Tag: Horticultural Sciences Department

Blossom Drop, Reduced Fruit Set, and Post-Pollination Disorders in Tomato (HS1195)

Figure 1. Reproductive features of tomato flower. Left: female pistil. Center: open tomato flower. Right: male stamens.Blossom drop and reduced fruit set in tomato can seriously impact yields. Growers in Florida routinely experience such problems and inquire about the cause and possible preventative measures to reduce flower loss and improve yields. The problem can be frustrating and difficult to manage in some situations. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Monica Ozores-Hampton, Fnu Kiran, and Gene McAvoy, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1195

Agricultural Management Options for Climate Variability and Change: Microirrigation (HS1203)

Figure 1. Drip irrigation applied at the surface for strawberry productionMicroirrigation is the slow, frequent application of water directly to relatively small areas adjacent to individual plants through emitters placed along a water delivery line. A leading advantage of microirrigation is that evaporation that does not contribute to plant growth much less than with sprinkler irrigation. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Lincoln Zotarelli, Clyde Fraisse, and Daniel Dourte, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1203

How to Reduce Clogging Problems in Fertigation (HS1202)

Figure 1. Scale-like deposits in a drop irrigation system for organic bell pepper productionFertigation is the process of applying fertilizers through an irrigation system by injecting them into the water. Because of its effectiveness and efficiency, fertigation is widely used in vegetable and fruit production. However, clogging of lines and emitters may become a problem. This 7-page fact sheet provides practical suggestions for better fertigation management so growers can reduce clogging problems. Written by Guodong Liu and Gene McAvoy, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1202

Weed Control in Carrot (HS201/WG026)

man's hand holds fresh carrot above carrrot plants in fieldWeeds reduce carrot yields by reducing the size of carrot roots through direct competition for nutrients, space, and water. Weeds also deform carrot roots, making them unmarketable. Weeds late in the season may also cause severe harvesting problems. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Peter J. Dittmar and William M. Stall, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg026

Potato Physiological Disorders – Brown Center and Hollow Heart (HS945/HS197)

Figure 1. Hollow heart in 'Atlantic'Brown center and hollow heart are internal noninfectious physiological disorders of the potato tuber. Brown center is characterized by a region of cell death in the pith of the tuber that results in brown tissue. Hollow heart is characterized by a star- or lens-shaped hollow in the center of the tuber This 2-page fact sheet was written by L. Zotarelli, C. Hutchinson, S. Byrd, D. Gergela, and D. L. Rowland, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs197

How to Convert Liquid Fertilizer into Dry Fertilizer in Fertigation for Commercial Vegetable and Fruit Crop Production (HS1200/HS1200)

Figure 3. A 3-3-3 liquid fertilizer label. In recent years, more and more liquid fertilizers have been used in vegetable and fruit production. Typically, UF/IFAS recommendations are expressed as pounds per acre or kilograms per hectare. Thus, conversion either from a dry fertilizer basis (the UF/IFAS recommendation) to a liquid fertilizer basis, or from a liquid fertilizer source to the UF/IFAS recommended nutrient rate is often required for correct application rate. This 5-page fact sheet helps growers understand the conversion method from liquid to dry fertilizer. Written by Guodong Liu, David Sui, and Gary K. England, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1200

Soil Fumigation after Methyl Bromide: Managing Concentrations of Drip-Applied Metam Potassium for Nutsedge Control (HS1201)

Figure 1. Nutsedge sprouting through white polyethylene mulch.This 2-page fact sheet presents the results of studies conducted to determine the influence of metam potassium concentrations on purple nutsedge control. Written by Bielinski M. Santos and James P. Gilreath, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1201

Winterstar(TM) (‘FL 05-107’) Strawberry (HS1198)

Figure 1. Plants and fruit of Winterstar(TM) ('FL 05-107') strawberry in late March, 2010 in Dover, FLWinterstar(TM) (‘FL 05-107’) is a new strawberry cultivar released from the University of Florida in 2011, originating from a 2005 cross between ‘Florida Radiance’ and ‘Earlibrite’. Data from several years of trials were used to generate this information and recommendations to help growers obtain optimal performance in West Central Florida. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Vance M. Whitaker, Craig K. Chandler, Bielinski M. Santos, and Natalia A. Peres , and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1198

University of Florida Strawberry Cultivars (HS1199)

Figure 1. Characteristic fruit of 'Strawberry Festival' strawberryThis 4-page fact sheet gives basic descriptions and suggested practices for University of Florida strawberry cultivars that are of commercial importance to the Florida strawberry industry. Descriptions are the result of research trials, field observations, and consultation with growers. They are specific to West Central Florida and may not be applicable to other regions where these cultivars are grown. Written by Vance M. Whitaker, Bielinski M. Santos, and Natalia A. Peres, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1199

Are Phosphorous and Phosphoric Acids Equal Phosphorous Sources for Plant Growth? (HS1010/HS254)

Figure 1. Downy mildew on lettucePhosphorus (P) is one of the 17 elements essential for plant growth and development, and is also a key component in some agrochemicals, such as phosphorous acid. Thus, there are two types of P closely associated with crop production. The similarity of terms such as phosphoric acid and phosphorous acid may create some confusion as to the actual content and efficacy of these products. This 7-page fact sheet explains what phosphorous acid is and examines both its fungicidal activity and nutrient value. Written by Asha M. Brunings, Guodong Liu, Eric H. Simonne, Shouan Zhang, Yuncong Li, and Lawrence E. Datnoff, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs254

How to Calculate Fertigation Injection Rates for Commercial Blueberry Production (HS1197)

Figure 1. For a 4-foot irrigated band within an 8-foot row spacing, the area that receives fertigation is half of the total, or "real estate," area. Thus, the actual band area of the farm equals 50% of the farm area. However, all IFAS-recommended fertilizer rates are given on a "real estate" acre basis. The amount of fertilizer to apply is calculated based on the entire area of the blueberry farm, regardless of the width of the band to which the fertilizer is applied. To increase nutrient and water use efficiencies and reduce nutrient leaching and environmental concerns, fertigation is recommended for commercial blueberry production. In fact, successful fertigation can enhance sustainability and maximize profitability for commercial blueberry enterprises. One of the key factors in fertigation is the correct calculation of fertilizer injection rate and time for the acreage. This publication helps blueberry growers correctly calculate fertigation injection rates and times and provides reference tables for checking injection rates and times needed for a variety of production scenarios. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Guodong Liu, Jeffrey Williamson, Gary England, and Alicia Whidden, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1197

Weed Management in Pecan (HS95/WG022)

Pecan tree grove in North Florida. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright.Weeds compete with pecan trees for light, nutrients, and water. Weed interference can be minimized with proper cultural practices and herbicides. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Peter J. Dittmar and Jeffrey G. Williamson, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg022

Lettuce Cultivars for Insect Resistance in Southern Florida (HS1196/HS1196)

Russell Nagata, associate professor at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at Belle Glade, Florida , examines leafminer colonies on romaine lettuce. He is using genetic engineering to make lettuce resistant to the tiny leafminer insect that tunnels through leaves and makes lettuce unmarketable. The improved lettuce will lower pesticide cost for growers and produce higher quility lettuce for consumers. Photography by Milt PutnamFlorida’s subtropical climate facilitates lettuce production from fall through spring, but the warm, moist conditions are also favorable for insect proliferation and damage. Information about current cultivar response to common insect pests in Florida is limited, so UF/IFAS researchers conducted a study to evaluate cultivar response to insect infestation under field conditions and to identify resistance useful for integrated pest management. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Huangjun Lu, Alan L. Wright, and David Sui, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1196

Growing Heirloom Tomato Varieties in Southwest Florida (HS921/HS174)

Figure 1. Common heirloom varieties growing in South FloridaHeirloom tomatoes have seen a rebirth in popularity because of increasing demand for fresh, fully ripe, tasty tomatoes. A tomato must meet three criteria to be considered an heirloom variety: The variety must be reproduced by seed, must have been cultivated for more than 50 years, and must have a history. Heirloom tomatoes are known for their singular taste, shape, and color, which include purple, orange, and yellow, in addition to the common red tomatoes. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Monica Ozores-Hampton, Charles S. Vavrina, and Aline Coelho Frasca, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs174

Reproductive Growth and Development of Blueberry (HS976/HS220)

Figure 2. Bumble bees sonicate flowers and efficiently transfer pollen from one flower to another.This 7-page fact sheet discusses flower bud initiation and development, pollination and fruit set, fruit development and yeild, and the use of plant growth regulators. Written by J. G. Williamson, J. W. Olmstead, and P. M. Lyrene, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs220

Weed Management Guides: Blueberry, Nectarine, and Plum

These 6-page fact sheets were written by Peter J. Dittmar and Jeffrey G. Williamson, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, February 2012.

Florida’s Commercial Blueberry Industry (HS742/AC031)

gure 1. Southern highbush blueberry planting with bark beds and drip and overhead irrigationThe Florida blueberry industry has grown rapidly because Florida growers can produce high-quality fruit when few fresh berries are available and berry prices are high. Although southern highbush blueberry acreage has expanded significantly in Florida, Georgia, California, and Mexico during the last several years, better cultivars and improved cultural practices have increased grower production efficiency during the last several years, with promising production trends for the future profitability. This 4-page fact sheet was written by J. G. Williamson, J. W. Olmstead, and P. M. Lyrene, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ac031

Weed Management in Peach (HS93/WG020)

Figure 1. Weed-free strip under peach trees and grass strips between rowsProper weed management is important for a healthy peach orchard. Peach trees and weeds compete for water, nutrients, and light. And they serve as hosts for insects that cause catfacing and nematodes that carry viral diseases. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Peter J. Dittmar and Jeffrey G. Williamson, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg020

Protecting Blueberries from Freezes in Florida (HS968/HS216)

ure 2a. Blueberry flower buds protected by overhead irrigation during a severe freeze. Clear ice, as seen here, is usually an indication of adequate freeze protection.Blueberry growers: know when the conditions are right in commercial blueberry fields, during and after bloom, for freeze damage, as well as practices you can use to minimize it. This 7-page fact sheet was written by J.G. Williamson, P.M. Lyrene, and J.W. Olmstead, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs216

Blueberry Gardener’s Guide (CIR1192/MG359)

Figure 7. ‘Farthing’ blueberry.Home gardeners: Use this guide to successfully grow blueberries in Florida. This 8-page fact sheet was written by J.G. Williamson, P.M. Lyrene, and J.W. Olmstead, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg359