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Protect Pets Safely

Both topical and collar treatments are classified and registered as pesticides and must be used accordingly.

Low-Chill Blueberry Cultivars

Florida winters aren’t cold enough for traditional northern blueberry varieties. However, low-chill cultivars have been developed specifically for our milder climate.

Living Shorelines for Erosion Control and More

Salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster reefs effectively prevent erosion by creating complex surfaces that dampen wave energy and trap sediments. They also provide additional ecosystem functions that benefit society.

Frozen Perennials Propagate Promisingly

Perennials that are frozen back to the ground can be lifted, divided, and reset at that time with good results.

Biocontrol Nematode

The mole cricket nematode infects mole crickets through natural openings and releases bacteria that kill the host within 24 to 48 hours. It can persist in the soil for several years and reduce the need for insecticides.

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

thumbnail for publication: Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

IN1427/EENY-812by Kaydie McCormick and Adam DaleMay 20, 2024Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): Parasitoid of Soft Scale Pests (Coccidae: Hemiptera)

IN1425/EENY-810by Salman A. Al-Shami and Jawwad A. QureshiMay 20, 2024The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

4-H Volunteer Training Series: Recognizing Young People

4H370/4H370 by Originally written by Georgene Bender. Revised by Geralyn Sachs, Sarah Hensley, Andrew Toelle, Kelsey Cook, Marnie Ward, Shayla Reighter, Dallas Meringolo, and Courtney Quirie.May 16, 2024Developing a sense of belonging is one of the Essential Elements of a positive youth development experience. Creating an inclusive environment in your 4-H club programs and activities can help you achieve this goal. Providing many forms of recognition for all, not just for those who excel in competition with other youth, supports this sense of belonging.Critical Issue: 7. 4-H Youth Development

Biodiversity as a Tool to Boost Seagrass Restoration Success

SS728/SL515by C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. ReynoldsMay 14, 2024This publication reviews the importance of seagrass, major threats to seagrass, and ways in which seagrass species diversity and genetic diversity can positively impact seagrass management and restoration. Written by C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, March 2024.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Tillage and Overseeding Pastures for Winter Forage Production in North Florida

AG146/SS-AGR-43 by C. L. Mackowiak, J. C. B. Dubeux, S. George, D. L. Wright, A. R. Blount, and I. SmallMay 14, 2024The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance on preparing and planting annual cool-season forages on prepared seedbeds and overseeding annual cool-season forages on pastures in north Florida. Written by C. L. Mackowiak, J. C. B. Dubeux, S. George, D. L. Wright, A. R. Blount, and I. Small, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised April 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

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Fun Facts

14.1%

OJ Inflation

Orange Juice prices experienced high inflation, peaking at 14.1% in January 2023, but the number of active consumers slightly increased.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

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

$4.09 per lb. of N

Value of Denitrification

Based on the average wastewater treatment cost of N removal for Florida Counties. One of the ecosystem functions of Living Shorelines is enhanced denitrification.

$526 billion

Cost of Hurricane Damage in Florida

The cost of damage from hurricanes in Florida since 1990 is equal to that of the whole rest of the United States. Major hurricanes caused 87% of the damage.

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.