School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
Note: In March 2021, the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) changed its name to the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS). Older publications will still use the older name.
Useful Links
Editorial Team
- Patrick Minogue - Editor
- Red Baker Baker - Chair, Approver
- Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt
FR475/FOR404by Yiyi Dong, Jiri Hulcr, Daniel Carrillo, and Xavier MartiniMay 23, 2024The redbay ambrosia beetle, harmless in its native Asia, has become a formidable pest since its introduction to the United States in 2002. The beetle spreads the fungus Harringtonia lauricola, a lethal pathogen of North American Lauraceae trees, including avocados. The fungus infection triggers a rapid onset of laurel wilt disease, which has nearly eliminated laurel trees across the southeastern United States within a few years. The beetle has spread across nearly 300 counties in the Southeast, facilitated by trade in wood products. Effective control in natural environments remains an unresolved challenge; in avocado groves, infected trees must be removed and destroyed. Introduction of X. glabratus into Mexico, California, Central America, or South America, regions with substantial avocado industries and diverse native Lauraceae species, would be disastrous. International cooperation is necessary to address this threat.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Pinus serotina Michx., Pond Pine
FR473/FOR402by Audrey C. Plauche, Gage D. LaPierre, and Michael G. AndreuFebruary 26, 2024This publication provides an in-depth profile of Pinus serotina for academic audiences and interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
What if prescribed fire is not an option? An overview of alternative vegetation and fuel management treatments
FR474/FOR403by Michael G. Andreu, Christopher Kinslow, and Stephen EnloeFebruary 26, 2024Fire has been a significant part of southeastern American forests for thousands of years. Prescribed fire is an effective method to achieve some land management goals, but sometimes it is not possible to use this tool. Fortunately, there are alternative treatment options that land managers can consider. Although none of these surrogate treatments will produce the same suite of benefits as prescribed fire, they can mimic some of the benefits that prescribed fire creates and are better than applying no treatments. This publication provides an overview for landowners and land managers that want to understand surrogate treatments and the economic and ecological tradeoffs associated with each treatment.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Pityopsis - Silkgrasses
FR471/FOR400by Gage Lapierre, Michael Andreu, and Jazz GriffisFebruary 5, 2024The genus Pityopsis, the silkgrasses, are perennial forbs that look like grass with silky, silver hairs. Recognizing different species of silkgrass is important for land managers who are striving to restore specific plant communities and for nurseries selling and distributing native plant materials throughout Florida. Academic botanical keys make identification of silkgrass species challenging for those without a botanical background. This publication provides a breakdown of botanical terms used to describe silkgrass species and a guide with pictures and descriptions of various species to aid in differentiating between them. In addition, the publication provides information about phenology, seed harvesting, and propagation for silkgrasses and presents many practical applications for these attractive and useful plants.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Beneficios de las quemas controladas o prescritas
FR472/FOR397Sby Michael G. Andreu, Chris Demers y Alan Long y traducido por Soraya SusJanuary 30, 2024Esta publicación ofrece una visión general introductoria de la función del fuego en los sistemas forestales, los beneficios de la utilización de quemas controladas o prescritas como parte del manejo forestal, la seguridad necesaria y las precauciones reglamentarias que los propietarios y administradores de tierras deben cumplir en el uso de las quemas controladas o prescritas.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
