Mid-Florida REC

Wisnu Ardi, Tao Jiang, andHeqiang Huo

Begonia spp. is one of the most diverse and popular ornamental plant groups, with over 2,000 species and hybrids valued for their foliage, flowers, and adaptability. Florida’s climate and horticultural industry make it a center for begonia production, yet practical guidance on hybridization remains limited. This publication provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to hybrid breeding for horticultural professionals, advanced gardeners, and researchers. Topics include basic genetics, selecting parent plants for desirable traits, pollination techniques to control crosses, and potential challenges. Methods for seed collection, germination, and hybrid evaluation are outlined with emphasis on assessing ornamental quality and stress resistance. Case studies from UF/IFAS breeding programs highlight successful crosses. This guide bridges science and practice to advance Begonia breeding for Florida and beyond.

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, Hamutahl Cohen, Tiare Saracino, andEsen A. Momol

This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department defines different types of pests that a home gardener might encounter and encourages diversifying landscapes as a solution to pest problems. It focuses on what is called “the triangle” of IPM, a guide to managing pests using multiple methods, and provides examples of Integrated Pest Management tools that can be applied in the home context to address these pests. Several links to resources relevant to edible Florida-Friendly landscapes are included.

Wendy W. Lynch, Annie Wallau, Melanie Thomas, Wendy Mussoline, and Catherine Campbell

This publication provides a guide to implementing healthy living and wellness practices. Written by Wendy W. Lynch, Annie Wallau, Melanie Thomas, Wendy Mussoline, and Catherine Campbell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, September 2021.

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, andCharles R. Hall

US firms that sell nursery and garden products have become more interested in effective advertising and promotion strategies. A major question for these green industry firms is how to stimulate additional sales. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Marco A. Palma, and Charles R. Hall, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, August 2014.

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

Recently, pollinator insects have received a great deal of publicity because their populations are declining.

Xuan Wei, Alicia Rihn, andHayk Khachatryan

Heather Kalaman andChris Marble

Asiatic false hawksbeard is a common, annual broadleaf weed found across Florida landscapes, agricultural production systems, home gardens, and natural areas. This article is written for home gardeners, commercial growers, and other green industry professionals to aid in the proper identification and management of Asiatic false hawksbeard in the landscape and in nursery production.

Robert H. Stamps, Yuvraj Khamare, andChris Marble

Benghal dayflower has many characteristics that make it a very troublesome weed in Florida landscapes, nurseries and other agricultural production areas. This 5-page article is written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of benghal dayflower in and around ornamental plants. Major revision by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, and Robert Stamps, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

Black medic is an annual or short-lived perennial commonly found in lawns, landscapes, containers, and orchards throughout Florida. This publication is intended for green industry professionals, Extension agents, homeowners, and others to provide guidance on the identification and management of black medic in and around ornamental plants.

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, andShawn Steed

Heather Kalaman andChris Marble

Several native and non-native dayflower (Commelina) species can be found in Florida landscapes and production nurseries. Two of the most widely distributed species include the native whitemouth dayflower (Commelina erecta) and the non-native spreading dayflower (Commelina diffusa), which is thought to have been introduced to Florida from Asia. Both species are widely distributed and have been vouchered in nearly every county in Florida. This publication is written for home gardeners and other green industry professionals to aid in the proper identification of these two common dayflower species. General management information is included for both dayflower species.

Kaley Mierek, Chris Marble, Nathan Boyd, and Shawn Steed

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, andShawn Steed

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Thomas Smith and Chris Marble

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Galinsoga is an erect (upright), herbaceous, short-lived warm-season annual weed in Florida landscapes, container nurseries, and other agricultural production systems. This article is written for green-industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of galinsoga in and around ornamental plants.

Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, and Lyn Gettys

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

Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan S. Boyd

Ping Yu, Chris Marble, andErnest Kraka

Johnsongrass is a warm-season perennial grass and one of the most persistent and troublesome weeds in the southern United States. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was developed to help commercial nursery growers, landscapers, and other green industry professionals identify and manage johnsongrass. Written by Ping Yu, Ernest Kraka, and Chris Marble.

Chris Marble, Marc S. Frank, Dail Laughinghouse, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, andLyn A. Gettys

This fact sheet discusses the characteristics of long-stalked phyllanthus and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment.

Chris Marble andShawn Steed

This 4-page fact sheet discusses the characteristics of mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment.

Matt Lollar and Chris Marble

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

Debalina Saha, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

Poison ivy is an allergenic plant of the cashew family native to North America. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all grow in Florida and contain the oily resin called urushiol. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was written to aid landowners, gardeners, horticulturalists, and pest management professionals in identification and management of poison ivy in residential and commercial landscapes. Written by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble.

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Evan Anderson, Pawel Petelewicz, and Chris Marble

This new 7-page article was written for homeowners and green industry professionals to aid in the identification and management of the three most common pusleys, including Florida, Brazilian, and largeflower pusley (Richardia spp.), in turfgrass and landscape planting beds. Written by Evan Anderson, Pawel Petelewicz, and Chris Marble, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.

Robert H. Stamps, Debalina Saha, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

The name tasselflower refers to two similar and closely related species, red or lilac tasselflower and Florida tasselflower. These species are very common in Florida nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. This new 6-page article was developed to help nursery growers, landscape professionals, and the general public identify tasselflower species, understand their biology, and provide information on ways to manage this weed. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd.

Yuvraj Khamare, Candice Prince, and Chris Marble

Torpedograss is one of the most invasive perennial grass species in Florida landscapes. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of torpedograss in landscape planting beds. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Candice Prince, and Chris Marble.

Sean M. Campbell, Brian Pearson, Chris Marble, Danielle Yuabov, andKatherine Witrick

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

Jianjun Chen, Richard W. Henley, Richard J. Henny, Russell D. Caldwell, and Cynthia A. Robinson

Jianjun Chen

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

J. Chen and R. J. Henny

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

Plants inside our homes, offices, or those used as part of a patio garden have been shown to create a relaxed, productive environment and to improve indoor air quality. Overall, they are efficient, low-cost, and sustainable. While houseplants are safe to grow and provide many benefits, some can be toxic if ingested accidentally, which could be a concern for those with pets or small children. This publication is intended to inform homeowners, home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous plant species used as houseplants in Florida. It should be noted that while photos are provided of each species, there are many variations of each plant described, which could have different foliage color, variegations, slightly different leaf shapes, or flower colors.

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

In this rapidly urbanizing world, landscape plants serve as a convenient pathway for individuals to engage with nature. Due to Florida's subtropical climate, a vast array of diverse plant species is commonly used in home landscapes. However, it is important to note that many landscape plants can be toxic if consumed, posing risks to small children, pets, and even livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep. These plant species can still be utilized in the landscape, but it is important to understand which species are toxic to prevent accidental exposure, particularly in environments where small children or pets could inadvertently come into contact with them. This EDIS publication informs home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common plants in home landscapes in Florida, focusing particularly on poisonous species that could potentially cause harm if ingested.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

This new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is intended to inform home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous invasive plants or weed species common in home landscapes in Florida, with particular focus on species that could potentially cause harm if ingested. Written by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

Weeds are a costly and continual threat to ornamental nursery profitability. Due to a lack of labeled postemergence herbicide options, growers typically rely on timely preemergence herbicide applications for weed control, among other methods such as hand-weeding. While preemergence herbicides are usually the most cost-effective method of weed control, labor and chemical costs can still be high. In some cases, costs can be reduced and weed control can be improved by making changes to the equipment that is used to apply preemergence herbicides, or by potentially changing the herbicide formulation that is used. This publication was written for nursery managers to provide an overview of the types of herbicide equipment that are commonly used in nursery production, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and to highlight considerations regarding herbicide formulations and how they may impact different aspects of weed control and ornamental plant tolerance.

Raychel Thomas, Jana Caracciolo, Catherine Campbell, John Diaz, y Valeria Caicedo Zapata

Esta publicación de EDIS está diseñada para proporcionar un resumen preciso y actual de la Ley Greenbelt de Florida. Esta publicación se distribuye con el entendimiento de que los autores no se dedican a prestar asesoramiento legal u otro asesoramiento profesional, y la información contenida en este documento no debe considerarse como un sustituto del asesoramiento profesional. Este documento es el FCS3358-Span, uno de una serie del Departmento de Familia, Juventud y Ciencias Comunitarias, UF/IFAS Extensión. Publicación original de agosto del 2023.

Jianjun Chen andDennis McConnell

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, andSandra B. Wilson

This new 9-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is for Florida homeowners, residential and commercial property managers, and landscape architects interested in creating aesthetically pleasing landscapes and to help individuals choose the right plant for the right place. Written by Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, and Sandra Wilson.

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andAlicia Rihn

Recent pollinator population declines have led to in-depth investigations of the causes behind decreased insect pollinator health and diversity (Goulson 2013; van de Sluijs 2013).

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

Fresh blueberries have become one of Florida’s fastest-growing agricultural products. This growth aligns with growing consumer interest in local foods. Florida blueberry producers are capitalizing on demand by marketing their products with distinctive branding, particularly the Fresh From Florida logo. State production has met demand, but the Florida blueberry market faces challenges from imports from Mexico and Peru and from other US states. This publication is the first in a series designed to help local growers differentiate Florida-grown fresh blueberries in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It describes research into consumers’ purchasing preferences and awareness of locally grown fresh blueberries and identifies additional labels that can add value to existing ones to strengthen the competitive advantage of Florida-grown blueberries and attract more consumers.

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, andDouglas A. Phillips

This is part 3 of the "Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries" series, whose objective is to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Florida-grown fresh blueberries by analyzing consumers’ preferences for blueberry quality attributes. Audiences include Florida blueberry growers, marketers, and retailers. We identify the most significant attributes on labels and provide recommendations on how to optimize labeling to meet consumer demand and enhance market share. Part 3 focuses on health perceptions of fresh blueberries. Many US consumers seek healthy, sustainable food options like fruits and vegetables, blueberries among them, prompting increases in production, imports, and demand for fresh blueberries over the past decade. This publication aims to help those working to promote healthy dietary patterns better understand the impact of nutrition-related statements on consumer purchasing behavior, ultimately supporting efforts to encourage healthier eating patterns.

Nicholas Rabanal, Hannah Moribe, Chi Dinh Nguyen, andHeqiang Huo

Florida’s unique climate provides an extended growing season ideal for cultivating a wide variety of container flowers. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to successful container gardening, offering valuable insights into creating vibrant container gardens in central Florida. The publication highlights container trials conducted at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida, evaluating the performance of four flowering varieties—snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), stock flowers (Matthiola incana), pansies (Viola x wittrockiana), and China aster (Callistephus chinensis)—under central Florida's unique climate conditions. The results demonstrated that these species could thrive in containers with proper care and management, making them suitable for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Bill Schall, Heqiang Huo, and Jianjun Chen

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

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, and Richard J. Henny

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Dennis B. McConnell

Steve A. Johnson andMartin B. Main

David J. Norman

This article provides guidelines to identify and treat diseases that may be encountered during the commercial production of Dieffenbachia. This document is PP286, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2011.

Steven Arthurs and Adrian Hunsberger

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

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

Neonicotinoid (neonic) pesticides have been facing intense scrutiny because of their potential role in pollinator insect population declines. Research has shown that insecticide use in general has resulted in $284 million per year in damages to honeybee and pollinator services in the United States. This is especially worrying because food supply would fail to meet increasing global food demand without pollinator insects.

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, andXuan Wei

Consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has increased, and consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly fruit-producing plants. With the increased demand, however, the number and variety of eco-labels describing the environmentally friendly qualities of plants has also increased, which could confuse consumers and decrease label effectiveness. Previous studies found that well-designed eco-labels improve consumer understanding, clarity, and choice. This article summarizes a study that addressed how different eco-label formats (text vs. logo) impact consumer visual attention, preferences, and valuations of fruit-producing plants.

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

In the horticulture industry, age has frequently been used to divide and quantify gardeners.  Consequently, identifying how different age groups respond to in-store marketing efforts could aid in capturing additional market share and ultimately improve green industry performance and profitability. In this report, results from a study investigating in-store signage and plant tag information are shared.  Specifically, similarities and differences between younger and older consumers and their visual attention to point-of-sale (POS) information is explored.  Results provide a deeper understanding of how end consumers use POS information while determining their purchases in the retail center. Overall, this EDIS publication is intended to aid green industry growers, marketing intermediaries, and retailers as they design their in-store marketing materials. 

Jacqlyn Rivas, Tiare Saracino, Luke B. Harlow, Lynn Barber, Jennifer W. Marvin, Esen A. Momol, Tina McIntyre, andTerra Freeman

This publication is written for Florida gardeners, homesteaders and other horticulturalists interested in planting and establishing edible landscapes and improving those landscapes by conserving water. This publication will provide guidance for choosing the ideal irrigation system for edible cropping systems as well as general tips for conserving water in edible landscapes.

Steve A. Johnson andMartin B. Main

David J. Norman andGul Shad Ali

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

Hayk Khachatryan andAlicia Rihn

Ornamental landscape plants consist of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs that are primarily planted outdoors.

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

Richard J. Henny, Jianjun Chen, andTerri A. Mellich

Chris Marble

Hayk Khachatryan, Melinda Knuth, Alan W. Hodges, andCharlie Hall

This report summarizes production and marketing practices and trade flows for the Florida ornamental plant grower and dealer firms for 2018. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Melinda Knuth, Alan Hodges, and Charlie Hall, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, February 2022.

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Christa D. Court

Florida's pest management industry is one of the nation’s leaders, accounting for more than 14 percent of pest management establishments in 2021. Among other services, this industry provides insect extermination and control, bedbug extermination, mosquito control, termite extermination and control, and rodent control and extermination. The market share concentration of the Florida pest management industry has increased due to consolidation during the past decade, but the general concentration within the industry has remained relatively low. Most operators are midsize or small and strategically located near densely populated areas. To estimate economic contributions of the Florida pest management industry for the most recent fiscal year, we sent survey questionnaires to more than 3,500 pest control firms and received responses from 764 of them. We then conducted an economic contribution analysis using the IMPLAN© regional economic modeling system and associated databases.

Alicia Rihn, Hayk Khachatryan, Xumin Zhang, andMichael D. Dukes

This report summarizes Floridian homeowners’ perceptions of Florida-Friendly Landscapes, which aim to reduce inputs and costs while improving environmental health. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Xumin Zhang, and Michael Dukes, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, May 2021.

Adam Dale, Erin Harlow, Carrie Harmon, and Chris Marble

Xuan Wei, Benjamin L. Campbell, Hayk Khachatryan, and Robin G. Brumfield

The US agricultural industry depends on immigrant farm labor, particularly in the specialty crop sector where tasks like harvesting require a lot of labor. Most US farmworkers are from other countries, and almost half are not authorized to work in the United States.  The importance of immigrant labor in meeting the demand for workers in the nursery and floriculture production sector has been further highlighted with this industry's recent growth. This publication offers an overview of the increasing demand for H-2A workers in the ornamental horticulture industry, examines growers' challenges, and explores the underlying factors affecting workers’ participation in the H-2A program. It guides industry stakeholders to monitor changes in immigration policies and labor regulations, including the H-2A program and to adjust labor management practices accordingly. It includes strategies to address  labor challenges and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Catherine Campbell, Julia Graddy, Jeanette Andrade, andWendy Wilber

This publication from the Healthy Harvest series is intended for individuals who are interested in learning more about tubers and root vegetables that are grown in Florida, and ways to store, prepare, and cook these crops in healthy meals. Written by Catherine Campbell, Julia Graddy, Jeanette Andrade, and Wendy Wilber, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2025.

Catherine Campbell, Julia Graddy, Jeanette Andrade, andWendy Wilber

This publication is intended for individuals who are interested in knowing more about warm-season crops that are grown in Florida, as well as ways to store, prepare, and cook these crops in healthy meals. Written by Catherine Campbell, Julia Graddy, Jeanette Andrade, and Wendy Wilber, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2025.

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, Dong Hee Suh, and Michael Dukes

Drought conditions make landscape irrigation and reducing water use top-of-mind for many Floridians. Encouraging wise water use is of particular importance to the smart irrigation industry and water policy makers. This 5-page fact sheet pinpoints key attributes and barriers affecting consumers' irrigation purchases and their adoption of smart irrigation technologies.

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, andMichael D. Dukes

Water scarcity has become a widespread concern due to water pollution issues and drought conditions in the United States (Bennett, Carpenter, and Caraco 2001; Svoboda 2015). Previous research has shown that well and potable (drinking) water are often used by homeowners for indoor and outdoor purposes (Vickers 2001). As a result, one way to develop meaningful programs that lead to water conservation is to understand how consumers use water inside and outside their homes and create incentives for them to conserve water. Residential consumers account for most urban water use (Lee, Tansel, and Balbin 2011), with showers, toilets, and washing machines using the majority of indoor water (Mayer et al. 1999). Regarding outdoor water use, an estimated 75% of US residential water is used outdoors (Brehm, Pasko, and Eisenhauer 2013), with over half of it going to landscape irrigation (or roughly 9 billion gallons per day) (EPA 2016).

Raychel Thomas, Jana Caracciolo, and Catherine Campbell

This publication is for current or potential farm operators who are interested in knowing more about how the Florida Greenbelt Law affects farm operations’ property taxes and how farm operations can apply to receive an agricultural tax assessment. Written by Raychel Thomas, Jana Caracciolo, and Catherine Campbell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2021.

Chris Marble and Andrew Koeser

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

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, Jacqueline Bourdon, andDavid J. Norman
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

This publication provides information and general management recommendations for the azalea caterpillar, azalea lace bug, azalea leafminer, rhododendron gall midge, azalea gall, cercospora leaf spot, mushroom root rot, ovulinia petal blight, wet root rots, and iron chlorosis.

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, andJianjun Chen
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

This document is one in the Key Plant, Key Pests series. It helps identify common pests found on the Chinese fringe. 

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, andChris Marble
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

This publication helps identify the most common pests found on the Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia). Crapemyrtle are known for being one of the most pest-free landscape plants. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for the crapemyrtle aphid, metallic beetles and powdery mildew. 

Liz Felter, Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, andJacqueline Bourdon
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

This publication helps identify the most common pests found on Holly (Ilex sp.). This publication provides information and general management recommendations for Florida wax scale, tea scale, Cylindrocladium leaf spot, dieback, Sphaeropsis gall, root knot nematodes, and magnesium deficiency.

Juanita Popenoe, Caroline R. Warwick, andDavid J. Norman
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf, is a large grasslike perennial that is commonly used as a dark-green ground cover or as edging along walks and other areas.

Juanita Popenoe, Jacqueline Bourdon, Caroline R. Warwick, andJianjun Chen
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

Juanita Popenoe, Jacqueline Bourdon, Caroline R. Warwick, andChris Marble
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Matthew Borden, Kelly LaPlante, Juanita Popenoe, Adam Dale, Caroline R. Warwick, andBrian Pearson
Other Contacts: Brooke L. Moffis

The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is an iconic species native to the eastern half of the United States, USDA hardiness zones 4B to 9A. The tree grows rapidly up to 75–100 ft tall with a 50–70 ft wide crown at maturity.

Mengzi Zhang, Annabella Lyndon, Brian Pearson, Christopher R. McCurdy, Abhisheak Sharma, andJianjun 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.

Chi D. Nguyen, Dominic Vu, Heqiang Huo, and Brian Pearson

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Plant Systems

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, andCaroline R. Warwick

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Jesse Chintanadilok, Sahaj Patel, Yilin Zhuang, and Aditya Singh

All UASs need periodic maintenance and repair. These changes have raised questions among Extension agents regarding which UASs to purchase and use, and how these changes affect their operations going forward. Free and open-source (FOSS) options may be a very useful alternative to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) UASs. Written by Jesse Chintanadilok, Sahaj Patel, Yilin Zhuang, and Aditya Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2022.

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, Tiare Saracino, Jacqlyn Rivas, andEsen A. Momol

Mulching is the practice of spreading material around the base of a plant to protect the plant, conserving moisture or suppressing weeds. This is a guide for homeowners and professionals to reference best practices on mulching and discusses mulch sources, application techniques, and management practices. It will clarify the mulch needs of fruit trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables to promote plant health.

Jianjun Chen, Yangfeng Huang, Cynthia A. Robinson, and Russell D. Caldwell