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Recent & Revised Publications

Acacia de vaina orejuda: una amenaza invasora para Florida

Sara Salgado MacDonald, Telmah Telmadarrehei, andCarey Minteer

Acacia auriculiformis, conocida como acacia de vaina orejuda, es un árbol invasor de rápido crecimiento que amenaza los ecosistemas nativos de Florida, particularmente los humedales de baja elevación como los Everglades. Introducida originalmente como planta ornamental, la acacia de vaina orejuda ahora desplaza la flora nativa, altera los ciclos del nitrógeno y reduce la biodiversidad. Los métodos actuales de control mecánico y químico son costosos y tienen una aplicación limitada a pequeña escala. El modelado de nicho ecológico muestra el potencial de esta especie para expandirse por el sureste de Estados Unidos y otras regiones. Las investigaciones en curso sobre agentes de control biológico, como Trichilogaster sp., ofrecen perspectivas prometedoras para su manejo a largo plazo. La participación del público, la detección temprana y la educación son fundamentales para limitar la propagación de esta especie invasora y proteger los ecosistemas de Florida.

Hibiscus cannabinus: Kenaf

Naomi Franklin, Mica McMillan, andLiz Felter

This publication is intended to serve as a source of general information about kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) for individuals interested in noncommercial usage of the crop. Kenaf is a tropical fiber crop believed to be native to regions of northeastern and central Africa. Being well adapted to the high temperatures and humidity of tropical climates, kenaf is a viable crop in Florida. Commercial production of kenaf is restricted in south Florida and some of central Florida because the crop is a host of the pink bollworm, which threatens Florida cotton production.

Preprints and Postprints: Tools for Expanding Research Visibility

Rock Aboujaoude, Jr. andSadie Hundemer

In today’s fast-paced research environment, timely examination of research findings is essential for advancing knowledge and supporting evidence-based decision-making. This guide explains how preprints and postprints fit within the publishing process and provides information for researchers who want to learn how to use these tools to help their work have a greater impact. Written by Rock Aboujaoude, Jr., and Sadie Hundemer, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2026.

Reproductive Efficiency: The Economics of Calving Intervals and Distributions

Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Kalyn Waters, andHannah Baker

This publication aims to discuss the economic impact of reproductive efficiency in beef cattle, increase awareness and knowledge of the importance of an efficient cow herd in maximizing profitability, and promote confidence in discussing this topic with clientele. The intended audience is cattle producers and Extension agents. Written by Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Kalyn Waters, and Hannah Baker, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2026.

Understanding Housing Instability and Homelessness After Hurricanes

Francesca Michelini andHeidi Radunovich

This publication explains how hurricanes contribute to housing instability and homelessness, discusses at-risk populations, and highlights recovery and resilience strategies. Written by Francesca Michelini and Heidi Radunovich, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, October 2026.

Fertilizer Guidance for Vanilla Production in Florida

Alejandra Taco, Jesse Potts, Pamela Moon, Jonathan H. Crane, Yuncong Li, andXingbo Wu

Vanilla has a three-to-five-year, pre-productive period, during which consistent and well-targeted nutrient management is essential for vigorous vine growth, successful flowering, and pod development. Organic substrates commonly used in Florida container production systems often lack sufficient nutrients, making systematic fertilization essential throughout the crop cycle. This publication provides research-based fertilizer guidance for commercial vanilla growers. Controlled studies indicate that optimal nitrogen supply falls within a range of 13–21 g N per plant per year, supporting vegetative growth without excessive nutrient accumulation. This publication includes annual NPK rates for young plants, leaf tissue nutrient concentrations by growth stage, appropriate fertilizer sources, and application methods for container and field systems. It also provides complementary practices on irrigation, substrate pH, and humidity management.

Turfgrass Herbicides: Understanding Factors Behind Weed Control Failures — Part 2: Environmental Conditions

Pawel Petelewicz

This publication is part of a three-part series designed as a resource for turfgrass professionals, Extension specialists, and clientele, offering a practical overview of foundational concepts and identifying key factors that contribute to incidents of herbicide underperformance across warm-season turfgrass systems. This publication focuses specifically on how environmental conditions influence herbicide efficacy and safety. Written by Pawel Petelewicz, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, October 2026.

Tracking Nutrient Movement with Soil Moisture Sensor EC Data

Sandra M. Guzmán andDaniel Palacios-Linares

This publication provides guidance on using electrical conductivity (EC) data from field-installed soil moisture sensors. A case study from a citrus demonstration trial at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS IRREC) presents how sensors track nutrient movement after irrigation and rainfall. This information helps irrigation managers, especially those using soil moisture sensors and irrigation dashboards, adjust fertilizer and irrigation practices to improve nutrient placement in the crop root zone. Written by Sandra M. Guzmán and Daniel Palacios-Linares, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2026.

Popular Parrots and Parakeets of Belize

Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Paul Evans, Jorge E. Ruano, andFrank J. Mazzotti

This publication highlights some of the most popular parrots and parakeets in Belize. Members of the Psittacidae family, they are a colorful part of the bird diversity in Belize. They are important seed dispersers, and a healthy parrot population is an indication of healthy habitat. This publication provides distinguishing characteristics for each species, as well as the common name, species name, and total length (LT: bill-to-tail). Our goals are to raise awareness and instill wildlife appreciation through education.

Use of Controlled-Release Nitrogen in Watermelon Production in the Suwannee Valley

Taite Miller, Robert Hochmuth, Sydney Williams, Vivek Sharma, Mark Warren, Henry T. Pittman, Tatiana Sanchez, andEmily Beach

Efficient nitrogen management in watermelon production is critical for maintaining yields while minimizing environmental losses, particularly in the sandy soils of north Florida. Field and on-farm trials conducted by UF/IFAS in the Suwannee Valley evaluated controlled-release fertilizers as an alternative to conventional nitrogen sources.

How to Read Reports from the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory

Rao Mylavarapu, Thomas Obreza, Nancy Wilkinson, andFranta Majs

Soil testing is a general term, but it specifically includes laboratory analyses of field or landscape samples, interpretations for crop production and landscape quality, and nutrient management recommendations where appropriate. This testing can analyze samples from soils, plants, water, manures, and recyclable waste materials. In Florida, we have more than 100 years of soil fertility research work experience covering a variety of soils, ecosystems, crops, turfgrasses, nutrient requirements, plant nutrient uptake, and impacts on water quality. This publication aims to guide readers on the contents and sections of a standard soil test report generated by the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida. The target audiences for this publication are Extension agents and specialists, producers, landscape professionals, crop consultants, researchers, students, homeowners, state and local agencies, and all other Florida residents interested in sustainable systems.

Using AI Chat and Satellite Maps for Farm Decisions: A Practical Evaluation of Available Tools

Melpomeni Zoka, Tad Trimarco, andNikolaos Tziolas

Earth observation satellite data can provide valuable, field-scale information to support growers’ management decisions involving crop conditions, soil organic carbon, and water stress. Despite the rapid growth of these data and the geospatial platforms to access them, many farmers and land managers still struggle to use these resources in daily decision-making. This information is commonly presented in complex formats that non-expert users cannot easily translate into clear, confident, and timely decisions. Geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) agents may offer a promising solution. Imagine asking a question and instantly getting a map-based answer with a short explanation and recommendation. This publication introduces the emerging concept of conversational GeoAI platforms, demonstrates what current tools can and cannot do, outlines key challenges, and discusses how these technologies may support future agricultural decision-making for farmers, consultants, and Extension agents.

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25,000 to 30,000

# of bees needed to survive the winter

A healthy colony consisting of 25,000 to 30,000 bees is an adequate size for overwintering success.

$4.09 per lb. of N

Value of Denitrification

Based on the average wastewater treatment cost of N removal for Florida Counties. One of the ecosystem functions of Living Shorelines is enhanced denitrification.

95°F

Proper Temperature for Baby Chicks

Newly hatched chicks need to be maintained at 95°F for the first week of their lives. After the first week, chicks can tolerate temperatures 5°F cooler for each week until they are four weeks old.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021

1914

Bahiagrass Introduced

this low-maintenance grass was introduced from Brazil and has varieties for use in lawns and pastures.