Decision-Support Tool Using HiperGator May Help Manage Devastating Avocado Disease

Published: November 19th, 2020 | Source: Growing America

UF/IFAS researchers are working on a decision-support app to help policy makers and growers decide the best regional treatment options for laurel wilt disease, which is challenging Florida’s $35 million-a-year avocado crop.

Laurel wilt disease is spread by several ambrosia beetle vectors. People, whether they grow avocados or not, can spread the beetles when they move infested wood products – for example, firewood and wood-turner wood -- UF/IFAS researchers say. UF/IFAS researchers are trying to get all this spreading under control.

Scientists Identify New Species of Crystal-Encrusted Truffle, Thanks to Bonobos

Published: September 22nd, 2020 | Source: Florida Museum

Mushroom-munching bonobos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have introduced scientists to a new species of truffle.

Commonly used by Congolese communities to bait traps for small mammals, Hysterangium bonobo is also savored by bonobos, an endangered species of great ape. Scientists say the truffle hints at vast reserves of undescribed fungal diversity in the region.

As organic food sales soar, growers look to essential oils to suppress pests, diseases

Published: September 15th, 2020 | Source: IFAS Blogs

Organic food sales topped $50 billion in the United States in 2018. Statistics from the Organic Trade Association tell part of the story of this growing market: Fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops combined to make up 36.3% of total organic sales — up 5.6% from the previous year.

Scott Angle: Nothing shuts down UF/IFAS

Published: August 26th, 2020 | Source: FNGLA

IFAS vice president Scott Angle discusses the Plant Diagnostic Center during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Evaluating Global Crop Risks: How Crop Landscapes Affect Disease

Published: August 5th, 2020 | Source: UF Emerging Pathogens Institute

Garrett lab and collaborators publish in the journal Bioscience on the effects of cropland networks on pathogen and pest invasion.

Hopes High to Crack the Code on Bacterial Spot of Tomato

Published: July 22nd, 2020 | Source: Growing Produce

Bacterial spot can topple tomato crops anywhere the malady strikes. To help growers stay out of the red zone, University of Florida scientists are aiming to dig deeper in how the pathogen that causes the disease spreads and evolves on farms.

Scientists to study crippling tomato disease to lay groundwork for prevention

Published: July 22nd, 2020 | Source: IFAS Solutions

Dr. Erica Goss has been awarded a $455,000 grant by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study the epidemiology of bacterial spot in tomatoes.

Is this poisonous? For UF mushroom expert, COVID-19 means more concerned calls, texts

Published: May 20th, 2020 | Source: Growing Florida

As more individuals are staying at home due to COVID-19, calls and texts have been increasing for Dr. Matthew Smith for his lab's mushroom identification services.