EDIS Update – Page 10 – New and revised publications from the University of Florida Insitute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Reducing Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The Power of Food

Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition where you have too much sugar in your blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 1 in 10 adults have Type 2 diabetes and 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes. This new 14-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes and tips to reduce your risk for diabetes. It also includes several example recipes. Written by Elena Torna, Jodi Fitzgerald, Danielle Nelson, Madison Woodard, and Jeanette Andrade.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs397

Lumpy Jaw in White-Tailed Deer

A fawn at a private deer farm. Photo by Tyler Jones taken on 10-13-15

Lumpy jaw is a deer health problem that all deer farmers eventually face. It gets its name from the swollen jaws or cheeks and necrotic lesions it causes in and around the jaw bones of animals including white-tailed deer. The disease is considered a significant problem for deer farms in North America, where it is one of the most important production-limiting diseases and causes high rates of mortality in fawns. This 4-page fact sheet written by Juan M. Campos Krauer, Samantha M. Wisely, and Hannah M. Barber and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation explains how deer acquire lumpy jaw, how to spot it in deer, how to treat it, and how to prevent it in the first place.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw472

The American Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)

American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) look prehistoric and in fact really have not changed very much in the 200 million years they have been around. This 3-page fact sheet written by Savanna Barry, Holly Abeels, and Shelly Krueger and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation tells the story of these interesting and valuable “living fossils,” including their importance both to ecology and human medicine. It provides tips on how to find horseshoe crabs and a few ways you can help them.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg190

Dietas populares: Dieta cetogénica

La dieta cetogénica es una dieta alta en grasas y muy baja en carbohidratos. El primer uso documentado de la dieta cetogénica fue en 1921 para tratar la epilepsia en niños. En los últimos años, la dieta cetogénica ha ganado un resurgimiento como un medio potencial para perder peso. La dieta cetogénica se ha vuelto popular debido al respaldo de las celebridades y las influencias de las redes sociales, pero ¿es segura y efectiva?
This new 4-page article is the Spanish translation of FSHN20-44/FS403, Popular Diets: Ketogenic Diet. Written by Kelsey Gemmill, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy Dahl, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs416

Plant-Based Milks: Cashew

The availability and consumption of plant-based milk alternatives have been on the rise. Sales of nondairy milk alternatives have more than doubled, whereas consumption of traditional cow’s milk has dropped. This increase may be due to plant-based milks being perceived as “natural,” as well as a rise in veganism and avoidance of lactose. The primary plant-based dairy alternatives are almond, soy, coconut, cashew and rice. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department discusses the nutritional content, potential health benefits, and potential risks of cashew milk. Written by Jamie Zeldman, Daniela Rivero-Medoza, and Wendy J. Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs413

Plant-Based Milks: Coconut

Plant-based alternatives to cow’s milk have become a rising trend. Factors that may steer consumers toward nondairy milk alternatives include adherence to a vegan diet, lactose intolerance, allergy to cow’s milk, or simply preference. Coconut milk is one of the many varieties of plant-based milk. Whether you are considered switching to or have already begun purchasing a plant-based milk, the purpose of this new 4-page guide is to inform you on the nutrient content of coconut milk and its potential health benefits and risks. Written by Celia Andreo, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs411

Plant-Based Milks: Almond

Almond milk, a plant-based milk alternative, is produced from almonds and water. Almond milk originated from the Mediterranean region and has been consumed for many years. In the United States, there are several marketed brands of almond milk. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes the nutrient profile and potential health benefits and risks of almond milk. Written by Elena Torna, Daniela Rivero Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs410

Leek Cultivation Guide for Florida

Leek (Allium porrum L.) is a member of Amaryllidaceae, a family with ornamental crops, like amaryllis, and with vegetable crops, like onion. Leek is a highly demanded vegetable because of its flavor and nutrient content. Although there is great potential for leek to be grown commercially in Florida due to demand and appropriate climatic conditions, the United States does not currently produce a significant quantity of leek compared to countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, and China. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, written by Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu, provides a basic guide to cultivation of leek in Florida, as well as information on its agricultural, culinary, and medicinal uses.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1388

Plant-Based Milks: Rice

Rice milk is a plant-based, nondairy beverage made primarily from milled rice and water. It is marketed as an allergy-friendly, easy-to-digest, vegan substitute for cow’s milk. Similar to other plant-based beverages, rice milk usually has an opaque white or beige color and creamy texture resembling that of cow’s milk. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes how rice milk is made, its ingredients and nutrient profile, and potential health benefits and risks of consumption. Written by Meagan Lamothe, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs412

Cultivares de Caqui Japonés en Florida

El caqui japonés, Diospyros kaki L., es originario de China y fue cultivado por primera vez en Florida en el año 1870. El número de fincas productoras de caqui en Florida ha aumentado de 164 a 227 durante el período 2012-2017, haciendo mayor hincapié en la naturaleza de pequeña escala de la superficie promedio de fincas en esta industria. Los árboles crecen y fructifican mejor en el centro y norte de Florida, y pueden producir altos rendimientos de fruta de buena calidad. En el sur de Florida, la calidad de los frutos de tipo astringentes es mejor que la de los de tipo no astringentes.
This new 12-page article is the Spanish translation of SP101/MG242, Japanese Persimmon Cultivars in Florida. Written by Ali Sarkhosh, Peter C. Andersen, and Dustin Huff; translated by Jonathan Clavijo Herrera; and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg460

Citrus Diseases Exotic to Florida: Citrus Leprosis

This article is one in a series designed to provide important information on the causal agent, symptoms, and transmission of exotic citrus diseases. Disseminating the information about the diseases to the citrus industry may prevent their introduction and spread in Florida. This 5-page document will focus on the exotic viral disease citrus leprosis. This is a major revision of an article originally published in 2006. Written by O. Batuman, A. Levy, P. Sieburth, A. M. Paolillo, K.-R. Chung, and R. H. Brlansky, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp148

Peters’s Rock Agama in Florida

A photo of a male Peters's rock agama on a low brick wall showing to good effect its orange head and tail and charcoal-colored midsection, all set off nicely by the orange bricks and green artificial turf in the foreground.

Florida has experienced more introductions of nonnative reptiles than any other region on Earth. Approximately three times as many species of established, nonnative lizards live in the state as do native species. This 5-page fact sheet written by Kenneth T. Gioeli and Steve A. Johnson and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation provides background information about the visually striking Peters's rock agama, including information about its introduction to Florida, as well as its biology, conservation issues, and management recommendations.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw476

Reducing Your Risk for Arthritis: The Power of Food

Arthritis is the swelling or tenderness of the joints, and one in four adults within the United States have been diagnosed with some type of it. Arthritis can happen because of genetics and aging, but other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, may contribute to it. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes the modifiable factors contributing to arthritis and tips to reduce risk for arthritis. It also includes some relevant recipe ideas. Written by Sarah Curl, Jodi Fitzgerald, Danielle Nelson, and Jeanette Andrade.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs398

Urban Tree Selection for Diversity

Urban tree diversity is important when attempting to create a healthy, beneficial, and resilient urban forest. Having a variety of trees can increase the aesthetic value for residents and create habitats for plants and animals. Some common street trees currently in the landscape are not site-appropriate and create infrastructure damage. By planting different types of trees in these locations, maintenance costs and infrastructure damage can be reduced and tree longevity increased. This new 4-page fact sheet is intended to provide urban foresters, arborists, landscape designers, and others in charge of tree planting with a process for introducing new species into the urban environment. Written by Deborah R. Hilbert, Andrew K. Koeser, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep589

Nutrition for Health and Fitness: Sugar and Other Sweeteners

$Florida produces more than half of all the cane sugar in the United States. Sugar cane is also Florida's most valuable agronomic crop. (UF\IFAS photo by Josh Wickham)$

This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department provides information about sugars and other sweeteners in the American diet. It describes hidden sources of added sugars in foods to help those who want to reduce sugar intake find the added sugars in their diets. The section on high-intensity sweeteners looks at the characteristics of each approved sweetener, including aspartame, sucralose, and stevia. Written by Linda Bobroff.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs406

Concepts, History, Principles, and Application of Germplasm Cryopreservation Technology

Germplasm refers to the living genetic resource of such biological materials as seeds, pollen, animal sperm, eggs, embryos, and larvae. Cryopreservation maintains these materials at extremely low temperatures. The technology is used in medicine as well as to maintain biological diversity, preserve genetic resources, support breeding programs, and conserve endangered species. This 10-page fact sheet written by Huiping Yang and Terrence R. Tiersch and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences introduces the basic concepts, history, principles, and applications of germplasm cryopreservation technology.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa223

Guía para Cultivar Vegetales en la Florida

El desarrollo y planificación de un huerto en el hogar, es una actividad agrícola que puede realizarse durante todo el año en Florida. Puede ofrecer muchos beneficios para la salud física y emocional. Los huertos nos proveen alternativas para realizar ejercicios, disfrute del huerto, producción de vegetales frescos y nutritivos, ahorro económico y muchos otros. Esta guía proporciona recomendaciones para hacer un huerto en su residencia y comunidad, e incluye las fechas de siembra, la selección de variedades para la planificación de cultivos, el manejo de agua, nutrientes, plagas y la cosecha.

This is a translation of SP103/VH021, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. Written by Sydney Park Brown, Danielle Treadwell, J. M. Stephens, and Susan Webb; translated by Francisco Rivera; and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1383

A Guide to Carbonating Beverages at Small Scale

The objective of this new 5-page guide is to provide information on how to successfully carbonate beverages on a small scale. Included is information on the benefits of carbonation, common carbonation levels, pros and cons of different carbonation methods, standard procedures to achieve a specific carbonation level, and economic considerations for manufacturers. Written by Xuwei Song, Nicholas Wendrick, Charles A. Sims, and Andrew MacIntosh, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs379

Distribution, Identification and Management of Two-Leaf Nightshade (Solanum diphyllum), an Invasive Plant in Florida

Two-leaf nightshade, Solanum diphyllum, is a member of the Solanaceae or potato family. It is native to Mexico southwards to Costa Rica. It has escaped cultivation in Florida and grows as far north as Duval County and from Volusia County south to Miami-Dade County. A “bird-dispersed” volunteer, it occurs in urban and conservation areas and on disturbed land. The plants produce abundant berries with many many small seeds. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is primarily intended for Florida gardeners, landscapers, and land managers, and it contains information on identification, flowering, fruiting, and management recommendations for this widely occurring plant. Written by Stephen H. Brown, Chris Marble, and Stephen F. Enloe.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep588