist growers. Written by Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, and Wayne Davidson, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2022.

Sugarcane Eyespot Disease

P. Rott, J. C. Comstock, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

Sugarcane Nutrient Management Using Leaf Analysis

J. Mabry McCray and Rao Mylavarapu

Sugarcane Orange Rust

P. Rott, S. Sood, J. C. Comstock, R. N. Raid, N. C. Glynn, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

Sugarcane Ratoon Stunting

P. Rott, S. Sood, J. C. Comstock, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

Sugarcane Ring Spot

P. Rott, J. C. Comstock, H. S. Sandhu, and R. N. Raid

Tar Spot of Maize in Florida

Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Vitor Augusto Silva de Moura, Marcio F. R. Resende, and Katia Viana Xavier

Tar spot, a fungal foliar disease, affects most maize types commonly grown in Florida, such as sweet corn, field corn, and criollo corn. This disease is characterized by brown-to-black, raised structures called stromata, which are embedded in leaf tissue. As a polycyclic disease, tar spot lesions can increase in number as the disease progresses throughout the growing season, leading to reduction of photosynthetic area on the leaves. Tar spot has recently emerged as a significant threat in Florida and in the United States, with reports of up to 100% incidence in maize fields in south Florida. Tar spot occurrence and development in Florida is influenced by several factors, such as environmental conditions, maize types, crop maintenance, and corn growth stages. The purpose of this publication is to promote awareness among Florida growers regarding this newly identified disease and its management practices.

The Emergence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt on Celery in South Florida

Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Anna Mészáros, and Katia Viana Xavier

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) production in south Florida spans approximately 1,500 acres yearly. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii (Foa) race 4, emerged as a significant threat to celery production in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in Florida in 2022. Since it was first reported in the United States in Michigan in 1914, Foa has evolved into four different pathogenic races. In 2013, race 4 was first reported in California, ?and since then, it has been causing substantial losses to celery growers. The first occurrence in south Florida is critically alarming because (1) race 4 is the most virulent among the four races, (2) there is a lack of effective chemical and varietal control options for EAA Florida growers, and (3) this pathogen can survive in the soil for many years. This publication provides novel information to growers, Extension agents, and crop consultants of the celery industry in Florida regarding disease identification and management. 

Tools for Evaluating Soil Health

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Jay Capasso, Robert S. Schindelbeck, and Allan R. Bacon

Trends in Florida Rice Production and Varieties

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Luigi Trotta, Daniel Cavazos, and Matthew VanWeelden

This publication sheds light on the trends of rice acreage and yields from 2008 to 2021. Nearly 23,000 acres of flooded rice were planted in south Florida in 2021. Growing flooded rice is a good Best Management Practice for growers in the region because it has been shown to reduce pest pressure and improve soil quality. The publication also highlights some of the recent varieties of rice that are grown in the region.

Weed Management in Rice

D. C. Odero and M. VanWeelden

Weeds in Florida Sugarcane as Rice Stink Bug Hosts

Calvin Odero, Michael Karounos, and Ron Cherry

Rice is a rotational crop in the sugarcane production system on organic soils in the Everglades Agricultural Area in southern Florida. Several insects and weeds can affect production and profitability of rice. Management of fall panicum in rice and in sugarcane fields surrounding rice fields is important to mitigate risks posed by weeds and the rice stink bug complex in Florida rice.