EDIS Update » Agriculture

Goat Parasite Control: General Guidelines

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:06:41 +0000

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is the leading cause of death and decreased production in goats. At least 48% of farms in the southeast have parasites that are resistant to all classes of dewormers. While there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for parasite control, the information in this fact sheet is provided for on-farm use. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations. Information was provided by Dr. Sarah Reuss of the UF Large Animal Medicine Service. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Sarah Reuss, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, February 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an294

Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:54:59 +0000

Protecting honey bees and other pollinators from pesticide impacts is important to the sustainability of agriculture. Consequently, pesticide applicators must determine if there is a clear hazard to managed or wild populations of bees. Potential exposure of bees to pesticides can vary greatly depending on the type of pesticide, formulation, application method, label restrictions, and other factors. The goal in using a pesticide is to achieve maximum benefit (success) with minimum negative impact, and these factors should always be considered in pesticide selection. This publication is written (1) to help assure the sustainability of both bees and agriculture by informing beekeepers, pesticide users, and the general public about the often complex relationship between pollinators (specifically bees) and pesticides, (2) to offer guidance for improved communication between beekeepers and pesticide users, (3) to offer pollinator risk-reducing strategies for growers and other applicators when using pesticides, and (4) to provide clarity in laws, labeling, and associated definitions. This 14-page fact sheet was written by J. D. Ellis, J. Klopchin, E. Buss, F. M. Fishel, W. H. Kern, C. Mannion, E. McAvoy, L. S. Osborne, M. Rogers, M. Sanford, H. Smith, P. Stansly, L. Stelinski, and S. Webb, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1027

Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu) for Citrus Trees

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 17:04:19 +0000

Since mineral nutrition is a major factor in maximizing yield of high-quality fruit, understanding the functions of mineral elements, diagnosing nutrient deficiencies, and providing needed fertilizers are essential. This publication describes and discusses iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) deficiencies, functions, and recommended practices to alleviate nutritional problems. This 7-page fact sheet was written by Mongi Zekri and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss617

Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) for Citrus Trees

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 16:53:43 +0000

Since mineral nutrition is a major factor in maximizing yield of high-quality fruit, understanding the functions of mineral elements, diagnosing nutrient deficiencies, and providing needed fertilizers are essential. This publication describes and discusses manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies, functions, and recommended practices to alleviate nutritional problems. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Mongi Zekri and Tom Obreza , and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss616

Black Medic Biology and Management in Turf

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:01:57 +0000

Black medic (Medicago lupulina) is a dark green annual with spreading, prostrate growth. Leaves are alternate with three leaflets on square stems. Leaflets are obovate to elliptic, toothed near the tip, and have a small spur on the tip. Bright yellow flowers are produced in tight, compressed clusters at leaf axils. Reproduction occurs via seed in tightly coiled black seed pods. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Barry J. Brecke, Ramon Leon, J. Bryan Unruh, and Darcy E. P. Telenko, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep494

Sedge Biology and Management in Turf

dihagan — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:45:46 +0000

Members of the sedge family have leaves that are composed of a blade, sheath, and ligule. The leaf sheath is closed and the ligule is often absent, and when present is tiny. Stem structure is often triangular.This 3-page fact sheet was written by D. E. P. Telenko, Ramon Leon, J. Bryan Unruh, and B. J. Brecke, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep492

Effect of Fertilizer Phosphorus Rate of Tomato and Green Bean Yield and Growth in High pH Sandy Soils of South Florida

dihagan — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:25:08 +0000

This 4-page fact sheet addresses the effect of phosphorus rate on tomato and green bean yield and growth in high pH soils and discusses their relationship to both nutrition and fertilizer management. Written by Kelly T. Morgan and Kamal Mahmoud, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss611

Effect of Reduced Soil pH with Sulfur on Available Soil Phosphorus in High pH Sandy Soils of South Florida

dihagan — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:23:30 +0000

This 3-page fact sheet addresses the effect of moderating soil pH by using sulfur amendments in high pH soils and discusses their relationship to both nutrition and fertilizer management. Written by Kelly T. Morgan and Kamal Mahmoud, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss612

How to Calculate a Partial Nitrogen Mass Budget for Potato

dihagan — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:23:30 +0000

This 6-page fact sheet provides information on the importance of nitrogen budgets for potato cultivation and discusses the steps in preparing the budget. It allows growers to understand the inputs, cycling, and exports of nutrients within and away from the farm, develop a nutrient budget, and analyze best management practices (BMPs) for their farm. The results will be increased N fertilizer use efficiency, increased environmental protection, and reduced economic losses associated with potato cultivation. This document will also aid county agents, environmental management advisors, and government agency staff members who help farmers improve and implement nutrient BMPs to protect water quality. Written by Rishi Prasad and George Hochmuth, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss614

Intestinal and Tracheal Parasites of Poultry

dihagan — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:21:30 +0000

A parasite is defined as an animal or plant that derives sustenance and/or protection by living in or on another animal or plant called the host. Intestinal and tracheal parasites of poultry are commonly referred to as “worms,” although this term is technically not correct. These parasites can cause chickens in a flock to appear unthrifty, which often leads to secondary complications. In some cases, the parasites can cause mortality in the flock. Frequent inspection of the flock for signs of illness is the best management tool for identifying when these parasites are a problem. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Gary D. Butcher and Michael A. Davis, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, April 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa078

Cryptobia iubilans in Cichlids

dihagan — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:21:18 +0000

After many years of diagnostics at the University of Florida and at other laboratories around the country, it appears that Cryptobia iubilans is not uncommon among cichlids, and that environmental and other factors determine the extent of disease.This 3-page fact sheet was written by Ruth Francis-Floyd and Roy Yanong, and published by the UF Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm077

Old World Diamond-Flower Biology and Management in Turf

dihagan — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:21:18 +0000

Old world diamond-flower is a smooth, spreading summer annual. It has branched stems with opposite, narrow leaves. Flowers are white, usually with two or more on long stalks extending from the tip of a common long stalk. Flowers occur from midsummer until frost. Reproduction occurs by seed. Found in moist areas, especially areas that have been disturbed. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Darcy E. P. Telenko, Barry J. Brecke, Ramon Leon, and J. Bryan Unruh, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep493

Floriculture Crops Economic Outlook for 2014

dihagan — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:21:18 +0000

This 15-page report summarizes industry statistics using data from primary and secondary sources and highlights production and sales trends in the US environmental horticulture industry in 2014. Data sources include the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS), US Census Bureau, the IBIS World Industry Reports, National Association of Home Builders, S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, AIA Economics and Market Research Group, and Florida Realtors®. Primary data is collected through the National Nursery Survey, conducted by the Green Industry Research Consortium. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alan W. Hodges, and Shawn Steed, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe941

Factors Affecting Consumer Preferences and Demand for Ornamental Plants

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:36:45 +0000

The primary goal of this study is to assist industry participants by providing information about consumer purchasing preferences, including information about past and future expenditures on ornamental plants, plant-specific and store-specific factors that influence purchase decisions. Additionally, the study sought to determine whether providing consumers with information about the health and well-being, environmental, and economic benefits of ornamental plants had any effects on consumer preferences for ornamental plants. The main results of the survey are briefly summarized below. The full report titled “Investigation of Factors Affecting Consumer Preferences and Demand for Ornamental Plants” can be downloaded from the UF Horticulture Economics and Marketing Research Program website at http://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture-economics/publications.shtml”. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Hayk Khachatryan and Hee Jung Choi, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, February 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe938

Plumeria: Propagation from Cuttings

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:29:09 +0000

Plumeria are flowering ornamentals native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, and Colombia. Highly valued for their colorful flowers, plumeria are now grown in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. Plumeria, or frangipani, are members of the Apocynaceae family. Unless steps are taken to prevent frost damage, plumeria are generally limited to landscape uses in south Florida and protected regions of central Florida. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Andrew K. Koeser, Gitta Hasing, and Drew McLean, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep489

Estimando la Cantidad de Forraje en Campos de Heno y Potreros

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:24:04 +0000

El forraje sirve como fuente primaria de nutrientes para la industria ganadera en Florida. El uso eficiente de esta fuente nutricional es crítico para la supervivencia de los agricultores y rancheros de dicho estado. El estimar la cantidad de forraje en potreros puede proveer información útil a la hora de tomar decisiones acerca del manejo de nuestros recursos. Debe de haber suficiente material en el predio para justificar el costo de utilizar el equipo para cosechar (por ejemplo, precio de compra del equipo, renta, costo del combustible a invertirse, y el costo de la mano de obra). Sin esta información, el predio debe ser sometido a pastoreo. Esta publicación contiene las instrucciones para la implementación de un método simple que nos permite determinar la cantidad aproximada de forraje en campos de heno y potreros.This 2-page fact sheet was written by T. Wilson, C. Sanders, J. Breman, y L. Sollenberger. Traducido por J. Bosques, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag379

Methods for Measuring Controlled-Release Fertilizer Nitrogen Release Used for Vegetable Production

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:42:23 +0000

Enhanced-efficiency fertilizers are a group of fertilizers that reduce the risk of nutrient loss to the environment and subsequently increase fertilizer use efficiency. This increase may be accomplished through maintaining nutrients in the root zone by physical barriers, reduced solubility, or retaining nutrients in a less leachable form. This 7-page fact sheet examines laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse, and field methods for measuring nitrogen release in controlled-release fertilizers. Written by Monica Ozores-Hampton and Luther C. Carson, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, August 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1227

Citrus Greening and Citrus Tree Planting in Florida

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:30:18 +0000

This 4-page fact sheet examines the impact of the presence of citrus greening on new tree plantings in the Florida citrus industry. Sweet oranges are by far the most important citrus variety grown in Florida, so the analysis is limited to sweet orange plantings. Because citrus greening impacts citrus producers through reduced yield, increased mortality, and increased cost of production, it is expected that the presence of citrus greening has had an adverse impact on the willingness of growers to invest in new trees. Written by Thomas H. Spreen and Jean-Paul Baldwin, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe937

Corn wireworm Melanotus communis Gyllenhal (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elateridae)

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:49:17 +0000

Insects in the family Elateridae are commonly known as click beetles. Their name comes from the clicking sound they make while attempting to right themselves after falling or being placed on their backs. The larvae of click beetles are called wireworms. The corn wireworm is a serious agricultural pest and was added to the EPPO A1 action list of quarantine pests in 2002. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Harsimran K. Gill, Gurminder Chahil, Gaurav Goyal, Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman and Ronald Cherry, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1025

Nematode Management for Bedding Plants

dihagan — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:42:37 +0000

Florida is the “land of flowers.” Surely, one of the things that Florida is known for is the beauty of its vegetation. Due to the tropical and subtropical environment, color can abound in Florida landscapes year-round. Unfortunately, plants are not the only organisms that enjoy the mild climate. Due to warm temperatures, sandy soil, and humidity, Florida has more than its fair share of pests and pathogens that attack bedding plants. Plant-parasitic nematodes can be among the most damaging and hard-to-control of these organisms. This 11-page fact sheet was written by William T. Crow, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, February 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in470