Cultivos especiales

Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, yBruce Schaffer

Maprang (Bouea macrophylla Griff.), also known as gandaria, marian plum, or plum mango, is a tropical fruit tree in the family Anacardiaceae cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and increasingly recognized as a specialty fruit with potential in south Florida. The species produces aromatic yellow-to-orange fruit with a thin edible peel and sweet to sweet–tart flavor. Although commercial production is well established in Thailand and neighboring countries, cultivation in Florida is currently limited to small private plantings. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of maprang botany, phenology, fruit characteristics, environmental requirements, propagation methods, pest and disease pressures, and recommended horticultural practices to support growers, Extension personnel, homeowners, and students interested in establishing maprang for home landscapes and potential commercial production under south Florida conditions.

Mengzi Zhang, Annabella Lyndon, Brian Pearson, Brian J. Pearson, Christopher R. McCurdy, Abhisheak Sharma, yJianjun Chen

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a member of the family Rubiaceae, a group of plants known for producing diverse bioactive metabolites. Arguably, the most popular member of the Rubiaceae family is coffee (Coffea arabica), which yields seeds (coffee beans) that contain bioactive metabolites, including the central nervous system stimulant caffeine. Unlike coffee, kratom is a facultatively deciduous tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Other species closely related to kratom include M. hirsuta, M. diversifolia, and M. parvifolia. This publication offers educational insights into the horticultural aspects of kratom based on empirical scientific research for anyone interested in cultivating it.

Suzanne D. Thornsbury

This publication provides Florida specialty crop producers with an overview of major policy approaches in the Farm Bill and a description of how they have evolved over time to address some of the unique characteristics of specialty crops.

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.

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.

You's Kertye Myrtil, Vander Rocha Lacerda, yXiaoying Li

This EDIS publication provides an overview of the growth stages of edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a promising new crop introduced in Miami-Dade County. This information covers the physiological changes that occur during each developmental stage and offers guidance on the timing of these processes. This information helps local small-scale growers understand the crop’s production cycle under south Florida’s climate.