Botany

T. K. Broschat

Palms differ greatly from broadleaf (dicot) and coniferous (Gymnosperm) trees in their overall form and external structure (morphology) and in their internal structure (anatomy). Morphology and anatomy determine how palms grow, function, and respond to external and internal stress factors. This publication provides a basic understanding of how palms are constructed.

Hardev S. Sandhu, M. P. Singh, R. A. Gilbert, and D. C. Odero

This document is about the fundamental botanical characteristics of the sugarcane plant. It provides an overview of its anatomy—including stalk, leaf, and root system—as well as key physiological processes such as germination, tillering, growth, photosynthesis, and ripening. The content also touches on the plant’s nutritional needs and environmental responses, offering a foundational understanding of sugarcane biology for agricultural and research applications.

Tripti Vashisth and Chris Oswalt

Haleigh Ray and Wagner Vendrame

Alexandra L. Bijak, Laura K. Reynolds, and Ashley R. Smyth

Ocean acidification, the lowering of seawater pH due to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is an emerging environmental challenge associated with climate change. This publication is intended for Florida grade eight educators and other environmental educators of middle school students. We designed a lesson plan to reinforce fundamental concepts in acid-base chemistry, including the pH scale, and to introduce students to waterbody acidification, its negative effects on shell-forming organisms, and the potential role of aquatic plant metabolism (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration) in mitigating these effects. The goal of the lesson plan is to encourage students to link water chemistry and biological processes while learning about the challenges and potential solutions to acidification within a local context. This lesson plan will contribute to state learning standards while generating appreciation for the complexity of the natural environment. 

Cliff G. Martin andZachary Brym

The purpose of this document is to provide an identification guide for Cannabis sativa to be used by growers and land managers by showing key factors to distinguish it from similar-looking plants. The general public and aspiring botanists may also use this document to see how a plant is defined botanically and how those characteristics can distinguish a plant of interest from other look-alike plants. Written by Cliff G. Martin and Zachary T. Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2024.

C. Benton Willis, Michael Goodnight, Jessica Velte, Marin T. Brewer, andMatthew E. Smith

Exobasidium fungi are plant pathogens that primarily infect plants in the Ericaceae family, including blueberries and azaleas. Their infections cause plant cells to proliferate (hyperplasia) and expand (hypertrophy). The fungi then use the increased surface area to produce spores. These changes manifest as symptoms on the host plant, varying by species of Exobasidium. The range of symptoms includes leaf and fruit spots, blisters, shoot proliferation (witches' broom), and galls. Infected plant tissues can also become swollen and distorted, as well as chlorotic (yellow) or discolored (reddish to pink). As this infected tissue matures, the surface becomes white and powdery from fungal spore production. Exobasidium fungi tend to cause symptoms on the plant during ideal weather conditions but can likely survive on the leaf surface or other available substrates year-round. Disease management includes chemical applications and cultural practices before the spores have the chance to mature.

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.