IFAS News

University of Florida

IFAS News RSS Feed

Category Archives: Conservation

New UF/IFAS book offers insights on managing large residential lots

Topic(s): Agriculture, Conservation, Environment, Forestry, Lawn & Garden

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A big yard or vacation property can be a great asset to a family, offering plenty of room for sports, recreation and relaxation.

But taking care of an acre or two, or 10 or 20, involves more than just buying a riding mower.

So the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has just published a handbook designed to help people with large, forested residential properties understand their land management options.

“Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife” is available for $18 from http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu

The 164-page book explains the basics of Florida’s ecosystems, delves into ways of earning extra income from forestland, and tells where to turn for more information and advice.

(more …)

UF researchers develop plant-based technology that helps biofuels, may fight cancer

Topic(s): Agriculture, Biofuels, Conservation, Environment, Green Living, IFAS, New Technology, Research

Lignin nanotubes

Image of synthesized lignin nanotubes

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the first time, University of Florida researchers have developed plant-based technology that could reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and may also help treat cancer.

Known as lignin nanotubes, these cylindrical containers are smaller than viruses and tiny enough to travel through the body, carrying cancer patients’ medicine. They can be created in biorefineries from lignin, a plant substance that is a byproduct of bioethanol production.

Bioethanol is a renewable alternative to fossil fuel created by fermenting sugar — such as that from sugarcane and sweet sorghum juices, stalks and stems.

“We’re looking at biomedical applications whereby these nanotubes are injected in the body,” said Wilfred Vermerris, an associate professor in UF’s agronomy department and Genetics Institute who was part of the team that developed the nanotubes. The team’s work is described in a March issue of the journal Nanotechnology.

(more …)

Statistical models inspired from Facebook could help endangered animals, UF researchers say

Topic(s): Conservation, Environment, IFAS, Invasive Species, New Technology, Research

Robert Fletcher. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Some endangered animals may live in smaller habitats than scientists realize, leading to inflated estimates of their ability to survive, according to a new University of Florida study.

However, by predicting the animals’ habitat movement using models employed to analyze human interactions on social networks such as Facebook, scientists with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences find the animals’ predicament could be better understood.

Conservationists can use this improved approach to better prioritize habitat restoration efforts for endangered species, said author Robert Fletcher, a UF wildlife ecology and conservation assistant professor.

(more …)

UF technique to help pine forests adapt to climate change, bioenergy use

Topic(s): Announcements, Biofuels, Conservation, Crops, Economics, Environment, IFAS, New Technology, Research

KirstDNARelease

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A breakthrough in pine tree breeding will lead to forests better adapted to climate change and bioenergy use, University of Florida researchers report.

The improved forests will stem from a genetic technique the researchers have developed that can create new tree varieties in half the time it takes current breeding methods.

The technique, detailed in a study published online Wednesday by the journal New Phytologist, is expected to increase the security and competitiveness of the U.S. forestry industry.

(more …)

UF study finds artificial reefs are economic boon; enjoy widespread public support

Topic(s): Conservation, Economics

 

Caption at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A newly released University of Florida study of artificial reef use in six southwest Florida counties shows the structures lure a lot more than fish.

The reefs, which provide habitat for popular sport fish and other marine life, pulled more than $253 million into the region during one year, the study found. Though it costs nothing more than a saltwater fishing license to use the submerged structures as a fishing spot, anglers spend money on food, lodging, fuel, tackle and other necessities.

The UF and Florida Sea Grant study looked at money generated by artificial reefs in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties in 2009. Researchers found that $136 million came from residents, while $117 million was spent by visitors.

(more …)

UF Ordway Swisher finalized as site in large scale ecology project

Topic(s): Announcements, Conservation, Environment, IFAS, Invasive Species, Research

The sun is low on the horizon as seen from a small lake on UF's Ordway-Swisher property close to Melrose, Florida. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones.

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has officially partnered with a National Science Foundation-funded program to allow measurements and data collection related to the Earth’s ecological health to occur on UF’s 9,100-acre Ordway-Swisher Biological Station property in Putnam County.

The project, known as the National Ecological Observatory Network, or NEON, is a 30-year, continental-scale program to track ecological responses to environmental shifts such as climate change, land-use modifications and invasive species introductions.

The project includes 20 core sites that represent different areas of North America. The Ordway-Swisher site near Melrose will serves as the core site for NEON’s Southeastern domain, which stretches from North Carolina to Texas.

(more …)

Snake predator may benefit endangered bird, UF study finds

Topic(s): Conservation, Environment, IFAS, Research

Caption at bottom. Click here and here for high resolution images.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — An endangered Florida bird may have some unexpected help in its struggle for survival, according to a new University of Florida study.

UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers found that rat snakes, once thought to threaten the endangered, red-cockaded woodpecker, actually benefit the birds. The study is published in the current issue of the ornithology journal The Condor.

The findings could help landowners, conservationists and those enrolled in programs such as Safe Harbor, which allows those with endangered species on their land to harvest timber if they agree to help promote the species’ recovery. Forestry and forest products contributed more than $4.4 billion to Florida’s economy in 2008.

(more …)

UF develops method to make plastic from discarded plant material

Topic(s): Agriculture, Conservation, Environment, IFAS, New Technology, Research

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Plastic may compete with paper in the grocery line, but it doesn’t have to compete with the world’s food supply, according to University of Florida researchers.

They’ve developed a way to produce plastic that doesn’t use valuable natural resources, such as food or fuel, for raw materials.

The new method uses a strain of bacteria to create bioplastic from discarded plant material, such as yard waste.

Bioplastic, or plastic from renewable resources, is produced when an organism such as a bacterium creates lactic acid while fermenting carbohydrates. The lactic acid can then be converted into long chains of molecules to form plastic.

Current bioplastic production uses food carbohydrates, such as cane sugar or corn starch, as raw materials. Traditional plastic production requires petroleum.

(more …)

UF food safety experts help give FDA personnel insight to Florida produce

Topic(s): Aquaculture, Citrus, Conservation, Crops, Cultivars, Economics, Environment, Invasive Species, Pests

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — To help federal officials understand the produce industries they regulate, University of Florida food safety experts recently took part in a cross-state tour that provided a behind-the-scenes look at growers’ operations and food safety efforts.

Five faculty members gave presentations highlighting their work to enhance the safety and quality of fruit and vegetable crops. The March 8-10 tour brought a delegation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other agencies to 15 farms and packinghouses.

Organizers hope the tour leaves a lasting impression, one that may prompt attendees to see regulatory issues from a broader perspective, said Martha Roberts, special assistant to the dean for research with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

“It’s critical that the people regulating agricultural crops have the knowledge and experience of seeing how the crops are grown, harvested, packed, repacked, shipped and sold,” Roberts said.

(more …)

UF Bee College will spotlight native pollinators March 11-12

Topic(s): Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Economics, Entomology and Nematology, Environment, IFAS

 

Cutline at bottom. Click here for high-resolution image.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With honeybee populations imperiled by the mysterious condition called colony collapse disorder, Florida residents should appreciate native bees for their role in the state’s environment and economy, say University of Florida researchers who will make presentations on the insects at this week’s Bee College.

Held March 11-12 at UF’s Whitney Laboratory in Marineland, the annual event includes sessions on native bees and enhancing habitats for them, said Jamie Ellis, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Now in its fourth year, Bee College is the state’s most extensive bee education event.

Many Florida crops depend on bees for pollination, including some citrus, beans, melons, squash, cucumbers, strawberries and blueberries, and native species perform some of the work. Nationwide, native bees pollinate crops worth an estimated $3 billion each year.

Native bees also pollinate ornamentals and indigenous plants. Now, with honeybee populations down, native pollinators need support from humans.

“There are ways to help by putting in habitat to attract native bees,” Ellis said.

(more …)

Back to Top