Research
Mesotunnels and muskmelons: Optimizing row covers for sustainable agriculture
Organic and sustainable specialty crop growers face a unique balancing act of producing high-quality crops while preserving the health of the environment for seasons to come. However, every growing season brings an army of challenges:... more »
UF new host for major plant breeding accelerator program
The University of Florida (UF) is the new home for a plant breeding improvement program. Breeding Insight (BI) is a USDA Agricultural Research Service-funded program that supports public breeding efforts via more than 61 USDA... more »
Veg Connections: Cellulose mulch shows promise for sustainable agriculture
As growers face increasing pressure to reduce plastic use while maintaining productivity, researcher Tian Li and her team at Purdue University have developed a new Janus cellulose mulch (JCM) that matches the performance of traditional... more »
Cultivating the Future: Cal Poly Strawberry field day showcases innovation, sustainability
A spirit of progress and purpose filled the air at the 9th Annual Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day, where more than 600 strawberry growers, researchers, and industry leaders gathered to witness the future of... more »
Exploring the possibility of growing scotch bonnet peppers in the Midwest
During a family vacation in Jamaica, we fell in love with the food, spices and condiments that go with the cuisine. Back in the mainland U.S., I said to my wife that Scotch Bonnet peppers... more »
Veg Connections: Heat-tolerant broccolini can integrate with clover living mulch
Many vegetable production systems rely on tillage to manage weed pressure that threatens cash crop yields. This heavy reliance on tillage is detrimental to the health of the soil and increases the likelihood of soil... more »
Georgia study examining non-fresh market fruit
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is looking into how products can be developed from culls or non-No. 1 fresh fruit. The LaGrange, Georgia-based GFVGA has secured funding to study the development of... more »
Nutrien Ag Solutions opens new facility at Champaign Innovation Farm
Nutrien Ag Solutions has opened a new facility at its Innovation Farm in Champaign, Illinois, aiming to advance research and technology adoption for growers and retailers. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 20... more »
New UF/IFAS plant pathologist helps Everglades Agricultural Area growers battle diseases
Farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) have a powerful new ally in the fight against crop diseases. Monica Navia-Urrutia is a plant pathologist at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences... more »
UF sweet corn researcher awarded prestigious academic honor
University of Florida (UF) horticultural sciences’ Marcio Resende has received a distinguished academic appointment. Resende, an Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) assistant professor of corn and potato... more »
















