Spiderwort is a native perennial species found throughout the eastern half of the US. The plant’s large, fleshy stem creates problems for hay production. This 2-page fact sheet provides a brief overview of the plant as well as information on control through herbicide use. Written by Michael Durham, Jason Ferrell, and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, May 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag407
Tag: Agronomy Department
Hydrilla: Florida's Worst Submersed Weed
Hydrilla, which was originally introduced to the state as an aquarium plant, was intentionally planted in canals by aquarium plant dealers in the 1950s and quickly escaped cultivation. In addition to being one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds, the species is Florida’s most intensively managed submersed plant. Hydrilla is a federally listed noxious weed and a prohibited aquatic plant in Florida, making cultivation, sale, and possession of the species illegal. This 7-page fact sheet discusses the classification, characteristics, habitat, and management of hydrilla. Written by Lyn A. Gettys and Stephen F. Enloe, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, February 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag404
Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane Production for Sugar on Florida Sand Soils
Sands used in sugarcane production in Florida have low levels of organic matter, silt, and clay, and they provide little N through mineralization of organic matter and possess a low capacity for N retention as a result. Because these soils are highly leachable, N must be managed well to ensure adequate nutrition for the crop as well as protection of groundwater. This new 4-page fact sheet is part of the Sugarcane Handbook, and it discusses sand soils used in sugarcane production, sugar yield response to nitrogen, and revised nitrogen recommendations. Written by J. Mabry McCray, Kelly T. Morgan, and Les Baucum, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, February 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc101
Native Aquatic and Wetland Plants: Duck Potato, Sagittaria lancifolia
This 3-page fact sheet discusses the classification, description, habitat, propagation, and uses of duck potato, an aquatic perennial that typically grows in swampy ground or standing water in ponds, lakes, streams, and ditches and usually blooms in the spring. Written by Kimberly A. Moore, Luci E. Fisher, Carl J. Della Torre III, and Lyn A. Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag403
Native Aquatic and Wetland Plants: Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis
This 3-page fact sheet discusses the classification, description, habitat, propagation, and use of cardinal flower, an aquatic perennial that is commonly found in stream banks and swamps. Written by Kimberly A. Moore, Luci E. Fisher, Carl J. Della Torre III, and Lyn A. Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag402
Native Aquatic and Wetland Plants: Blue-Eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium angustifolium
This 2-page fact sheet discusses the classification, description, habitat, propagation, and uses of blue-eyed grass, an aquatic perennial native to Florida. Written by Kimberly A. Moore, Luci E. Fisher, Carl J. Della Torre III, and Lyn A. Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag401
Arrow Arum: Peltandra virginica
Arrow arum is a native aquatic and wetland plant that is a welcome addition to water gardens, aquatic ponds, and wetland restoration and mitigation sites. The species is broadly adapted and extremely common throughout Florida, and its perennial nature assures a stellar performance year after year. This new 3-page fact sheet provides an overview of this plant and discusses its distribution, habitat, propagation, and other uses. Written by Kimberly A. Moore, Luci E. Fisher, Carl J. Della Torre III, and Lyn A. Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, October 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag400
Pesticide Emergencies: Fires and Spills
Although accidents and emergencies involving pesticides are rare, unfortunately they do occur. Pesticide fires or spills can result in water, soil, and air contamination; damage to plants; injury to livestock, wildlife, or pets; and can endanger the health of the applicator and other people. Those using pesticides mus be prepared to respond to fires and spills as emergencies and act promptly and correctly. This six-page fact sheet explains how to reduce fire and spill hazards and what to do if a fire or spill should occur. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi258
Pesticides: Routes of Exposure
Pesticides can cause both short-term and long-term effects in humans. Human exposure to pesticides can happen through four major routes: through the mouth and digestive system, through the eyes, through the skin, or through the nose and respiratory system. This two-page fact sheet explains each route of pesticide exposure, providing information on how to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure and hazard. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi260
Pesticide Labeling: Precautionary Statements
Precautionary statements found on pesticide labeling tell the user information about the toxicity, irritation, and sensitization hazards associated with the use of the pesticide. These labels also provide treatment instructions and information to reduce exposure potential. This five-page fact sheet describes the different types of statements found on pesticide labels, as well as the instructions for personal protective equipment, and first-aid treatments. This publication also contains several reference tables for pesticide labels and their meanings. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi259
Pesticide Emergencies: Contingency Planning
In the event of a pesticide emergency, having a an emergency response plan can help protect the health and welfare of employees and the community, minimize environmental damage, and potentially reduce liability. The goal of contingency planning is to prevent emergencies; but if an emergency does occur, the contingency plan allows business owners and managers to react appropriately in order to minimize detrimental effects.This eleven-page fact sheet provides insight on how to develop a contingency plan for addressing emergencies where pesticides are involved. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi257
A Summary of Revisions to the Worker Protection Standard: 2015
In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a comprehensive regulation called the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). The WPS covers pesticides used in the outdoor and enclosed space production of plants on farms, forests, and nurseries, as well as greenhouses. The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995. On November 2, 2015, the EPA revised the WPS, making significant changes to the rule’s requirements. This five-page fact sheet explains those changes. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi261
First Aid for Pesticide Exposure
Pesticide poisoning is a commonly under-diagnosed illness. This five-page fact sheet describes how to recognize the early symptoms of pesticide exposure and provide basic first aid for the treatment of victims. This fact sheet explains how to provide initial treatment in the case of pesticide exposure on the skin, in the eye, through inhalation, and in the mouth or swallowed. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi256
Creeping Indigo, A Poisonous Plant of Concern in Florida Pastures
A recent rise in suspected horse poisonings has brought new attention to creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), a toxic plant which has reportedly been in Florida for as long as 90 years. This new 5-page fact sheet covers plant description, signs of creeping indigo toxicity, and roles of creeping indigo’s toxins, as well as treatment and management. Written by Robert MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, and Amanda House, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, August 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag399
Turfgrass Herbicides: Mechanisms of Action and Resistance Management
Herbicides are an effective tool for controling weeds in turfgrass; however, weeds can become resistant to herbicides and create significant problems for turfgrass production. The best way to combat herbicide resistance is to rotate herbicides with different mechanisms of action (MOA) because using herbicides with different MOAs makes it more likely that weeds resistant to one herbicide will encounter an herbicide to which they are not resistant. This 4-page fact sheet focuses on how to create an herbicide program that uses different MOAs to manage resistant weeds. Written by Ramon G. Leon and Bryan Unruh, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, August 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag398
Weed Management in Sesame
Sesame is a promising new crop for Florida, but few herbicides have been registered for it as yet. This 2-page fact sheet provides weed-control strategies for sesame. Written by Jason Ferrell and Ramon Leon, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, June 2015. (Photo credit: Doug Mayo)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag396
Skyflower: Hydrolea corymbosa
Skyflower is a native wetland plant that produces brilliant blue flowers and can be found throughout Florida. This 4-page facts sheet details skyflower biology, distribution and habitat, propagation, and uses. Written by Lyn A. Gettys and Carl J. Della Torre III, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, July 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag397
Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) Control in Warm-Season Turfgrass Species
Doveweed is an aggressive, naturalized summer annual weed that rapidly invades warm-season turfgrass species, especially in residential lawns, and few herbicides can effectively control it. Because of these challenges, a well-designed management strategy is necessary for doveweed control. This 4-page fact sheet describes identification, growth requirements, chemical control and cultural practices. Written by Ramon G. Leon and Bryan Unruh, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, June 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag395
Lemon bacopa: Bacopa caroliniana
Lemon bacopa is a native aquatic and wetland plant that is a welcome inclusion in a variety of settings, including water gardens, aquatic ponds, and wetland restoration and mitigation sites. The species is broadly adapted and extremely common throughout Florida, and its perennial nature assures a stellar performance year after year. Although lemon bacopa can be weedy in some situations, it is most often considered a beneficial native plant that brings a number of desirable characteristics to almost any aquatic setting. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Lyn Gettys and Carl J. Della Torre III, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2015. (Photo: Lyn Gettys, UF/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag392
Effects of Harvest Method on Microclimate in Florida Sugarcane
The production systems for sugarcane include either green cane or burnt cane harvesting operations. Sugarcane in Florida is typically harvested with burnt cane mechanical harvesting, but there is a growing interest to better understand the effects of green cane harvest residue “trash blankets” on microclimate conditions for sugarcane growing on both organic and mineral soils of Florida, so the authors conducted a three-year study to determine the effects of each harvest method on microclimate within the surface soil profile and at a 10 cm height from the soil surface. Results are presented in this 4-page fact sheet written by Hardev Sandhu, Maninder Singh, Robert Gilbert, Kelly Morgan, Ronald Rice, Leslie Baucum, James Shine Jr., and Mike Irey, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2015. (UF/IFAS Photo: Josh Wickham.)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc100