Leafminers are usually the larvae of insects that feed or mine inside plant leaves, and Opius dissitus is a wasp endoparasite that keeps the population of Liriomyza leafminers in check. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Jian Li, Dakshina Seal, and Gary Leibee, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in902
Category: Lawn & Garden
Landscape Design: Arranging Plants in the Landscape (ENH1188/EP449)
In nature, plants grow in clusters and drifts, extending to overlap and interlock in layers as they merge with each other. In a planned landscape, use similar patterns to arrange plants, using layers and repetition. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet written by Gail Hansen, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep449
Giant African Land Snail in Florida (ENY512/IN904)
They’re back! In 1966, a child smuggled three giant African land snails into south Florida which were released in their garden. Seven years later, more than 18,000 snails had been found and it took 10 years and $1 million to eliminate them. Florida is once again faced with an invasion by this snail. It feeds on hundreds of different plants and can transmit meningitis and other diseases to humans. Learn more in this 3-page fact sheet written by John L. Capinera and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in904
Gardening with Annuals in Florida (CIR1134/MG319)
Annuals offer an almost infinite variety of flower color and plant form. They brighten landscape beds and add a splash of color to a porch, deck, or patio when placed in containers. Some also make good cut flowers. This 8-page fact sheet covers selection and use, site preparation and planting, care, and cultural practices. Written by Sydney Park Brown, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg319
Assessing Economic Impacts and Benefits of Commercial Horticulture Extension Programs (FE898)
As fiscal pressures increase from federal and state government agencies to spend public dollars more effectively, it is imperative that the outcomes from educational efforts be clearly documented in terms of measurable changes in knowledge and behavior of clientele or stakeholders. This 5-page fact sheet presents a standardized approach for evaluating the economic impacts of extension educational programs in commercial horticulture in Florida, with which impacts are quantified in terms of measurable changes in revenues, income, or jobs. Written by Alan Hodges, Shawn Steed, Jane Morse, Peggy Dessaint, Donald Rainey, and Charles Vavrina, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, September 2011. (AP Photo:Thomas Wright, University of Florida/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe898
Quick Overview of Extension Programs to Educate Homeowners about Environmentally Friendly Landscape Practices in Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee (FE892)
Nationwide, landscape irrigation accounts for more than 7 billion gallons of water per day. But up to 50 percent of this water is wasted due to overwatering, poor irrigation system design, evaporation, or other factors. Additionally, excessive or poorly timed fertilizer application can cause pollution runoff and deterioration of surface and ground water. This 8-page fact sheet presents a quick overview of the Yards and Neighborhoods program that educates homeowners about nine core principles for landscape management. Written by Tatiana Borisova, Katie Giacalone, Ruth Anne Hanahan, and Esen Momol, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, August 2011. (UF/IFAS Photo Thomas Wright)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe892
Dark Rover Ant: Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr (EENY498/IN899)
The dark rover ant is a tiny ant, native to Argentina and Paraguay, that was introduced relatively recently to the United States. It is established in the Gulf states and in some urban areas of Arizona and Nevada. It is a nuisance species because it invades and establishes nests in structures. This 6-page fact sheet was written by David Tamayo, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in899
Accounting for the Nutrients in Reclaimed Water for Landscape Irrigation (AE479)
This 8-page fact sheet presents basic information for those using reclaimed water to irrigate lawns and landscapes. The information can serve as a guide to determine whether there is an opportunity to replace some of the fertilizer that might otherwise be applied and to offer guidance on avoiding runoff and leaching of excess nutrients. Written by Christopher J. Martinez, Mark W. Clark, Gurpal S. Toor, George J. Hochmuth, and Lawrence R. Parsons, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae479
Iron (Fe) Nutrition of Plants (SL353/SS555)
Iron is one of 16 essential elements for plant growth and reproduction. Most annual plants have a requirement for Fe on the order of 1 to 1.5 lb Fe per acre, compared with nitrogen (N) at 80 to 200 lb per acre. This 8-page fact sheet provides a detailed basic understanding of soil science and plant physiology for diagnosing and correcting Fe problems in plants and soils. Written by George Hochmuth and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss555
Sweat Bees, Halictid Bees, Halictidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Halictidae) (EENY499/IN897)
Sweat bees are very important pollinators for many wildflowers and crops, including stone fruits, pomme fruits, alfalfa and sunflower. Sweat bee populations can be encouraged with wildflower plantings and by providing nesting areas. Halictids typically nest in bare soil located in a sunny location. Minimum tillage and insecticide use will help to increase populations of Halictidae and other soil nesting bees. Learn more about this diverse family of bees in this 5-page fact sheet was written by Katie Buckley, Catherine Zettel Nalen, and Jamie Ellis, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in897
Net Irrigation Requirements for Florida Turfgrass Lawns, Part 1: Report of Gathered Weather Data and Quality Check (AE480)
Urban water users need specific recommendations to irrigate efficiently and for planning and regulatory programs.The first step in the process of estimating net irrigation requirements is to check the quality of 30 years of weather data at ten different locations in Florida and one in Alabama. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Consuelo C. Romero and Michael D. Dukes, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (AP photo by Milt Putnam, University of Florida/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae480
Net Irrigation Requirements for Florida Turfgrass Lawns, Part 2: Reference Evapotranspiration Calculation (AE481)
Urban water users need specific recommendations to irrigate efficiently and for planning and regulatory programs. As the second step in the process of estimating net irrigation requirements, This 9-page fact sheet calculates reference ET for ten locations in Florida and one in Alabama. Written by Consuelo C. Romero and Michael D. Dukes, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (Image from ca.gov)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae481
Net Irrigation Requirements for Florida Turfgrass Lawns, Part 3: Theoretical Irrigation Requirements (AE482)
Urban water users need specific recommendations to irrigate efficiently and for planning and regulatory programs. This 21-page fact sheet estimates net irrigation, effective rainfall, and drainage by using a water balance equation for ten locations in Florida and one in Alabama from data during the 30-year period of 1980-2009. Written by Consuelo C. Romero and Michael D. Dukes, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2011. (UF/IFAS Photo: Josh Wickham)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae482
Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Selecting Firewise Shrubs to Reduce Wildfire Risk (FOR272/FR334)
In areas with moderate to high risk of fire, shrubs may put your home at risk. This 10-page, full-color, illustrated guide presents 34 species organized by flammability, to help you select and place shrubs in your landscape to minimize the risk of wildfire. Written by Annie Hermansen-Baez, Wayne C. Zipperer, Alan J. Long, Anna L. Behm, Dawn McKinstry, and Anne Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr334
Growing Turfgrass in the Shade (ENH151/EP072)
In areas that receive moderate amounts of shade, some species and cultivars of grass wo well, while others are less shade-tolerant. Choosing the right turfgrass species is important. It is also important to follow specific management practices that can encourage better turfgrass performance in shade. This 2-page fact sheet was written by L.E. Trenholm , and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, August 2011. (AP photo/University of Florida/Eric Zamora)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep072
Minimizing Traffic Damage to Your Florida Lawn (ENH152/EP071)
Excess vehicular or foot traffic causes multiple injuries to turfgrass, but there are specific management and maintenance practices that will improve the wear tolerance of your turfgrass. This 2-page fact sheet was written by L. E. Trenholm and J. B. Unruh, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, August 2011. (Photo by Milt Putnam)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep071
Improving the Health of Declining Loropetalum in the Home Landscape (SL354/SS556)
Loropetalum, or Chinese Witch Hazel, is a common landscape plant in north and central Florida. It’s relatively pest-free, but there have been increasing reports of decline — likely due to nutrient deficiencies in the soil. This 3-page fact sheet familiarizes homeowners with the symptoms of Loropetalum decline and provides options to improve the health of afflicted Loropetalum in the landscape. Written by Joe Sewards and Amy L. Shober and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss556
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of the Caribbean Crazy Ant, Nylanderia (=Paratrechina) pubens (Forel) (ENY2006/IN889)
Incidents of Caribbean crazy ant infestations are on the rise! These highly active ants are
annoying to residents and pets. And, they can cause short circuits and power outages if they infest electrical equipment. Learn how to identify and apply the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) to deal with these difficult pests in this 4-page fact sheet written by Dawn Calibeo and Faith Oi and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in889
Branch Dieback of Syzygium paniculatum (Eugenia) (PP283)
Eugenia’s popularity stems from its dense, attractive foliage, the ease with which the canopy can be sculpted, and its relatively carefree management. But shortly after Hurricane Wilma in November 2005, a serious dieback disease began to affect nursery production of eugenia in the Homestead area. Since then, the disease has become prevalent, affecting local nurseries throughout South Florida. Learn more about this disease and its management in this 4-page fact sheet written by A. J. Palmateer and T. L. B. Tarnowski, and published by the UF Department of Plant Pathology, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp283
Boron Deficiency in Palms (ENH1012/EP264)
Chronic boron deficiency is believed to be caused by soil drying and high soil pH, while temporary deficiency is caused by heavy leaching. It results in a wide array of symptoms, not only among species of palms, but also within a single species. This 5-page fact sheet contains many illustrations to aid in diagnosis and management recommendations. Written by Timothy K. Broschat and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, June 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep264