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Recent & Revised Publications

Postharvest Anthocyanin Enhancement in Blood Orange Fruit

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, and Jeffrey K. Brecht

This article discusses the postharvest enhancement and preservation of anthocyanin content in blood oranges grown in subtropical or tropical regions, such as Florida, for fresh consumption or for juice processing. The purpose of this article is to introduce growers, Extension agents, and specialists to simple postharvest methods for enhancing anthocyanin content in blood oranges, making the fruit more nutritious and more acceptable for consumption. Written by Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, and Jeffrey K. Brecht, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, June 2025.

Invertebrates as Biological Control Agents of Agricultural Pests

Xavier Martini and Hugh A. Smith

This publication aims to help readers identify the most common beneficial insects and invertebrates found in Florida gardens and promote their populations to minimize the use of insecticides. Written by Xavier Martini and Hugh A. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, revised June 2025.

El Cangrejo Terrestre Azul (Cardisoma guanhami)

Mark E. Hostetler, Frank J. Mazzotti y Amy K. Taylor

El objetivo de este documento es brindar información básica sobre el cangrejo terrestre azul en Florida, está dirigido a una audiencia general.

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.

Kratom: Botanical Insights and Cultivation Practices for a Conspicuous Medicinal Tree Species

Mengzi Zhang, Annabella Lyndon, Brian Pearson, Christopher R. McCurdy, Abhisheak Sharma, and Jianjun Chen

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a member of the family Rubiaceae, a group of plants known for producing diverse bioactive metabolites. Arguably, the most popular member of the Rubiaceae family is coffee (Coffea arabica), which yields seeds (coffee beans) that contain bioactive metabolites, including the central nervous system stimulant caffeine. Unlike coffee, kratom is a facultatively deciduous tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Other species closely related to kratom include M. hirsuta, M. diversifolia, and M. parvifolia. This publication offers educational insights into the horticultural aspects of kratom based on empirical scientific research for anyone interested in cultivating it.

Foundational Small Ruminant Management and Husbandry

Christa L. Kirby, Allie L. Williams, Laura H. Bennett, Bridget Stice, and Brittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to serve as an overview of small ruminant husbandry practices, which include basic nutrition, health, and preventative management concepts. Written by Christa L. Kirby, Allie L. Williams, Laura H. Bennett, Bridget Stice, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, June 2025.

Twig Girdler: Oncideres spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Onciderini)

Miranda Barnes and Jiri Hulcr

The following Featured Creatures article discusses the habits, distribution, appearance, life history, ecology, and other features of twig girdlers in the genus Oncideres, with a particular focus on O. cingulata cingulata in Florida. Hallmarks of twig girdler damage are described, and the common hosts of different twig girder species are discussed. The life cycle and phenology of the insect are detailed, as are theories about the purpose of the girdling behavior. Management practices for pecan growers are overviewed, and homeowners are advised that the insect is not a serious threat to ornamental trees.

Pesticide Injection and Drenching

Frederick M. Fishel, Adam G. Dale, and Ryan W. Klein

A UF/IFAS Fact Sheet intended for Commercial audience(s). The purpose of this document is to inform the audience of Florida-registered pesticide options available for professional injection and drench applications to treat trees. This new revision by Ryan Klein and Adam Dale expands and updates the original 2018 version by Fred Fishel. 5 pp.

Petiole Sampling as a Tool for In-Season Nitrogen Management in Cotton

Akash Shah, Hardeep Singh, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, and Guilherme Morata

This publication aims to guide cotton producers, Extension agents, crop advisors, and consultants on the correct method of petiole sampling for nitrate-nitrogen analysis and interpretation of petiole nitrate-nitrogen test results, and also discusses ways in which monitoring petiole nitrate-nitrogen concentration can be used as a tool for effective in-season N management in cotton. Written by Akash Shah, Hardeep Singh, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, and Guilherme Morata, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, June 2025.

US Food Shopper Trends in 2018

Suraj Gurung, Lijun Angelia Chen, Sungeun Yoon, and Lisa House

To gain insights into US consumers’ food-related perspectives, we examined their food and beverage preferences and consumption patterns in parallel with those identified in 2017. Using a nationwide sample of 6,412 primary food shoppers in 2018, we assessed consumer perspectives regarding food shopping outlets, responses to food price increases, grocery expenditures, food-related attitudes, food and beverage consumption patterns, and nutritional perceptions. Last, we compared consumer trends in 2018 with those in 2017 to identify any changes over time.

Lens in the Classroom: Ideas to Use Camera Traps in an Educational Setting

K. A. Carey, B. W. McDonald, A. Lahiri, B. M. Mason, I. L. Esquivel, C. T. Callaghan, and C. Baruzzi

This publication provides some examples of effectively using camera traps to teach ecological concepts related to wildlife feeding preferences, daily activity, human disturbance, ecosystem engineering, and pollinators. Written by K. A. Carey, B. W. McDonald, A. Lahiri, B. M. Mason, I. L. Esquivel, C. T. Callaghan, and C. Baruzzi, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2025.

Nonprofit Leadership: Translating Priorities into Mission Fulfillment

Kimberly Wiley, Dairys Montes de Oca, and Colby Vasquez

Organizational leaders face competing priorities when making decisions that steer the focus and resources of their organization. Choosing one pathway over another requires consideration of the organization’s needs and capacities. We present four nonprofit leadership priorities central to organizational decision-making: innovativeness, staff-centered focus, strategy, and systems focus (Cameron et al., 2006). These four priorities are present in for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Here, we apply the framework to nonprofit organizations. This publication defines the four priorities and explores their relationships. Finally, leaders will be provided tools for balancing these priorities and the associated strengths during decision-making to effectively fulfill their goals. Written by Kimberly Wiley, Dairys Montes de Oca, and Colby Vasquez, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2025.

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25,000 to 30,000

# of bees needed to survive the winter

A healthy colony consisting of 25,000 to 30,000 bees is an adequate size for overwintering success.

13% of people

Food Insecure in the U.S.

Urban agriculture provides diverse benefits and support to local communities. However, there are also limitations to developing or expanding operations and programs.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021

95°F

Proper Temperature for Baby Chicks

Newly hatched chicks need to be maintained at 95°F for the first week of their lives. After the first week, chicks can tolerate temperatures 5°F cooler for each week until they are four weeks old.

more than 1,700

homes built endangered woodrats

More than 1,700 supplemental woodrat nest structures have been installed across protected areas in northern Key Largo to aid in woodrat recovery

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