Guodong Liu

0000-0001-9252-2874

Understanding Fertilizers and Soil Amendments

Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, Guodong Liu, yYuncong Li

Choosing the right fertilizer/amendment type (organic or inorganic/synthetic) can impact soil health, plant vigor, environmental sustainability, and overall farm profitability. This guide provides a comparison of organic fertilizers/amendments and inorganic/synthetic fertilizers/amendments, covering their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and impacts on soil to aid growers in making informed decisions. Written by Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, Guodong Liu, and Y. C. Li, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, October 2025.

UF/IFAS Standardized Nutrient Recommendations for Vegetable Crop Production in Florida

Rao Mylavarapu, George Hochmuth, yGuodong Liu
Otros contactos: Paul White

This publication presents the fertilization recommendations for vegetable crops based on soil tests performed by the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (ESTL). It contains the basic information from which ESTL soil test reports and fertilization recommendations are generated. The audiences for this information include commercial and small farmers, crop advisers and consultants, state and local agencies, fertilizer industry, and any interested individuals interested in sustainable nutrient and environmental management.

Soil and Fertilizer Management for Vegetable Production in Florida

Eric Simonne, Guodong Liu, Eric Simonne, Kelly T. Morgan, yGeorge Hochmuth

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are specific cultural practices aimed at reducing the load of a specific compound, while maintaining or increasing economical yields. They are tools available to vegetable growers to achieve the TMDLs. BMPs are intended to be educational, economically sound, environmentally effective, and based on science. It is important to recognize that BMPs do not aim at becoming an obstacle to vegetable production. Instead, they should be viewed as a means to balance economical vegetable production with environmental responsibility.

Chapter 2. Fertilizer Management for Vegetable Production in Florida

Guodong Liu, Eric Simonne, Eric Simonne, Kelly T. Morgan, George Hochmuth, Shinsuke Agehara, Rao Mylavarapu, Craig Frey, Xiaoying Li, yPavlos Tsouvaltzis

Chapter 2 of the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida

Chapter 5. Ethnic Vegetable Production

Guodong Liu, Bonnie Wells, Yuncong Li, Qingren Wang, Johan Desaeger, yXiaoying Li

Chapter 5 of the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida

Nickel Nutrition in Plants

Guodong Liu, E. H. Simonne, and Yuncong Li

This 5-page fact sheet introduces agricultural and horticultural producers to the role and function of the newest identified essential plant nutrient, nickel (Ni).

Glosario de términos usados en riego por goteo y su traducción al inglés (A Glossary of Drip Irrigation Terms and Their Translations in English)

Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Eric Simonne y Monica Ozores-Hampton

En esta publicación se presenta el léxico técnico de riego por goteo en dos secciones. En la primera sección se describen en orden alfabético los términos y sus definiciones en español. En la segunda sección se enlista de forma alfabética los términos y sus definiciones en inglés. En ambas secciones, cada término incluye entre paréntesis su respectiva traducción al inglés o español. Minor Revision by Tatiana Sanchez, Eric Simonne, and Monica Ozores-Hampton.

How to Calculate Fertigation Injection Rates for Commercial Blueberry Production

Guodong Liu, Jeffrey Williamson, Gary England, and Alicia Whidden

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

How to Convert Liquid Fertilizer into Dry Fertilizer in Fertigation for Commercial Vegetable and Fruit Crop Production

Guodong Liu and Gary K. England

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

How to Reduce Clogging Problems in Fertigation

Guodong Liu and Gene McAvoy

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Soil pH Range for Optimum Commercial Vegetable Production

Guodong Liu and Edward Hanlon

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Understanding and Applying Chelated Fertilizers Effectively Based on Soil pH

Guodong Liu, Edward Hanlon, and Yuncong Li

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Conversions of Parts per Million on Soil Test Reports to Pounds per Acre

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, yAparna Gazula

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Application of Surfactants in Commercial Crop Production for Water and Nutrient Management in Sandy Soil

Guodong Liu, Gene McAvoy, Ben Hogue, and Crystal A. Snodgrass

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

What Is Urea-Triazone Nitrogen?

Guodong Liu yJeffrey G. Williamson

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Soil pH Management for Optimum Commercial Fruit Production in Florida

Guodong Liu, Rao Mylavarapu, Ed Hanlon, and Wei Chieh Lee

Soil pH is one of the most important soil chemical properties and affects nutrient bioavailability and microbial activity. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview for faculty, crop consultants, crop advisors, fruit growers, and students who are interested in fruit production. The crop response to soil pH varies due to crop genetic diversity. Soil pH determines nutrient bioavailability and hence fruit growth, yield, and quality.

Controlled-Release and Slow-Release Fertilizers as Nutrient Management Tools

Guodong Liu, Lincoln Zotarelli, Yuncong Li, David Dinkins, Qingren Wang, and Monica Ozores-Hampton

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Snap Bean Soil Fertility Program in Miami-Dade County

Monica Ozores-Hampton, Qiang Zhu, Yuncong Li and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Determination of Carbonate Concentrations in Calcareous Soils with Common Vinegar Test

Qiang Zhu, Yuncong Li, Guodong Liu, Monica Ozores-Hampton, yMonica Ozores-Hampton

This article describes a convenient method to estimate soil carbonate concentration using vinegar and other simple instruments for growers, Extension agents, and students interested in crop production and enhancing crop yield.

What is 4R nutrient stewardship?

Guodong Liu, Kelly T. Morgan, Yuncong Li, Lincoln Zotarelli, Qingren Wang, yJames DeValerio

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Long Bean—an Asian Vegetable Emerging in Florida

Guodong Liu, Qingren Wang, Yuncong Li, David Dinkins, Bonnie Wells, and Kshitij Khatri

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Implementing the Four Rs (4Rs) in Nutrient Stewardship for Tomato Production

Qingren Wang, Guodong Liu, Kelly Morgan, and Yuncong Li

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Bitter Melon—an Asian Vegetable Expanding in Florida

Guodong Liu, Qingren Wang, Yuncong Li, David Dinkins, Bonnie Wells, yYuqi Cui

Bitter melon is a tropical and subtropical vegetable crop with long climbing vines which is widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The unripe fruit is used as a vegetable with a pleasantly bitter taste. This fact sheet provides an overview of this plant as well as recommendations for individuals in Florida who are interested in growing it. 

Long Squash—an Asian Vegetable Expanding in Florida

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, David Dinkins, Bonnie Wells, Qingren Wang, and Yuqi Cui

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Tong Hao—an Asian Vegetable Expanding in Florida

Guodong Liu, Qingren Wang, Bonnie Wells, Yuncong Li, and David Dinkins

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

How to Chemigate Salinity-Stressed Plants with Hydrogen Peroxide to Increase Survival and Growth Rates

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, Kimberly Moore, Kim Gabel, Lei Wu, and Rafael Muñoz-Carpena

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Pond Apple—A Tree Species Adapted to Salt Stress

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, Kimberly Moore, and Kim Gabel

This document provides an overview of the Pond Apple (Annona glabra L.), a semi-deciduous tree native to Florida and Puerto Rico. It highlights the tree’s tolerance to salt and flooding, making it suitable for high-salinity coastal landscapes. The Pond Apple can grow up to 10 feet and produces edible fruit similar to custard apples. Ecologically, it is important as its fruit is consumed by wildlife, and its seeds are dispersed by animals. The tree has various uses, including its edible fruit and medicinal properties, with potential anticancer chemicals. Compared to the bald cypress, it is more salt-tolerant but may suffer from iron deficiency in dry conditions. 

Luffa—an Asian Vegetable Emerging in Florida

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, yKati W. Migliaccio

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Bok Choy, an Asian Leafy Green Vegetable Emerging in Florida

Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

How to Fertigate Plant Vines via Center Pivots for Commercial Potato Production in Florida

Xiangju Fu, Guodong Liu, Lincoln Zotarelli, Steven Sargent, Kati Migliaccio, and Yuncong Li

Potatoes are an important crop in the United States, and Florida is ranked the 7th producer nationwide for potato production. In Florida, potatoes are mainly planted on sandy soils with low nutrient- and water-holding capacities. Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient in these soils. Adopting efficient fertilization methods such as fertigation is imperative for minimizing leaching and improving use efficiency of nitrogen. This new 12-page article provides step-by-step guidelines for fertigation practices for commercial potato production.

Daikon Radish Cultivation Guide for Florida

Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu

Daikon radish is a versatile vegetable crop in the mustard family. It produces a large, white, cylindrical fleshy root weighing up to 4-7 lb. Daikon radish is an especially common vegetable in Asia, particularly Japan, and it tends to be less spicy than other garden types of radish. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides a primer on cultivation of daikon in Florida, including sections on propagation, growing conditions, pests and diseases, and agricultural, culinary, and medicinal uses.

Florida Cultivation Guide for Malabar Spinach

Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu

Malabar spinach (Basella spp.) is a nutritious vegetable in the family Basellaceae. Malabar spinach goes by many names, including Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, and climbing spinach. Malabar spinach has long been established in cultivation in China and India. This spinach is a novel crop to Florida and is currently grown only for niche markets. However, Florida’s suitable climate coupled with Malabar spinach’s great taste and nutritional quality suggest that this crop has great potential for commercial cultivation.

Production Guide for Choy Sum—An Emerging Asian Vegetable in Florida

Yanlin Wang and Guodong Liu

Choy sum, also known as Chinese flowering cabbage, is a leafy vegetable that has been widely cultivated in southern China for more than 1,000 years, and is currently cultivated and consumed by a growing population in the western world. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, written by Yanlin Wang and Guodong Liu, provides a brief overview of choy sum and its cultivation, as well as some suggestions for how to include it in a meal.

Implementing the Five Rs of Nutrient Stewardship for Fertigation in Florida's Vegetable Production

Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu

The five Rs of nutrient stewardship is a mnemonic device used to emphasize accuracy and precision for nutrient management so as to apply the (1) right source of fertilizer at the (2) right rate at the (3) right time in the (4) right place with the (5) right irrigation. Because the majority of Florida's soils are sandy, this fifth R is imperative for sustainable nutrient management for commercial crop production. These main points of nutrient management (source, rate, time, place, irrigation) may help enhance sustainability by reducing pollution by eutrophication, nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization, and climate change from soil greenhouse gas emission.

Leek Cultivation Guide for Florida

Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu

Leek (Allium porrum L.) is a member of Amaryllidaceae, a family with ornamental crops, like amaryllis, and with vegetable crops, like onion. Leek is a highly demanded vegetable because of its flavor and nutrient content. Although there is great potential for leek to be grown commercially in Florida due to demand and appropriate climatic conditions, the United States does not currently produce a significant quantity of leek compared to countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, and China. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, written by Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu, provides a basic guide to cultivation of leek in Florida, as well as information on its agricultural, culinary, and medicinal uses.

Goji Berry—a Novel Nutraceutical "Superfruit" for Florida Master Gardeners

Yujie Jiao and Guodong Liu

Goji berries have been used in both fresh and processed forms for food and medicine for more than 4,000 years in China. The goji berry fruit is known as a “superfruit” thanks to its high levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as other medicinal benefits recognized in many countries around the world. Most of Florida’s climate is favorable for goji berry, and a few Florida growers have cultivated it for years. This species can tolerate infertile and unfavorable growth conditions, and the prominent health benefits of this crop may behighly profitable for Florida growers. The objective of this new 7-page article is to provide a general overview of how the goji berry can be grown in Florida.

Tomato Production in Florida Using Fertigation Technology

Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu

Tomato is in high demand because of its taste and health benefits. In Florida, tomato is the number one vegetable crop in terms of both acreage and value. Because of its high value and wide acreage, it is important for tomato production to be efficient in its water and nutrient use, which may be improved through fertigation practices. Therefore, the objective of this new 7-page article is to disseminate research-based methods of tomato production utilizing fertigation to enhance yield and nutrient use efficiency.

Chinese Mustard Cultivation Guide for Florida

Yuheng Qiu, Mary Dixon, yGuodong Liu
Otros contactos: Ali Sarkhosh

Chinese mustard is a nutritious leafy vegetable in the family Brassicaceae. It goes by many common names, such as brown mustard, mustard greens, leaf mustard, Indian mustard, Oriental mustard, and vegetable mustard.

Production Guide of Vegetable Amaranth for Florida

Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Plant Systems

Strategies for Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Lettuce Grown on Histosols

Gustavo Kreutz, Jehangir H. Bhadha, Guodong Liu, Marcio F. R. Resende, Alan L. Wright, Dennis C. Odero, yGermán V. Sandoya

The global demand for P fertilizers has been significantly increasing, resulting in higher costs and environmental concerns associated with eutrophication. Fertilizer expenses and environmental risks can be reduced through the implementation of sustainable strategies. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department compiles several strategies to improve the utilization of P fertilization in lettuce grown in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Fingered Citron—A Fragrant, Ornamental Citrus Tree for Florida

Yuheng Qiu, Mary Dixon, Jonathan Denison, Fernando Alferez, yGuodong Liu

The purpose of this new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department is to introduce fingered citron to county Extension faculty, students interested in crop production, growers, certified crop advisors, crop consultants, consumers, environmentalists, and policy makers in the agricultural sector for better production, consumption, and environmental sustainability. Written by Yuheng Qiu, Mary Dixon, Jonathan Denison, Fernando Alferez, and Guodong Liu.

Waterleaf, a Potential Leafy Vegetable for Florida

Christianah T. Oladoye yGuodong Liu

Waterleaf is a vegetable crop whose edible leaves are soft, succulent, and highly nutritious. It is available in some local grocery stores in Florida but is new to most people in Florida and its environs. Waterleaf production is economically attractive due to low cost for seeds, pesticides, and herbicides for producing the crop. Like other leafy vegetables, waterleaf can be grown in home gardens as well. This new 6-page article will give an overview of this emerging vegetable in Florida. The intended audience is county Extension faculty, students, growers, and consumers. Written by Christianah T. Oladoye and Guodong Liu and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.

Yacon, a Potential Tuberous Crop for Florida

Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu

The purpose of this article is to introduce yacon as a potential crop to Florida growers and the Extension community by providing information on its propagation, production, and utilization as well as nutritional value. It is anticipated that the availability of such information will support the establishment of yacon as a higher-value crop and promote yacon production and utilization in Florida. Written by Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 5 pp.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fertigation

Mary Dixon yGuodong Liu

The purpose of this new 4-page article is to outline some of the major benefits and drawbacks a fertigation system may incur. The audience of this article includes county Extension faculty, students who are interested in crop production, growers, certified crop advisors, crop consultants, environmentalists, and policy makers in the agricultural sector. Written by Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.

Water Movement in Strawberry Beds

John R. Duval, Eric Simonne, and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Chayote—A Potential Vegetable Crop for Florida

Yuheng Qiu yGuodong Liu

Chayote, known as the vegetable pear, is a nutritious plant with a pale-green, ridged, fleshy fruit with a single seed. Florida’s suitable climate combined with chayote’s excellent taste and nutrition indicate that it could be an economically viable crop for commercial production. The intended audience of this new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department is vegetable growers, Extension agents, certified crop advisors, crop consultants, environmentalists, agricultural policy makers. Written by Yuheng Qiu and Guodong Liu.

Achachairu—a Potential Fruit Crop for Florida

Sergio Gutierrez, Tatiana Sanchez, Zhaohui Tong, yGuodong Liu

Garcinia humilis is an emerging tropical fruit crop in South Florida commonly known as achachairu. Achachairu has attracted much interest as a healthy fruit crop because it is rich in many nutrients such as foliate, vitamins, riboflavin, minerals, and antioxidants. The current use is limited and localized. This document provides an overview of achachairu and ocoro, including cultivation methods and use of the two crops grown in Florida.

Phosphorus Dynamics and Impacts on Potato Production in Northeast Florida

Joris Van Zeghbroeck, Guodong Liu, yYuncong Li

Florida is one of two states (FL and CA) that produce spring potatoes, FL having the highest crop value out of any state in the country ($469.67 per ton). Due to the low phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), high rates of phosphorus (P) are applied to ensure adequate yields. This has led to a buildup of legacy P, resulting in mehlich-1 levels as high as 375 mg kg-1. These levels are significantly higher than the critical values for potatoes (25-35 mg kg-1), yet farmers still report increased yields with P applications. Several organic amendments, management practices, and new fertilizers have been shown to help increase P availability in potato cropping systems by reducing P fixation and maximizing the available P fraction throughout the growing season. New fertilizers and management strategies should be researched in the TCAA to find methods that maintain yields while reducing the environmental impact of potato cropping systems.

Symptoms of Nitrogen and Iron Deficiency in Luffa

Qiansheng Li, Marina Gluck, Yanlin Wang, Wendy Mussoline, Qingren Wang, Yuncong Li, yGuodong Liu

Luffa is a tropical and subtropical climbing plant belonging to the cucumber family natively cultivated in South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly called sponge gourd, Egyptian cucumber, or Vietnamese luffa. Young fruits are edible and rich with nutritional and medicinal value The mature fruit has strong fibrous insides, which can be used as natural porous fiber for dishwashing or shower scrubbing. This publication is written for growers, state and county Extension faculty, and students interested in crop production.

Purslane: The Reigning Champion of Vitamins A and E among Vegetables and a Potential Crop for Home Gardens

Xueyan Zhang, Mary Dixon, and Guodong Liu

Purslane is often labeled as a noxious weed in Florida; however, this seemingly pesky plant is perceived as a nutritional powerhouse in Asia and other continents. Levels of vitamin A and E in purslane far surpass those found in broccoli, tomato, and lettuce. A mere 3.5 ounces of purslane can fulfill 81% of an individual's daily vitamin requirements, and up to half a pound can meet the daily needs for both Vitamins A and E. Sustaining this nutritional wealth hinges on the timing of harvest when purslane plants attain a height of 5 to 6 inches. Beyond this stage, purslane becomes excessively fibrous and aged, making it unsuitable for consumption and necessitating removal through weeding. This publication article provides a comprehensive overview of purslane, delving into its botany, garden production, harvest practices, and both culinary and medicinal uses to assist growers and consumers in understanding when to savor its nutritional benefits and when to weed it from farmlands.

A Practical Guide for Adjusting Fertigation Water pH in Specialty Crop Production

Guodong Liu, Md Jahidul Islam Shohag, Lisa Hickey, Yuncong Li, and Shufang Tian

Fruit and vegetable producers have widely adopted fertigation as a common practice. However, achieving optimal nutrient use efficiency and growth of crops requires careful management of the irrigation water’s pH, especially when the water quality exhibits excessive acidity or alkalinity. Adjusting the pH of irrigation water is crucial to meet crop preferences and ensure optimal conditions for growth. Growers frequently encounter challenges in effectively optimizing irrigation water pH. This publication aims to address this issue by providing an overview of adjusting irrigation water pH and offering practical guidelines. The target audiences of this guide are farm/nursery managers, growers, crop advisors, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Extension agents, researchers, students, and others who are interested in crop production.

Grower’s Guide to Identifying and Correcting Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Deficiencies in Luffa Production

Md Jahidul Islam Shohag, Qiansheng Li, Yuncong Li, Qingren Wang, yGuodong Liu

Luffa, referring to the smooth (Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.) and angled (Luffa acutangular (L.) Roxb.) types, is a climbing vegetable from the family Cucurbitaceae that has grown for centuries across Asia. Luffa are consumed as vegetables when immature and used as natural sponges when mature. Luffa is gaining popularity as an alternative vegetable crop in regions like Florida and California, thanks to favorable growing conditions and rising demand for Asian specialty produce. Successful cultivation of luffa relies heavily on proper nutrient management, particularly for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) because mismanagement can lead to deficiencies that cause stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and reduced yields. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for ensuring healthy growth and maximizing profitability. This Extension publication provides practical guidance for growers, Extension agents, and students on identifying and correcting N, P, and K deficiencies in luffa.

Okra: Nutritional Value and Production Practices in South Florida

Xiaoying Li, Peyton Ecklund, Yuncong Li, Monalisa Seaton, Dakshina R. Seal, Shouan Zhang, Abolfazl Hajihassani, Guodong Liu, Xingbo Wu, yHaimanote K. Bayabil

This EDIS publication introduces okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) as a versatile crop with significant potential in south Florida. The paper provides an overview of the plant’s nutritional and medicinal benefits, global production trends, and multiple uses, along with practical guidance on cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvesting. The publication is designed to serve as a resource for researchers, students, Extension agents, growers, crop certified advisors, crop consultants, food industry professionals, and the public interested in this high-value crop.

Control Strategies for Seed-Borne Diseases on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Monalisa Seaton, Xiaoying Li, Shouan Zhang, Guodong Liu, yXingbo Wu

This EDIS publication focuses on seed-borne diseases affecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a warm-season crop commonly grown in Florida’s home gardens, small farms, and specialty markets. As consumer demand for locally grown and culturally significant vegetables continues to rise across the state, the trade and exchange of okra seeds have become increasingly common, raising concerns about the spread of seed-borne pathogens. This publication provides an overview of these diseases, their impacts, and control strategies using cultural, biological, and chemical methods, emphasizing integrated pest management (IPM). This publication is designed to be a valuable resource for researchers, students, Extension agents, growers, seed vendors, crop consultants, and anyone interested in understanding and managing seed-borne diseases in this high-value specialty crop.

A Step-by-Step Fertigation Guide for Blackberry Growers in Florida

Nurjahan Sriti, Elena Máximo-Salgado, Zhanao Deng, Jeffrey G. Williamson, yGuodong Liu

Blackberry cultivation offers significant opportunities for fruit producers in subtropical regions. Effective fertilizer management is essential for maximizing production. However, determining the optimal fertilizer application can be challenging as a result of variations in soil types and climate. To achieve the best results, it is important to follow the 5Rs of nutrient stewardship. (There are usually 4 Rs outside the unique environmental conditions of Florida.) These principles focus on applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right irrigation. This guide provides Florida blackberry growers with practical recommendations for efficient fertigation practices to boost blackberry yields and improve nutrient use efficiency. It is intended for commercial growers, agricultural consultants, farm managers, Extension agents, Extension specialists, and others interested in blackberry production and sustainable farming.

Edamame for Florida: A Nutritious Leguminous Crop with Growing Market Demand

You's Kertye Myrtil, Vander Rocha Lacerda, Xiaoying Li, Guodong Liu, yPavlos Tsouvaltzis

Edamame (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) has been consumed for centuries in Asia and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States for its nutritional profile and culinary versatility. Typically boiled or steamed, edamame is a rich source of protein and fiber. This publication highlights its nutritional properties, common cooking methods, major marketing strategies, and current trends in domestic production. While most edamame consumed in the United States is still imported, domestic production is gradually expanding, including in Florida. This guide provides insights and an overview for consumers, Florida’s growers (especially small-scale and urban farmers), and Extension agents interested in exploring this emerging specialty crop.

Controlled-Release Fertilizers for Commercial Potato Production in Florida

Guodong Liu, Eric H. Simonne, Yuncong Li, Chad M. Hutchinson, Mark Warren, and Steven Lands

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

How to Conduct an On-Farm Dye Test to Improve Drip Irrigation Management in Vegetable Production

Eric Simonne, David Studstill, Michael Dukes, John Duval, Robert Hochmuth, Gene McAvoy, Teresa Olczyk, Steve Olson, Elizabeth Lamb, and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Denitrification in Seepage-Irrigated Vegetable Fields in Florida

Eric H. Simonne, Guodong Liu, and Benjamin Morgant

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Are Phosphorous and Phosphoric Acids Equal Phosphorous Sources for Plant Growth?

Asha M. Brunings, Guodong Liu, Eric H. Simonne, Shouan Zhang, Yuncong Li, and Lawrence E. Datnoff

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Pepper Spot ("Gomasho") on Napa Cabbage

Eric Simonne, Eric Simonne, Jeffrey K. Brecht, Guodong Liu, Monica Ozores-Hampton, yMonica Ozores-Hampton

Diseases of Bitter Melon in South Florida

Shouan Zhang, Nicholas Dufault, Qingren Wang, Guodong Liu, and Gene McAvoy

Practices to Minimize Flooding Damage to Commercial Vegetable Production

Guodong Liu, Yuncong Li, Xiangju Fu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Nutrient Management Recommendations Based on Mehlich-3 Extractant for Calcareous Soils in Miami-Dade County

Yuncong Li, Qiang Zhu, Rao Mylavarapu, Kelly T. Morgan, Guodong Liu, Jonathan H. Crane, Qingren Wang, Henrique Mayer, Jeff Wasielewski, Laura Vasquez, Qingchun Liu, Teresa Olczyk, yTeresa Olczyk

This factsheet provides information about the history of soil testing calibrations and justification for recommending extraction of soil nutrients using Mehlich-3 for calcareous soils in Miami-Dade County. The dominant soils from this County have an extraordinarily high concentration of calcium resulting in high pH. This document also includes UF/IFAS approved Mehlich-3 extractant-based testing interpretations and recommendations for these soils. The purpose of this publication is to elucidate an appropriate approach for analyzing the unique calcareous soils from Miami-Dade County for plant available nutrients. The target audiences are Extension agents, agronomists at soil testing laboratories, crop advisors, growers, representatives of the state and local agencies, and others concerned about soil testing and plant analysis in Miami-Dade County.

Cabbage Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y. C. Li, W. Klassen, M. Lamberts, Teresa Olczyk, and Guodong D. Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Cucumber Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y. C. Li, W. Klassen, M. Lamberts, and T. Olczyk

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Eggplant Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y.C. Li, W. Klassen, M. Lamberts, T. Olczyk, and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Okra Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y. C. Li, W. Klassen, M. Lamberts, T. Olczyk, and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Sweet Corn Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Haimanote Bayabil, Yuncong Li, Teresa Olczyk and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Tomato Production in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Y. C. Li, W. Klassen, Mary Lamberts, Teresa Olczyk, and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Soil Preparation and Liming for Vegetable Gardens

James M. Stephens and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Disease Control for Snap Beans in Florida

Shouan Zhang, Nicholas Dufault, Mathews Paret, Pamela Roberts, Guodong Liu, and Qingren Wang

This publication suggests a sequential disease control program for snap beans in Florida. Postharvest disease problems are addressed only to the extent that they are affected by field practices. The application of the following sequential control program should minimize yield losses for the majority of plantings.