Ali Sarkhosh

0000-0001-5649-1150

Peach Scab

Daniel Mancero-Castillo, Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, and Phillip Harmon

Prácticas Culturales para el Caqui Japonés en Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, andPeter C. Andersen

Los caquis son considerados como un cultivo relativamente sostenible en Florida, con una calificación de 6 puntos en una escala de 10 para la evaluación de sostenibilidad agrícola. Los caquis tienen un potencial comercial moderado y altas probabilidades de llegar directamente al consumidor.

Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus spp.): A Cultivation Guide for Florida

David Jarnagin, Ali Sarkhosh, Juanita Popenoe, Steve Sargent, and Kevin Athearn

Japanese Persimmon Cultural Practices in Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, andPeter C. Andersen

Persimmons are considered a relatively sustainable crop in Florida, rated as a 6 out of 10 on an assessment of agricultural sustainability, with a moderate commercial potential and high direct-to-consumer potential. Consumer demand would mostly be for the nonastringent varieties.

Summer Pruning in Low-Chill Peaches Grown in Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, Trequan McGee, andJuanita Popenoe

After the harvest season in any peach orchard, large or small, while daily picking may have ceased, the focus quickly shifts to how to manage the trees to support the subsequent year's crop. The strong apical dominance of peach trees will cause them to continuously put energy into upward growth, which ultimately shades out and hinders the development of fruiting wood in the lower portion of the canopy.

Fungal Gummosis in Peach

Daniel Mancero-Castillo, Ali Sarkhosh, Sara Sherman, Mercy Olmstead, Philip Harmon, and Thomas Beckman

Florida Peach and Nectarine Varieties

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, Jose X. Chaparro, Peter C. Andersen, andJeffrey G. Williamson

Peach Rust (Transchelia spp.)

Daniel Mancero-Castillo, Ali Sarkhosh, Courtney Ligon, Mercy Olmstead, and Philip Harmon

Rootstocks for Florida Stone Fruit

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Jose Chaparro, and Thomas Beckman

Cultivo de ciruelas en Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, E. P. Miller, Peter C. Andersen, andJeffrey G. Williamson
translated_by Tatiana Sanchez-Jones

Cultivares de Caqui Japonés en Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Peter C. Andersen, andDustin Huff
translated_by Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera

El caqui japonés, Diospyros kaki L., es originario de China y fue cultivado por primera vez en Florida en el año 1870. El algún momento hubo plantaciones comerciales de cultivares astringentes con alrededor de 22.750 árboles. Debido a las dificultades de comercialización, esta industria cesó.

Oportunidades alternativas para fincas pequeñas: Producción de durazno y nectarinas versión revisada

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, Jeffrey G. Williamson, Jose X. Chaparro, andJuanita Popenoe
translated_by Eva M. Pabon

El suave clima invernal de Florida y el comienzo de la temprano de primavera ofrecen oportunidades únicas para la producción de duraznos y nectarinas de temporada temprana. Actualmente, Florida produce algunos de los duraznos y nectarinas de florecida temporada para producción comercial en América del Norte.

Alternative Opportunities for Small Farms: Peach and Nectarine Production Review

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Jeff Williamson, Jose Chaparro, and Juanita Popenoe

Growing Plums in Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, E. P. Miller, Peter C. Andersen, andJeffrey G. Williamson

Chinese Mustard Cultivation Guide for Florida

Yuheng Qiu, Mary Dixon, andGuodong Liu
other_contacts: 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.

Passion Fruit Problems in the Home Landscape

Amir Rezazadeh, Mark T. Bailey, andAli Sarkhosh

In Florida, purple and yellow passion fruit have been widely cultivated by homeowners for years, and south Florida's subtropical climate allows for growing passion fruit year-round. Many factors affect longevity and productivity of passion fruit vine, including environmental stresses, pests, and disease. This document is designed to help Master Gardeners and homeowners by answering commonly asked questions about passion fruit production problems.

The Pear (Pyrus spp.) in Florida Home Gardens

Juanita Popenoe, Ali Sarkhosh, andDustin Huff

Pears are a great tree to grow for an edible landscape or fruit garden. However, pears are not adapted to all areas in Florida, and only a few cultivated varieties will grow well here. Many plantings are just a few trees in backyards. This publication will provide information to help homeowners select and grow pears successfully in Florida.

Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus spp): Markets, Establishment Costs, and Potential Returns

Kevin R. Athearn, David Jarnagin, Ali Sarkhosh, Steven Sargent, andJuanita Popenoe

Elderberry is an alternative crop that holds promise for further commercial development in Florida. This fact sheet reviews information on markets for elderberries and elderflowers and estimates establishment costs and potential returns for a 3-acre elderberry orchard in Florida. The information is intended to assist farmers in evaluating elderberry as a possible alternative crop. Includes guidance on financial planning for an elderberry enterprise.

The Apple (Malus domestica, Rosaceae)

Ali Sarkhosh, T. E. Crocker, W. B. Sherman, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andJuanita Popenoe

The Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx)

Peter C. Andersen, Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin Huff, andJacque W. Breman

The muscadine grape is native to the southeastern United States and was the first native grape species to be cultivated in North America. The natural range of muscadine grapes extends from Delaware to central Florida and occurs in all states along the Gulf Coast to east Texas. It also extends northward along the Mississippi River to Missouri. Muscadine grapes will perform well throughout Florida, although performance is poor in calcareous soils or in soils with very poor drainage. Most scientists divide the Vitis genus into two subgenera: Euvitis (the European, Vitis vinifera L. grapes and the American bunch grapes, Vitis labrusca L.) and the Muscadania grapes (muscadine grapes). There are three species within the Muscadania subgenera (Vitis munsoniana, Vitis popenoei and Vitis rotundifolia). Euvitis and Muscadania have somatic chromosome numbers of 38 and 40, respectively. Vines do best in deep, fertile soils, and they can often be found in beside river beds.

Thinning Florida Peaches for Larger Fruit

Yuru Chang, Ali Sarkhosh, Jeffrey Brecht, and Peter Andersen

The Pomegranate

Ali Sarkhosh and Jeff Williamson

Variedades de Durazno y Nectarina en la Florida

Mercy Olmstead, Ali Sarkhosh, Mercy A. Olmstead, Jose X. Chaparro, Peter C. Andersen, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andTatiana Sanchez-Jones

The Fig

Ali Sarkhosh andPeter C. Andersen

This article provides the history of fig cultivation, adaptation, description of the fig tree, its culture and management, pests, and fig cultivars.

Japanese Persimmon Cultivars in Florida

Ali Sarkhosh, Peter C. Andersen, andDustin Huff

Japanese persimmons, Diospyros kaki L., originated in China and were first grown in Florida in the 1870s. At one time, there were commercial plantings of astringent types, numbering about 22,750 trees. Because of marketing difficulties, this industry ceased. California is the largest producer of Japanese persimmons, followed by Florida and southern Texas.

La Manzana (Malus domestica, Rosaceae)

Ali Sarkhosh, T. E. Crocker, W. B. Sherman, Jeffrey G. Williamson, andJuanita Popenoe

The Passion Fruit in Florida

Mark Bailey, Ali Sarkhosh, Amir Rezazadeh, Joshua Anderson, Alan Chambers, and Jonathan Crane

Training and Pruning Florida Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums

Ali Sarkhosh and James Ferguson

Commercial Fresh Market, Wine, Juice, and Jelly Grape Cultivars for Florida

Jacque W. Breman, Peter C. Andersen, Muhammad A. Shahid, andAli Sarkhosh

Illustrated fact sheet describes the characteristics needed in cultivars for successful commercial grape production in Florida. Includes references and information on cultivars recommended by IFAS for wine, juice and jelly, and fresh market, plus fresh market muscadine cultivars for planting on a trial basis, and sensory evaluation results.

Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop

Kevin M. Folta, Dustin Huff, and Ali Sarkhosh

Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.

Harvesting and Postharvest Handling of Stonefruits in Florida

Jeffrey K. Brecht, Mark A. Ritenour, Mercy Olmstead, Mercy A. Olmstead, Ali Sarkhosh, Jose X. Chaparro, Jerry A. Bartz, Steven Sargent, andJohn J. Vansickle

Stonefruits grown commercially in Florida include peaches, nectarines, and plums. This publication is directed to current and potential stonefruit growers, handlers, and marketers, as well as researchers, Extension agents, students, and consumers. It provides information about the Florida stonefruit industry, stonefruit cultivars that are suitable for Florida, stonefruit postharvest physiology and pathology, fruit quality, and recommended postharvest handling and marketing practices.

La Granada en Florida: ¿una fruta de árbol para Florida?

Ali Sarkhosh, Jeff Williamson; traducido por Eva Pabon

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

Postharvest Anthocyanin Enhancement in Blood Orange Fruit

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, andJeffrey K. Brecht

This article discusses the postharvest enhancement and preservation of anthocyanin content in blood oranges grown in subtropical or tropical regions, such as Florida, for fresh consumption or for juice processing. The purpose of this article is to introduce growers, Extension agents, and specialists to simple postharvest methods for enhancing anthocyanin content in blood oranges, making the fruit more nutritious and more acceptable for consumption. Written by Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, and Jeffrey K. Brecht, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, June 2025.

Subtropical Peach Defoliation and Chill Hours

Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera and Ali Sarkhosh

Proper foliage management is a key factor in having a healthy peach orchard and producing high-quality fruit. However, this is not an easy task for Florida growers. The warm and humid climate throughout Florida’s growing season makes it difficult to keep peach leaf rust and bacterial spot under control, which could cause premature defoliation. On the other hand, leaves tend to stay attached to the tree well into late fall, when they should start senescing and dropping to allow sufficient accumulation of chilling, a process required for buds to break the dormant status and bloom in the next season. Understanding dormancy and preparing trees for this stage is critical in subtropical peach orchards. In this publication, we will discuss peach defoliation practices for peach trees growing under the subtropical climate of Florida to provide information to county and state Extension faculty, growers, and homeowners interested in peach production in Florida.

The Emerging Passion Fruit Industry in Florida

Ellen Garcia, Ali Sarkhosh, and Tie Liu

Tropical fruits are in high demand for their unique flavor, aroma, and their functional composition of phytochemicals with physiological benefits, deeming them “nutraceuticals.” Passion fruit can potentially be of high economic value for Florida, because of its suitability for tropical climates and its nutrient density, which has great benefits for human health. Passion fruit contains robust and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium (Pham-Huy et al. 2008). This publication can help consumers understand passion fruit appeal and help Floridian producers and marketers understand the competitive advantages of passion fruit as an emerging industry for Florida.

Floricane Blackberry Pruning Guide for Florida

Muhammad A. Shahid andAli Sarkhosh

This article aims to provide a general overview of growth habits, fruiting patterns, and pruning requirements/timing for county and state Extension faculty, growers, homeowners, and students interested in growing floricane blackberries in Florida. Written by Muhammad A. Shahid and Ali Sarkhosh, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2023.

Peach Root-knot Nematode

Donald W. Dickson, Mary Ann D. Maquilan, andAli Sarkhosh

One of the production issues that peach growers in Florida must contend with is plant-parasitic nematodes. This publication will focus on the peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogynefloridensis.

Dehydrated and Freeze-dried Peach Fruit: A Prolonged Shelf-life Product through Modern Drying Techniques

Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, Steven A. Sargent, and Jeffrey K. Brecht

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is a valuable temperate fruit from the Rosaceae family, which also includes many other commercially important fruits such as apples and pears, apricots, cherries and plums, and blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Peaches are known for being a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, as well as possessing a high antioxidant activity, all of which are associated with various health benefits. Furthermore, consumers greatly value high-quality peaches due to their exceptional nutritional value and enjoyable sensory attributes. This publication aims to familiarize growers, Extension agents and specialists, and the public with insight into drying methods of peach fruit, including freeze-drying and dehydration, that can extend shelf life of this commodity for year-round enjoyment.

Blood Oranges in Florida: Facts, Challenges, and Considerations

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, Frederick G. Gmitter, andJeffrey K. Brecht

This publication explores the potential for blood orange cultivation in Florida and discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by producers and the industry. It provides recommendations and suggestions for improving the production and consumption of blood oranges in Florida, offering insights for growers, Extension agents and specialists, and researchers. Written by Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, Fred G. Gmitter Jr., and Jeffrey K. Brecht, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, November 2025.

Cattail Mosquito (suggested common name) Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Culicinae: Mansoniini)

Lethia R. Johnson, James P. Cuda, and Nathan Burkett-Cadena

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.

Peach Brown Rot

Ali Sarkhosh, Shirin Shahkoomahally, Logan Marie Richmond-Cosie, andPhilip F. Harmon

Brown rot disease can occur on all stone fruit cultivars grown in Florida, including peaches, nectarines, and plums. Early-maturing varieties and natives can serve as sources of inoculum for later-maturing fruit cultivars.

El higo

Peter C. Andersen andAli Sarkhosh
translated_by Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera

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

Nutrient Management in Low-Chill Peach Orchards: Guidelines for Deficiency Symptoms and Leaf and Soil Sampling

Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera, Ali Sarkhosh, Lincoln Zotarelli, Cheryl Mackowiak, andRao Mylavarapu

Timely and informed fertilization practices in peach production are essential to obtain high yields, optimal fruit quality, and secure long-term orchard health and productivity. Recognizing nutrient deficiency symptoms can help identify which nutrients a plant may be lacking, but a solid nutrient management program should regularly test soil and foliar samples to detect issues before symptoms appear. This publication provides suggested nutrient sufficiency ranges for peach trees, along with practical guidelines for identifying nutrient deficiency symptoms and conducting soil and foliar sampling in the orchard. Its goal is to support county Extension agents and faculty, growers, and homeowners with general and practical guidelines for optimizing nutrient management in peach orchards.

Growth and Development Stages of Four Japanese Persimmon Varieties in North Florida

Muhammad A. Shahid, Ali Sarkhosh, and Shahid Iqbal

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki) are a good source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, while also being low in calories and fat. These fruits are popular in many Asian cuisines and are enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, dried, or cooked in multiple value-added products. This publication will provide information on persimmon phenological growth stages of four established varieties grown at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida. The nine major persimmon growth stages are divided into two categories: vegetative and reproductive stages. This publication provides illustrative figures for each development stage. Accurate identification of phenological stages is important for making informed decisions on plant care, fertilizer, irrigation, and fruit harvesting. This information will be helpful to students, growers, homeowners, nursery workers, and Extension agents interested in growing persimmons in Florida.

Achachairu (Garcinia humilis), árbol frutal: botánica y cultivo comercial en el sur de Florida

Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote K. Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, andBruce Schaffer

Este documento provee información sobre las características y botánica del achachairu así como las prácticas horticulturales recomendadas para productores comerciales y profesionales de Extensión tanto del condado como del estado de Florida. Esta información también está destinada a dueños de casas y estudiantes interesados en cultivar achachairu.

Growing Feijoa Fruit in Florida

Kevin M. Folta, Dustin Huff, andAli Sarkhosh

Feijoa is often found in central and north Florida landscapes as a durable and cold-hardy plant for hedges and foundation plantings, and as a dooryard fruit. Its value as a potentially heavy producer of flavorful fruits (and flavorful flowers) is frequently overlooked due to issues in pollination and limited genetic improvement. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department describes the opportunity and limitations of feijoa as a horticultural crop.

The Satsuma Mandarin

Peter C. Andersen, James J. Ferguson,and Muhammad Adnan Shahid

This articles provides detailed description on cold hardy citrus, the satsuma mandarin.

Dried Persimmon Fruit: A Year-round Available Product

Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, Muhammad A. Shahid, Steven A. Sargent, and Jeffrey K. Brecht

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are known for their sweet and flavorful taste. They are native to Asia, specifically China, and were first grown in Florida in the 1870s. Persimmons are still not as popular in the United States as other fruits, but interest has been growing in recent years. Persimmon fruit are generally classified into astringent and non-astringent types. Astringent varieties can have adverse health effects caused by tannins and must be fully ripe (soft) or artificially treated to remove astringency. Drying is a common method to preserve and extend the shelf life of persimmons while also enhancing the flavor, color, and nutritional value of persimmons. There are different methods to dry persimmons, including traditional and modern methods.

Nutrient Management in Low-Chill Peach Orchards: Guidelines for Fertilizer Rate Application in Florida Subtropical Climate

Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera, Ali Sarkhosh, Lincoln Zotarelli, Cheryl Mackowiak, andRao Mylavarapu

Appropriate fertilization of perennial fruit tree species is critical to ensure vegetative and reproductive growth, as these processes demand considerable amounts of resources. Adequate fertilization management practices at all stages of peach development are essential to obtain high yields and optimal fruit quality, as well as to ensure healthy vegetative growth that supports the crop for the following year. Fertilization practices are also important economically since they represent an important portion of the costs associated with peach production. Improper fertilization can have negative agronomic and environmental consequences. This publication discusses and suggests general fertilization management practices for peach trees growing under the subtropical climate of Florida to provide information to county and state Extension faculty, growers, and homeowners interested in peach production in Florida.

Muscadine Grape: Postharvest Physiology and Handling Practices

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, andJeffrey K. Brecht

Muscadines (Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx) are vining fruit crops native to the southeastern United States. Unlike the more common European Vitis vinifera (common grapes) and American Vitis labrusca grape species that produce berries in bunches, muscadine grapes are borne in clusters of individual, large berries. In addition to their sweetness and unique flavor, muscadines are appreciated for their high concentrations of bioactive compounds, which contribute to antioxidant activity and offer various health benefits to humans. The unique characteristics of muscadines make them valuable for both fresh consumption and processing purposes, including juice, wine, jam, and freeze-dried snacks. Proper postharvest handling ensures that muscadines maintain their nutritional value and appeal to consumers.

Achachairu (Garcinia humilis) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida

Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote K. Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, andBruce Schaffer

This article provides detailed information on the achachairu’s characteristics, botany, and recommended horticultural practices for commercial growers and county and state Extension faculty in south Florida and is also applicable for homeowners and students interested in growing achachairu. Written by Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, and Bruce Schaffer, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2024.

Alleviating Astringency in Persimmon Fruit for Enhanced Palatability and Consumer Acceptability

Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, and Jeffrey K. Brecht

Persimmon fruits are classified as astringent or non-astringent, depending on the level of astringency the unripe or partially ripe fruit exhibit at the time of harvest. Astringency in persimmon fruit is a sensation caused by tannins present in the flesh that can make the mouth feel dry, cause puckering, numb the tongue, and constrict the throat. Sometimes, it may also impart a bitter taste. The astringency decreases as the fruit ripen until it is no longer present in fully ripe fruit. While consumers typically prefer non-astringent varieties, the cultivation of astringent varieties notably remains common. The purpose of this publication is to introduce consumers, growers, Extension agents, and specialists to postharvest methods for reducing astringency in unripe persimmons, making them more palatable and acceptable for consumption.

How to Build a Blackberry Trellis System: A Complete Guide

Muhammad A. Shahid, Shahid Iqbal, and Ali Sarkhosh

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is a deciduous fruit crop. The fruit are usually small, round, and dark purple to black. Blackberry fruit is comprised of multiple drupelets that cluster together to form a berry, which has a glossy appearance when matured. Blackberries have a complex flavor profile that blends sweetness and acidity, and taste may vary depending on the variety and maturity stage. They are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Blackberries are best grown in sub-tropical to temperate climates. Blackberry is a new emerging fruit crop in Florida, where they are harvested in May-June. There are several varieties, some of which are native to Florida. This publication aims to provide a general overview of the importance of trellis, different types of trellis, and their installation in blackberry production for county and state Extension faculty, growers, homeowners, and students interested in growing blackberries in Florida.

Passion Fruit Propagation: A Comprehensive Guide

Ali Sarkhosh, Juan David Jimenez Pardo, Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera, Uzman Khalil Chaudhry, andJonathan H. Crane

The climate of Florida is suitable for growing a variety of tropical and subtropical fruits, including passionfruit (Passiflora edulis). Passionfruit has a distinctive aroma and sweet-sour taste, and it has become highly appreciated in culinary and home gardening circles. The center of origin of passionfruit is South America, although it is also grown in other tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The cultivation of this fruit requires a solid understanding of effective propagation methods to ensure the availability of high-quality plant material. This guide covers various sexual and asexual propagation techniques, from traditional seed sowing to advanced methods such as tissue culture.

Freeze-Dried Muscadine Grape: a New Product for Health-Conscious Consumers and the Food Industry

Ali Sarkhosh, Fariborz Habibi, andSteven Sargent

Muscadine grape (Muscadinia rotundifolia [Michx.]) is a fruit crop native to America; it adapts well to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses and have thus been grown and vinified throughout the southeastern US for centuries. Currently, southeastern farmers grow approximately 5,000 acres of almost 100 improved muscadine-grape varieties for commercial use. Recent research demonstrated the fruit’s significant contribution of beneficial phytochemicals to the typical American diet; and thereafter, the demand for muscadine grapes considerably increased. Its thick peels and seeds, though, have prevented wider public consumption. This publication aims to introduce growers, Extension agents/specialists, and the general public to the potential for a new, value-added product that makes muscadine grapes much easier to eat and may diversify the food processing industry.

Citrus Fruit Pigments

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, Jeongim Kim, Muhammad A. Shahid, Fred G. Gmitter Jr., and Jeffrey K. Brecht

Citrus fruits enjoy popularity among consumers due to their enjoyable flavor, health-beneficial properties, and nutritional value. The peel and flesh pigmentation of different citrus species and cultivars ranges from green, to yellow, orange, pink and red. Pigmentation is influenced by genetics, environmental conditions, and tree management. Mature fruit of edible citrus are diverse in size, flavor, and peel and flesh color. The external color of citrus fruits is one of their most important quality characteristics, but the internal pigments also play a significant role in determining their health benefits. The edible part of citrus fruits, including sweet orange, mandarin, pummelo, grapefruit, lime, and lemon, has distinct attributes and pigments. 

El maracuyá en Florida

Mark T. Bailey, Ali Sarkhosh, Amir Rezazadeh, Joshua D. Anderson, Alan Chambers, Jonathan H. Crane, andAlan Chambers
translated_by Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera

Passionfruit is a short-lived evergreen perennial vine that produces an aromatic, tropical-tasting fruit. This new 14-page Spanish translation of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides a description of passionfruit and its various species and cultivars, as well as a guide to culture and management, harvest and storage, its pests and diseases, and food and marketing. By M. Bailey, A. Sarkhosh, A. Rezazadeh, J. Anderson, A. Chambers, and J. Crane. Translated by J. Clavijo-Herrera.

A Practical Guide for Peach Irrigation Scheduling in Florida

Charles Barrett, Lincoln Zotarelli, Carlos Zambrano-Vaca, Charles Barrett, Vivek Sharma, Juanita Popenoe, Ali Sarkhosh, Richard Beeson, Richard Beeson, Kelly T. Morgan, Kati W. Migliaccio, andJose X. Chaparro

This publication provides a practical guideline for irrigation of young (1–3 years old) and adult (>3 years old) peach trees cultivated in Florida.

Small-Scale Juicing of Florida-Grown ‘UFSun’ Peaches

Savanna J. Curtis, Ali Sarkhosh, Paul J. Sarnoski, Charles A. Sims, and Andrew J. MacIntosh

Peaches are a promising option for the Florida agricultural industry with plenty of revenue streams including fresh market, U-pick, and retail sales, as well as alternatives in the juicing and fermentation industries. This publication discusses a 2018 case study completed on a Florida peach cultivar. ‘UFSun’ were harvested, processed into juice, and analyzed for sugar content, juice yield, and general economic feasibility. The University of Florida has bred peach cultivars that grow commercially in tropical and subtropical climates such as Florida’s and are harvest-ready two months before the rest of the United States, offering competitive advantages. Unfortunately, their small size renders them less profitable in fresh markets compared to larger non-Florida cultivars. Knowing the processing characteristics of Florida peaches provides valuable information for peach farmers who are considering using their peaches for juicing, fermentation, and similar purposes.

Postharvest Physiological Disorders of Blood Orange Fruit

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, Mark A. Ritenour, andJeffrey K. Brecht

This publication aims to provide valuable information on the major postharvest physiological disorders affecting blood oranges, including their causes, symptoms, and practical strategies for prevention and control. By improving awareness of these disorders and their management, this publication aims to support more effective postharvest handling and storage practices of blood oranges. Written by Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, Mark A. Ritenour, and Jeffrey K. Brecht, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, November 2025.

Postharvest Physiology and Physiological Disorders of Persimmon Fruit

Fariborz Habibi, Ali Sarkhosh, and Steven A. Sargent

Persimmons are classified under the genus Diospyros within the family Ebenaceae. This genus includes different species such as the most popular, D. kaki (Japanese persimmon); D. virginiana (common persimmon); and D. lotus (date-plum, also known as Caucasian or lilac persimmon). Persimmons are temperate deciduous trees or evergreen subtropical or tropical trees. Their fruit exhibit a double sigmoidal growth curve, whether seeded or parthenocarpic. Persimmon fruit are widely appreciated for their unique flavor, high nutritional value, and bioactive compound content. Persimmons are climacteric, leading to significant postharvest challenges. This publication discusses the postharvest physiology and physiological disorders of persimmon fruit, focusing on how postharvest factors affect fruit quality and shelf life.