University of Florida

IFAS News

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - University of Florida

Archive for April, 2008

UF Researchers Seek Bugs to Battle Aquatic Weed Plaguing Central, South Florida

April 21, 2008
Topic(s): Biocontrols, Environment, Extension, Invasive Species

Jim Cuda and Abhishek Mukherjee examine Hygrophila polysperma plants
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Years of aggressive hydrilla control efforts have paid off for some Florida communities - unfortunately, their success against the invasive aquatic weed has had unintended benefits for a more troublesome plant, says a University of Florida expert who’s researching insects and diseases that might help control the upstart.

For the past decade Hygrophila polysperma - a southern Asian plant known as “hygrophila” for short - has been taking over the ecological niche left when hydrilla was eradicated from waterways, said Jim Cuda, a UF associate professor of entomology. It’s now a significant problem in South and Central Florida. (more…)

UF Extension Service Launches New Statewide Energy-Conservation Campaign

April 21, 2008
Topic(s): Conservation, Environment, Green Living

Craig Miller and Pierce Jones display signs at a home in Gainesville's Madera development showing the economic and environmental benefits of new residences that are highly energy efficient
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GAINESVILLE, FLA. — As more consumers struggle with record-breaking energy costs and rapid urban growth puts a strain on Florida’s natural resources, the University of Florida’s extension service is launching a public awareness campaign promoting effective energy use and discouraging all forms of energy waste.

Initiated by UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the statewide campaign - aimed at the state’s current and future residents - kicks off April 22 during the annual Earth Day event. (more…)

First Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Ceremony Celebrates Successful Year of Science

April 18, 2008
Topic(s): Announcements, Honors and Appointments, IFAS

  • By:
    Stu Hutson - (352) 273-3569
  • Source:
    Mark McLellan - mrm1@ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In science, success is often measured by the amount of knowledge you can contribute toward the betterment of the world. Last year, the researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences published nearly 1,200 peer reviewed journal articles - and that’s just the beginning.

“Whether working on diabetes or deforestation, cellulosic energy or cellular growth, reproductive physiology or Reynolds Numbers - our researchers are true explorers and true discoverers,” said Mark McLellan, IFAS research dean and director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, at the inaugural Florida Agricultural Experiment Station awards ceremony April 18 at the Harn Museum on UF’s Gainesville campus. (more…)

Ingram to Receive SURA Distinguished Scientist Award

April 7, 2008
Topic(s): Biofuels, Honors and Appointments

Lonnie Ingram fine-tunes a gasket in the UF cellulosic ethanol test facility on the UF campus
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In certain parts of the Southern United States, it’s almost impossible to leave your house without running into what oil men have dubbed “nodding donkeys.” Growing in number, these fly-wheel-driven oil pumps are on a lonely mission to endlessly peck petroleum from the earth.

But someday soon, nodding donkeys might become an endangered species - thanks, in part, to the work of University of Florida alternative fuels researcher Lonnie Ingram. On Monday, April 7, the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) will present Ingram with the 2008 SURA Distinguished Scientist Award for his work developing ways to turn materials commonly considered trash into fuel that could cut the country’s dependence on oil. (more…)

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