IFAS News
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - University of Florida
Archive for July, 2006
UF biotechnology center appoints director with ‘stellar’ qualifications
July 27, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
By:
Stu Hutson 352-392-0400Source:
Robert Ferl robferl@ufl.edu, 352-273-8030
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For two decades, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (ICBR) has laid the cutting-edge tools of genetics and molecular biology at the fingertips of University of Florida researchers. This summer, it advances that mission as ICBR expands into new state-of-the-art facilities under the guidance of a new director. That is, just as soon as the new director gets back from Mars — or, at least as close to Mars as you can find on Earth.
Robert Ferl has spent the majority of sunny July in sub-arctic Canada, huddled on the edge of an ancient crater under environmental extremes that parallel those of the red planet. (more…)
Time to ready your boat for a storm is now, UF researcher says
July 20, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
By:
Mickie Anderson (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Bob Wasno rwasno@ufl.edu, 239-461-7518
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Boat owners should prepare for a hurricane now, not when a storm is bearing down on them, a University of Florida Sea Grant specialist warns.
Bob Wasno, based in Fort Myers with the UF-affiliated coastal research and education program, reminds boat owners that preparation is imperative and procrastination can be dangerous. (more…)
Texas winemakers find success success in award-winning wine made from UF’S hardy grape
July 12, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
Source(s):
Dennis Gray DJG@ifas.ufl.edu, 407-884-2034
Raymond Haak Raymond@haakwine.com, 409-925-1301
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Along with dusty boots, cattle and big pickup trucks, try this Texas icon on for size: a dry, fruity white wine with a striking bouquet.
A University of Florida-created grape, introduced in 1987 as suitable for growing in the Southeast, is catching on big with Lone Star State winemakers. (more…)
UF extension education program helps slow spread of citrus canker and greening
July 6, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Holly Chamberlain holly102@ufl.edu, 863-956-1151
Pete Timmer lwtimmer@ufl.edu, 863-956-1151
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — At a time when Florida’s citrus industry is threatened by two devastating diseases – canker and greening – University of Florida extension agents are getting the word out to citrus growers, nurserymen, landscapers, home owners and others about controlling the spread of the bacterial diseases before they do irreparable harm to the $9.3 billion industry.
“Eradicating canker may no longer be possible so we are focusing on post-eradication management strategies,” said Holly Chamberlain, coordinator of the citrus canker education program at UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. “At the same time, we are also educating these groups about citrus greening, which was detected in August 2005 and can kill citrus trees.” (more…)
UF experts to help develop shrimp certification program
July 6, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
By:
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Steve Otwell wsotwell@ifas.ufl.edu, 352-392-4221 ext. 304
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A seafood industry organization encouraging U.S. consumers to choose domestically caught shrimp will soon get a jumbo-sized boost – a new training program for its quality-control inspectors.
Experts with the University of Florida and other academic institutions are developing the program for the South Carolina-based Wild American Shrimp Inc., or WASI, said Steve Otwell, a professor with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (more…)
UF researchers believe watermelon disease mystery solved
July 5, 2006
Topic(s): Uncategorized
By:
Mickie Anderson (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Pam Roberts pdr@ifas.ufl.edu, (239) 658-3400
Bob Morrissey bmorrissey@tampabay.rr.com, (817) 754-7575
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Your crop is a week or two from harvest when vines and leaves begin to yellow, crumple and die in a matter of days. Or you’ve shipped produce cross-country, where unsuspecting customers cut into fruit that looks fine on the outside, but brown and gummy inside.
Both scenarios have been real for Florida watermelon farmers hit by a fast-moving disease called vine decline, which has ruined an estimated $60 million worth of crops since it first appeared in southwest Florida in the spring of 2003. (more…)
