IFAS Extension
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Recent & Revised Publications
Utilizing Listening Sessions to Strengthen Educational Programming: An Introduction to Key Components and Best Practices
This publication is the first in a two-part series focusing on listening sessions and their role in strengthening nonformal educational programming. This first article provides a brief overview of listening sessions and their key components. Written by Maegan Beatty and Christy Chiarelli, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2026.
Barriers, Challenges, and Solutions to Implementing the Sanitary Sewer Services Provisions of Florida House Bill 1379
UF/IFAS Extension, in partnership with the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center), conducted a statewide needs assessment through focus groups with government and industry stakeholders. This publication provides an overview of the research findings, including the challenges and barriers to implementing House Bill 1379 Environmental Protection (HB 1379), potential ways to address them, and communication and credible sources of information to explain HB 1379, as identified by research participants. Written by Ricky Telg, Karlibeth Leitheiser, Mackenzie Atkins, Lisa Krimsky, Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, Donald Rainey, and Mary Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2026.
Acacia de vaina orejuda: una amenaza invasora para Florida
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
1914
Bahiagrass Introduced
this low-maintenance grass was introduced from Brazil and has varieties for use in lawns and pastures.
$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.
New Faces
