Everglades REC

Abundance of Soil Insect Pests in Florida Sugarcane

Ronald H. Cherry, J. Mabry McCray, Hardev Sandhu, and Michael Karounos

This article informs sugarcane growers, scouts, pesticide applicators, and researchers about fluctuations of economically important sugarcane pests and implications for the management of those pests.

Bacterial Leaf Spot of Lettuce: An Unpredictable Enemy to the Florida Lettuce Industry

Germán Sandoya and D. Calvin Odero

Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) of lettuce is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas hortorum. BLS is more damaging in Florida, where the climate is conducive for disease development. The most effective control method is host resistance currently being developed by the UF/IFAS lettuce breeding program in all lettuce types. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department was written by Germán Sandoya and D. Calvin Odero.

Best Management Practices in the Everglades Agricultural Area: Fertilizer Application Control

T. A. Lang, S. H. Daroub, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

This EDIS document is one in a series of publications that provide current implementation guidelines for commonly employed BMPs that target the reduction of P loads leaving EAA farms via drainage water. This document is SL-232, a fact sheet of the Soil and Water Science Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2006.

Biology and Control of Coast Cockspur in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Goosegrass in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Horse Purslane and Common Purslane in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Biology and Control of Sorghum-almum in Sugarcane

Calvin Odero, Ron Rice, and Leslie Baucum

Calcium Silicate Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

The publication presents recommendations for calcium silicate application for sugarcane grown on Florida mineral soils along with supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, August 2022.

Calcium Silicate Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Ronald W. Rice, and Leslie E. Baucum

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Checklist of Birds of the Everglades Agricultural Area

Elise V. Pearlstine and Frank J. Mazzotti

Cob Flies, Megaselia spp. (Diptera: Phoridae), in Sweet Corn

David Owens, Gregg S. Nuessly, Robert Beiriger, and Nicholas Larsen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Common Bacterial Blight of Snap Bean in Florida

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and Jeffrey B. Jones

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Common Insect Pests of Lettuce in Florida

Tennyson B. Nkhoma and De-Fen Mou

Lettuce is one of the most important horticultural commodities in Florida state agriculture, with production concentrated in the Everglades agriculture area. Among US states, Florida ranks third in lettuce production after California and Arizona. Like many other crops, lettuce production is affected by several insect pests that affect both quality and quantity. This publication introduces some of the common insect pests of lettuce, including serpentine leafminers, banded cucumber beetles, aphids, thrips, and caterpillars; and describes the damage these pests cause in lettuce. This publication is intended for stakeholders in Florida lettuce production including current and potential lettuce growers, crop consultants, home gardeners, and Extension agents.

Cost Assessment of Utilizing Bagasse to Grow Sugarcane Based on Nutrient Availability

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, Trent D. Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, and Stewart Swanson

This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department explores the potential of using bagasse, a dry and fibrous residue of sugarcane left after the sugar juice extraction, as a nutrient source to potentially reduce inorganic fertilizer inputs in the sugarcane production system. Information provided in this article will be useful to commercial sugarcane growers, crop consultants, and fertilizer manufacturers in helping them explore alternative fertilizer options. This paper provides important and timely information for the target audiences, considering the recent, rapid rise in fertilizer prices. Written by Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, Trent D. Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, and Stewart Swanson.

CP 03-1912: A Sugarcane Cultivar Expanding on Sand Soil in Florida

Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, Amandeep Sharma, and Wayne Davidson

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and yield and disease information for CP 03-1912 to assist growers in a decision-making process of whether to further expand acreage of this cultivar with a clearer expectation of potential insect pest and disease issues that may need to be addressed through pest management strategies. Written by Hardev Sandhu, Matt VanWeelden, Amandeep Sharma, and Wayne Davidson, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, September 2024.

Current and Emerging Protocols for Carbon Measurement in Agricultural Soils

Suraj Melkani, Noel Manirakiza, Shirley M. Baker, and Jehangir H. Bhadha

Soils have the capacity to function as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide and are crucial for climate regulation. Soil have the potential to store around 1.5 to 2.4 trillion metric tons of C in the soil globally. They contain large C pools that can store three times more C than the atmosphere and four times more than plants. These massive C sinks have the potential to reverse soil degradation, mitigate climate change, and enhance food security. It is therefore essential to monitor the C cycle by accurately measuring the amount of soil C in agricultural fields. This can help in developing sustainable management practices that can minimize C emissions and sequester C into the soil from the atmosphere. This publication describes the various current and emerging protocols that can be used to measure soil C.

Elemental Sulfur Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray

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

Energycane Cultivar Descriptive Fact Sheet: UFCP 74-1010

Amandeep Sharma, Simranjot Kaur, and Hardev Sandhu

Energycane is a high-fiber sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) that is considered as a dedicated feedstock for lignocellulosic ethanol production. The energycane cultivar UFCP 74-1010 was developed through collaborative research between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Canal Point, FL, and the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center at Belle Glade. This fact sheet discusses different attributes related to this cultivar’s yield and disease resistance, which may assist growers and the biofuel industry to make an informed decision on cultivation and management of this cultivar. Written by Amandeep Sharma, Simranjot Kaur, and Hardev Sandhu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, October 2025.

Escarolas y endivias: hortalizas nutritivas con alto potencial para Florida

Germán Sandoya, Makou Lin, Jeongim Kim y Steven Sargent. Traducido por Vanessa Vassilaros.

Las escarolas y las endivias son dos hortalizas de hoja en la familia Compositae, ricas en nutrientes y minerales. Estas hortalizas no son muy comunes en el mercado de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, pero ambas se plantan en el invierno en la Florida y en otros estados como California y Nueva Jersey. Esta publicación tiene como objetivo informar al público acerca de su uso como hortalizas de hoja en el estado de la Florida. Como en otras hortalizas de hoja, las escarolas y las endivias son susceptibles a plagas y enfermedades, así como también a trastornos fisiológicos como el “pink rib” (por su nombre en inglés) o descoloración en la postcosecha. El uso de las prácticas correctas de manejo y el uso de cultivares adaptado a la Florida pueden ayudar a los productores de campo y en huertos caseros a obtener un buen cultivo.

Escarole and Endive: Nutritious Leafy Vegetables with High Potential for Floridians

Germán Sandoya, Makou Lin, Jeongim Kim, and Steven Sargent

Escaroles and endives are two leafy vegetables of the Compositae family rich in nutrients and minerals. Both crops are uncommon in the United States, but both are planted in wintertime in Florida and in other states such as California and New Jersey. This publication aims the public and inform of their use in the leafy vegetable industry in Florida. As other leafy vegetables, escaroles and endives are susceptible to pests and diseases and other physiological disorders such as pink rib at postharvest. Using the correct management practices and the correct cultivars adapted for Florida could help producers in fields and in the home garden to achieve a successful crop.

Evaluation of Lettuce Cultivars for Production on Muck Soils in Southern Florida

German Sandoya and Huangjun Lu

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

Fertilization Recommendations for Crisphead Lettuce Grown on Organic Soils in Florida

George Hochmuth, Edward Hanlon, Russell Nagata, George Snyder, Tom Schueneman, J. Mabry McCray, Germán Sandoya, Jehangir H. Bhadha, and Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw

This publication presents UF/IFAS recommendations for fertilization of crisphead lettuce on organic soils in Florida.

Four Conservation Agricultural Practices to Manage Organic Soil Loss

Noel Manirakiza, Suraj Melkani, Xue Bai, Yang Lin, and Jehangir H. Bhadha

This factsheet highlights four common conservation agricultural practices that can be implemented to limit organic soil loss. Organic soils (Histosol) are the most important soils that play a crucial role in mitigating global warming by acting as a repository for terrestrial carbon. Within south Florida, nearly 450,000 acres of Histosols are at risk from soil loss via oxidation, and growers would like to know the best ways to manage their soils to limit soil loss. Using the USDA-NRCS framework, we have identified four conservation practices—cover cropping, crop rotation, organic amendments, and conservation tillage—that can be implemented to address organic matter loss within the region.

Fusarium Wilt: A New Threat to Florida Lettuce Production

Germán V. Sandoya, Jesse J. Murray, Richard N. Raid, and Christian F. Miller

Fusarium wilt of lettuce is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae. The disease is present in all lettuce production areas worldwide. Recently this disease has been identified in Florida in localized fields. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents information about the disease, symptoms, and control measures useful to lettuce growers in Florida. Following these recommendations may help to avoid the spread of this fungus in muck soils at the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), where 90% of the lettuce in Florida is planted.

Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems

Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, Francisco Rivera, and E. Vanessa Campoverde

This publication presents an overview of the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners for lettuce. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are also presented in this publication.

History and Methods of the Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory

J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice

This publication provides a history of the University of Florida Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory (EvSTL), current analytical methods, and information about fertilizer recommendations made by the laboratory. Written by J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, October 2023.

Insect Management in Sugarcane

Julien M. Beuzelin, Ron H. Cherry, Gregg S. Nuessly, and Hardev S. Sandhu

This document provides an overview of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for sugarcane in Florida, focusing on five major insect pests: wireworms, white grubs, lesser cornstalk borers, sugarcane borers, and yellow sugarcane aphids. It details the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, natural enemies, and insecticides to manage these pests. The document also highlights the importance of monitoring and sampling methods to determine the necessity of insecticide applications, ensuring sustainable and economically viable sugarcane production. Date first printed October 1993.

La Mancha Foliar Bacteriana: Un Enemigo Impredecible para la Industria de la Lechuga de Florida

Byron Manzanero, Germán Sandoya, y D. C. Odero

Este artículo describe las prácticas de manejo de cultivo requeridas para la producción de lechuga de campo en Florida y para ayudar a los productores a tomar decisiones de manejo que ayudarán a controlar la mancha bacteriana de la lechuga. A translation of HS1412, by Byron Manzanero, Germán Sandoya, and D. C. Odero; published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 4 pp.

La Producción de Lechuga en Sistemas Hidropónicos a Pequeña Escala

Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, y E. Vanessa Vassilaros

This publication presents an overview on the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are presented in this publication as well. Spanish translation of HS1422, Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems, by Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, and E. Vanessa Vassilaros. Published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 8 pp.

Lettuce Cultivars for Insect Resistance in Southern Florida

German Sandoya, Huangjun Lu, and Alan L. Wright

Lettuce is the most popular ingredient in salads and salad mixes consumed in the United States. Florida's subtropical climate facilitates lettuce production from fall through spring, but the warm and moist conditions are also favorable for insect proliferation and damage. Insect pests cause direct (feeding) and indirect (contamination) damages to the lettuce crop. This manuscript presents data on cultivars and breeding lines with tolerance to some of these pests. Minor Revision; 5 pp.

Life Cycle of the Lesser Cornstalk Borer in Sugarcane

Hardev S. Sandhu, Leslie E. Baucum, and Gregg S. Nuessly

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Miscellaneous Insect Pests of Florida Sugarcane

Gregg S. Nuessly, Ron H. Cherry, Hardev S. Sandhu, and Julien M. Beuzelin

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane Production for Sugar on Florida Sand Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Kelly T. Morgan, and Les Baucum

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

Nutritional Requirements and Fertilizer Recommendations for Florida Sugarcane

J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice

This publication combines fertilizer recommendations for organic and mineral soils into a comprehensive guide for Florida sugarcane growers. Written by J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised January 2023.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

This presents phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for sugarcane produced for sugar on Florida mineral soils along with supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, August 2022.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane Production on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray, Ronald W. Rice, and Alan L. Wright

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

Plant Essential Nutrients and Their Role

Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan

The purpose of this publication is to inform Extension agents, consultants, and farmers about plant essential nutrients, benefits, and deficiency symptoms. This publication provides a whole plant picture with deficiency symptoms for each nutrient and the location of those symptoms on the plant. Written by Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2022.

Potassium Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray

This publication is intended primarily for Florida sugarcane growers, but it may also be useful to researchers and others interested in sugarcane nutrition. It presents potassium fertilizer recommendations for Florida mineral soils and supporting information. Written by J. Mabry McCray, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2022.

Potassium Fertilizer Recommendations for Sugarcane on Florida Organic Soils

J. Mabry McCray

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

Producing Biochar Using a Custom Designed Top-Lit Updraft (TLUD) Gasifier

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Stephen Jennewein, Julio Sanchez, and Timothy A. Lang

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Conservation practices and efficiency improvement

Raising Soil Organic Matter Content to Improve Water Holding Capacity

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Jay M. Capasso, Raju Khatiwada, Stewart Swanson, and Christopher LaBorde

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

Rice Physiology, Products, and Critical Steps Associated with Postharvest Operations in Southern Florida

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Sangeeta Mukhopadhyay, Charlene Andrews, and Matthew T. VanWeelden

Rice Stink Bug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

C. T. Camarozano and J. M. Beuzelin

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius), a serious pest of a variety of crops, like many other stink bug species, but particularly rice plants. It is widespread through the southeastern United States, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Rice is the preferred host for all O. pugnax stages, and from early nymphs to reproductive adults, this insect is likely to abandon weedy host plants to go feed on developing rice kernels from heading rice plants, if the crop is found nearby.

Sequential Sampling for Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) at Sugarcane Planting

Matthew T. VanWeelden and Ron Cherry

Soil Organic Matter Impacts on Sugarcane Production on Florida Mineral Soils

J. Mabry McCray and Stewart Swanson

Spring Mix—An Emerging Crop for Florida

Santiago Rosaro, Alan L. Wright, David D. Sui, Nikol Havranek, and Yigang Luo

Stem Borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Florida Rice

Julien M. Beuzelin, Erik L. Roldán, Ronald H. Cherry, and Matthew T. VanWeelden

Three stem borers, the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), rice stalk borer, Chilo plejadellus Zincken, and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), infest rice in the southern United States. They occur in Florida, with the Mexican rice borer being an invasive species recently introduced into the state. This publication briefly describes stem borers and sampling methods and reports results of the first extensive survey conducted to measure their occurrence in Florida rice.

Stink Bugs in Florida Rice

Ron Cherry

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

Strategies for Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Lettuce Grown on Histosols

Gustavo F. Kreutz, Jehangir H. Bhadha, Guodong D. Liu, Marcio F. R. Resende, Alan L. Wright, D. Calvin Odero, and Germán 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.

Sugarcane Eyespot Disease

P. Rott, J. C. Comstock, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

This document is about sugarcane eye spot disease, a fungal condition caused by Bipolaris sacchari. It outlines the symptoms, transmission methods, and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of resistant sugarcane varieties as the most effective means of prevention. While the disease is generally minor, it can lead to significant crop losses under favorable conditions. First printed March 1991.

Sugarcane Nutrient Management Using Leaf Analysis

J. Mabry McCray and Rao Mylavarapu

Sugarcane Orange Rust

P. Rott, S. Sood, J. C. Comstock, R. N. Raid, N. C. Glynn, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

Sugarcane Planting: A Comparison of Manual and Mechanical Planting Methods

Hima Varsha Madala and Hardev Sandhu

This publication is a tool to aid sugarcane growers, Extension agents, and the general public in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of manual and mechanical sugarcane planting methods in Florida, particularly in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Written by Hima Varsha Madala and Hardev Sandhu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, August 2025.

Sugarcane Ratoon Stunting

P. Rott, S. Sood, J. C. Comstock, R. A. Gilbert, and H. S. Sandhu

Sugarcane Ring Spot

P. Rott, J. C. Comstock, H. S. Sandhu, and R. N. Raid

Tar Spot of Maize in Florida

Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Vitor Augusto Silva de Moura, Marcio F. R. Resende, and Katia Viana Xavier

Tar spot, a fungal foliar disease, affects most maize types commonly grown in Florida, such as sweet corn, field corn, and criollo corn. This disease is characterized by brown-to-black, raised structures called stromata, which are embedded in leaf tissue. As a polycyclic disease, tar spot lesions can increase in number as the disease progresses throughout the growing season, leading to reduction of photosynthetic area on the leaves. Tar spot has recently emerged as a significant threat in Florida and in the United States, with reports of up to 100% incidence in maize fields in south Florida. Tar spot occurrence and development in Florida is influenced by several factors, such as environmental conditions, maize types, crop maintenance, and corn growth stages. The purpose of this publication is to promote awareness among Florida growers regarding this newly identified disease and its management practices.

The Emergence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt on Celery in South Florida

Larissa Carvalho Ferreira, Anna Mészáros, and Katia Viana Xavier

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) production in south Florida spans approximately 1,500 acres yearly. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii (Foa) race 4, emerged as a significant threat to celery production in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in Florida in 2022. Since it was first reported in the United States in Michigan in 1914, Foa has evolved into four different pathogenic races. In 2013, race 4 was first reported in California, ?and since then, it has been causing substantial losses to celery growers. The first occurrence in south Florida is critically alarming because (1) race 4 is the most virulent among the four races, (2) there is a lack of effective chemical and varietal control options for EAA Florida growers, and (3) this pathogen can survive in the soil for many years. This publication provides novel information to growers, Extension agents, and crop consultants of the celery industry in Florida regarding disease identification and management. 

The Updated Seed Testing Rule for Lettuce mosaic virus in Florida

De-Fen Mou, Germán V. Sandoya, Anna Mészáros, Ozgur Batuman, and Trevor Smith

This publication aims to raise awareness of the updated Florida seed certification requirement for lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). Florida mandates that all lettuce seeds sold and used in the state must be tested and certified as LMV-free (i.e., zero infected seed per 30,000 tested for LMV). The information presented in this publication is directed to state and county Extension faculty, crop consultants, current and potential lettuce producers, seed companies, and home gardeners who grow lettuce in Florida.

Tools for Evaluating Soil Health

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Jay Capasso, Robert S. Schindelbeck, and Allan R. Bacon

Trends in Florida Rice Production and Varieties

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Luigi Trotta, Daniel Cavazos, and Matthew VanWeelden

This publication sheds light on the trends of rice acreage and yields from 2008 to 2021. Nearly 23,000 acres of flooded rice were planted in south Florida in 2021. Growing flooded rice is a good Best Management Practice for growers in the region because it has been shown to reduce pest pressure and improve soil quality. The publication also highlights some of the recent varieties of rice that are grown in the region.

Understanding Fertilizers and Soil Amendments

Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, Guodong Liu, and Y. C. 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.