Author: Sarah Chrisien

Understanding the Barriers for School Garden Success: Expert Consensus to Guide Extension Programming

Students at the Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School in Palm Beach County are learning how to grow their own vegetables in the new SOAR (Sharing Our Agricultural Roots) project started by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with public schools and volunteers from the county farm community. UF plant pathologist Richard Raid, working with the young gardeners on Monday, June 2, said the SOAR project teaches children about composting, recycling and other ways to protect the environment.

Research has found that youth involvement in school gardens leads to numerous benefits. However, teachers and support organizations must overcome barriers for garden sustainability. This 4-page document discusses barriers for school garden success and how Extension faculty can help education professionals overcome them. Written by Susan Webb, John Diaz, and Catherine Campbell and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc315

How Many Meals Should I Eat Each Day?

Figure 1. Food preparation area in the home kitchen

For older adults who want to stay healthy, it’s a common question: should I eat three meals a day, or is two adequate? Also, how much should I snack? This 2-page publication discusses the appropriate amount of daily food consumption in older adults. Written by Wendy J. Dahl and Zainab Alyousif and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs313

Preparing to Work with Generation Z

Students in an auditorium classroom.

Members of Generation Z, the incoming generation of college graduates and future members of the workforce, will require specific leadership and support to reach their potential and contribute to the needs of the agriculture industry. This 3-page publication describes Generation Z and offers best-known practices for preparing this generation to contribute to Florida’s agriculture and natural resource industries. Written by Celia Elizabeth Suarez and Valerie McKee and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc311

The Health Benefits of Grapefruit Furanocoumarins

Grapefruit.

Grapefruits are known for their numerous health benefits, specifically anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and bone-building effects that are the result of natural chemicals called furanocoumarins. This 4-page document discusses the health benefits of grapefruit furanocoumarins. Written by Yu Wang and Laura Reuss and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs311

Dietary Fiber and Chronic Disease

Dr. Wendy Dahl posing with fiber and food to stop kidney disease. Image used in the 2014 Research Discoveries report. UF/IFAS Photo by Javier Edwards

Dietary fiber supports health in various ways. This 2-page document describes the relationships between dietary fiber and prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Written by Wendy J. Dahl and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs314

Salt: Should I Cut Back?

Sodium is important for our body to maintain fluid balance, blood volume, and blood pressure; however, many people consume more dietary sodium (from salt) than needed. This 3-page publication explores the health effects of excessive sodium intake and ways to decrease intake of this mineral. Written by Asmaa Fatani, Nancy J. Gal, and Wendy J. Dahl and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs312

Florida 4-H Archery Record Book

The purpose of this 13-page Florida 4-H Archery Record Book is to help you document your growth, development, and progress as a 4-H member. Written by Julie Pigott Dillard and Gerald Culen and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h392

Susceptibility of Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Commonly Used Insecticides Approved for Managing Arthropod Pests in Florida Strawberries

The aim of this 9-page document is to inform Florida strawberry producers and Extension personnel on the compatibility of registered miticides and insecticides with commercially available predatory mites used as biological controls. Written by Braden Evans, Karol Krey, and Justin Renkema and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1216

Sea Lavender (Heliotropium gnaphalodes L.): Identification and Uses

Sea lavender is a native plant found naturally along the Atlantic coast of central and south Florida. This 7-page document discusses this species’ identification and uses. Written by Stephen H. Brown, Marc S. Frank, and Andrew K. Koeser and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep563

Production of Edible Flowers in Florida

Edible flowers can be a fresh addition to main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and drinks. Their value stems from their visual appeal, taste, nutritional content, and medicinal properties. This 7-page document examines the production and distribution of edible flowers in Florida. Written by Caroline de Favari Tardivo and Geoffrey Meru and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1321

English Ivy (Hedera helix): Identification and Control of Diseases in Commercial Greenhouse Production and in Landscapes

English ivy has grown in popularity over the last few years as both an indoor and outdoor ornamental vining plant. While English ivy is very disease resistant, there are a few major diseases that will cause economic loss in production and landscape plantings. This 6-page document will assist residential or commercial property owners in identifying various English ivy diseases. Written by David J. Norman and G. Shad Ali and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp339

Rose Mosaic Virus: A Disease Caused by a Virus Complex and Symptoms on Roses and Management Practices

Rose mosaic virus disease is one of the most economically important diseases affecting roses, because a single symptomatic leaf can result in the rejection of complete shipments for wholesale or retail rose producers. It continues to be a problem in nursery production and landscapes. This 5-page document discusses the causes, symptoms, and management of this disease. Written by Susannah da Silva, Binoy Babu, Mathews L. Paret, Gary Knox, Fanny Iriarte, Barron Riddle, Matt Orwat, Shawn T. Steed, E. Vanessa Campoverde, and Svetlana Y. Folimonova and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp338

Florida 4-H Air Rifle & Smallbore Rifle Record Book

The purpose of this 13-page Florida 4-H Air Rifle/Smallbore Rifle book is to help 4-H members document their growth, development, and progress in the titular activities. Written by Julie P. Dillard and Gerald Culen and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, August 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h391

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Diseases: Identification and Control in Commercial Greenhouse Production

Pothos is a tropical ornamental vine that has been grown commercially in the US for almost 100 years and is used for a variety of aesthetic purposes. This 5-page publication addresses identification and treatment of common diseases encountered during greenhouse production of pothos. Written by David J. Norman and G. Shad Ali and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp340

Peach Root-knot Nematode

One of the production issues that peach growers in Florida must contend with is plant-parasitic nematodes. One such species is the more recently discovered peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis, which is the subject of this 5-page publication. Written by Mary Ann D. Maquilan, Ali Sarkhosh, and Donald Dickson and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1320

Key Plant, Key Pests: Chinese Fringe (Loropetalum chinense)

This 3-page document is one in the Key Plant, Key Pests series. It helps identify common pests found on the Chinese fringe. Written by Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, and Jianjun Chen and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep562

Using Video Messages to Promote Residential Adoption of Fertilizer Best Practices

Residents may be inclined to over-fertilize their lawns due to pressure to maintain a neighborhood aesthetic. However, this activity can affect water quality. This 3-page document describes a study that was conducted in order to determine if video messages about fertilizer best management practices influenced perceptions of fertilizer use among residents. Written by Amanda D. Ali, Laura A. Sanagorski Warner, Peyton Beattie, Alexa J. Lamm, and Joy N. Rumble and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, July 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc309

Peach Rust (Transchelia spp.)

Peach rust is a fungal disease that attacks plants like peach, nectarine, almond, plum, apricot, and cherry. Infections can be particularly severe in warm weather with high rainfall, so Florida summers provide favorable conditions for peach rust development. This 6-page document describes the characteristics and management of peach rust. Written by Daniel Mancero-Castillo, Ali Sarkhosh, Courtney Ligon, Mercy Olmstead, and Philip Harmon and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, July 2018.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1263

Fungal Gummosis in Peach

Peach fungal gummosis (PFG) is a vascular disease that limits the growth and yield of peach orchards in the southeastern United States. This 6-page document discusses the symptoms and management of PFG. Written by Daniel Mancero-Castillo, Ali Sarkhosh, Sara Sherman, Mercy Olmstead, Philip Harmon, and Thomas Beckham and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, July 2018.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1265