Category: Crops

Field Symptoms of Boron Toxicity and Deficiency in Florida Peanuts (SL366/SS567)

Figure 2. Close-up photo of classic boron toxicity foliar symptomsBoron is an essential micronutrient needed by peanut to prevent “hollow heart” and to provide for sufficient plant growth, but it can be a challenge to manage for peanut production on sandy soils. There may be times when peanut growers, extension agents, and consultants find field symptoms when either boron toxicity or boron deficiency is the cause of peanut yield loss and low kernel quality. This 4-page fact sheet reviews the boron management strategy in Florida, presents information on boron sufficiency and toxicity levels from the literature, and provides photographs of field symptoms that can be used by growers and Extension agents. was written by J. W. Breman, W. D. Thomas, H. E. Jowers, and R. S. Mylavarapu, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss567

Agricultural Management Options for Climate Variability and Change: Conservation Tillage (AE486)

Figure 3. Cover crop rolling and strip tillage in preparation for planting; note the substantial plant residues maintained on the soil surface. Custom roller/strip-till unit by Myron Johnson of Headland, AL.This 4-page fact sheet focuses on the use of conservation tillage in crop production systems as a strategy to minimize the risks associated with climate variability and change and to improve resource-use efficiency. Written by Kip Balkcom, Leah Duzy, Daniel Dourte, and Clyde Fraisse, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae486

Lesser Cornstalk Borer Damage to Sugarcane and the Effects of Tillage and Harvest Residue Management (ENY454/SC094)

Figure 1. Lesser cornstalk borer larva (sixth instar).This 6-page fact sheet provides an overview of this pest, its damage to sugarcane, and the plant’s response, and describes the results of a study of harvest residue and controlled tillage experiments. Written by Hardev S. Sandhu, Leslie E. Baucum, and Gregg S. Nuessly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc094

Outbreaks of Foodborne Diseases Associated with Tomatoes (FSHN1208/FS192)

Figure 1. TomatoesConcerned about the safety of fresh-market tomatoes? This 5-page fact sheet highlights tomato-related outbreaks in the United States and Europe and reviews the locations and venues of tomato preparations as well as the severity of outbreaks. Written by Angela M. Valadez, Keith R. Schneider, and Michelle D. Danyluk, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs192

Growth, Reduction, and Survival of Bacteria on Tomatoes (FSHN1206/FS190)

scientist in laboratory working with tomato Tomato producers are committed to taking proactive steps to ensure and enhance the safety of their fresh-market tomatoes, but even with better food safety controls, the risk for outbreaks of illness associated with tomato consumption still exists. This 32-page fact sheet highlights current tomato safety related studies on the growth, reduction, and survival of bacteria on fresh-market tomatoes. The authors evaluated bacterial studies on natural antimicrobials and detergents, as well as food processing, cross-contamination, and shelf-life studies. Written by Angela M. Valadez, Keith R. Schneider, and Michelle D. Danyluk, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs190

Common Weed Hosts of Insect-Transmitted Viruses of Florida Vegetable Crops (ENY863/IN931)

Figure 1. Balsam apple (Momordica spp.)This 12-page fact sheet expands upon and updates the information on several weeds reported as virus hosts by UF/IFAS plant pathologists in 2001 and provides links to further information on specific viruses that affect vegetable crops. Written by Gaurav Goyal, Harsimran K. Gill, and Robert McSorley, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in931

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

Potato Physiological Disorders – Growth Cracks (HS930/HS182)

ure 1. Moderate (left) and severe (right) growth cracks in 'Atlantic'Growth cracking is an external noninfectious physiological disorder of the potato tuber in which the tuber splits while growing. The split heals but leaves a fissure in the tuber. Growth cracks generally start at the bud or apical end of the potato and can extend lengthwise. They vary in severity from a surface abrasion to a split through the tuber, depending on the stage of growth during which the initial cracking occurred 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/hs182

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

West Indian Fruit Fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY198/IN355)

Figure 2. Adult female West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart).Anastrepha obliqua is a major pest of mangoes in most tropical countries, making the production of some varieties unprofitable. In the United States it is found in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and was once found in Florida. It is intercepted frequently in mangoes and several other fruits from various countries. This 5-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., J. B. Heppner, G. J. Steck, and T. R. Fasulo, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in355

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

South American Cucurbit Fruit Fly, Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY205/IN362)

Figure 2. Adult male South American cucurbit fruit fly, Anastrepha grandis (Macquart).This rather large, yellow-brown, fruit fly with yellow and dark-brown markings exists in several South American countries, and attacks watermelon and other fruits of the family Cucurbitaceae. Once a pest of minor to moderate importance generally, it has become a rather important pest. The pest status differs in each country and has sometimes changed within a country . This species is potentially of economic importance in Florida and southern Texas should it ever be introduced there. It has been intercepted in the United States in pumpkin from Argentina and Brazil, and in banana debris from Panama.This 3-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in362

Mango Fruit Fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY286/IN563)

Figure 1. Adult female mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker).The mango fruit fly is also commonly known as the marula fruit fly, based on its common occurrence in these host plants. Marula is a native African fruit related to mango and sometimes known locally as wild plum. This fly is a serious pest in smallholder and commercial mango across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is more destructive than either the Mediterranean fruit fly or the Natal fruit fly. The fly’s impact is growing along with the more widespread commercialization of mango. It is one of the most commonly intercepted fruit flies in Europe. This 3-page fact sheet was written by G. J. Steck, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in563

Apple Maggot, Apple Maggot Fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY261/IN505)

Figure 2. Adult apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), dorsal view. Photograph by: Joseph Berger; insectimages.orgThe apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), also known as the apple maggot fly and “railroad worm,” is native to North America. Originally, it fed in the fruit of wild hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), but then became a primary pest of cultivated apples, especially in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Summer- and early fall-maturing varieties are particularly vulnerable, but hard winter apples are sometimes infested. Thin skinned sweet and subacid varieties are most susceptible, but acid varieties may be attacked. This 4-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr. and T. R. Fasulo, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in505

Sapote Fruit Fly, Serpentine Fruit Fly, Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY206/IN363)

Figure 3. Egg of the sapote fruit fly, Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann), compared with other common Anastrepha species.The sapote fruit fly, Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann), sometimes called the serpentine fruit fly, is intercepted frequently in United States ports of entry in various hosts from several countries. It is an important pest species in Mexico because its larvae infest sapote, sapodilla, willowleaf lucuma, and related fruits. This 3-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in363

Natal Fruit Fly, Natal Fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY257/IN538)

Figure 1. Adult female Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch.The Natal fruit fly is a pest of orchard fruits throughout much of KwaZulu Natal Province, Republic of South Africa, and is considered to be the most common fruit fly of economic importance in Zimbabwe. 50 to 100 percent of plums were reportedly infested in a South African locality one year despite the application of control measures. Although it never has been captured as an escapee in the United States, it continues to constitute a potential threat to Florida agriculture. If it were accidentally introduced into Florida and allowed to gain a foothold, the Natal fruit fly could prove to be fully as serious a menace as the Mediterranean fruit fly. This 3-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr. and T. R. Fasulo, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in538

South American Fruit Fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Insecta: Diptera: Tephritidae) (EENY266/IN545)

Figure 2. Various wing forms.This species is of great economic importance because of the wide variety of plants that it attacks and its extensive distribution. In most of South America, it probably is the most important species of Anastrepha. This 6-page fact sheet was written by H. V. Weems, Jr., and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in545