North Florida REC

Marcelo Wallau, Maria E. Mailhos, Cheryl Mackowiak, Esteban Rios, José Dubeux, andMd Babar

This publication provides the most up-to-date information on adapted cool-season forage varieties for our growing season. The recommendation of varieties is based on multi-location, multi-year cultivar evaluation experiments that may include trials in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and other states.

Hui-Ling (Sunny) Liao, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Florencia Marcon, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Doug Mayo, and Marcelo Wallau

The beef cattle ranchers in Florida reported some health issues related to cattle grazing on warm-season grass pastures, such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass. The illness was not attributable to nutritional imbalances, or other possible causes. The focus then turned to what the animals were consuming, and forages were implicated. In general, the forages in Florida are just fine, however, sometimes under certain circumstances the fungi that live in our forages may produce “secondary metabolites”. All the forage harbor fungi. Some fungi are good in that they aid our forages to grow better, helping to mine nutrients from the soil or atmosphere. Sometimes they are not so good, like when high levels of ergotized seed occur in the seed heads of bahiagrass.

C. Vasco, J. Dubeux, E. Santos, C. Wickens, and L. Warren

Rhizoma peanut hay has been demonstrated to benefit horses’ feeding behavior with reduced inactive time, which can result in lower risk for abnormal behaviors in stabled horses. This publication is intended to provide information to Extension agents, horse owners, and equine facility managers. Written by C. Vasco, J. Dubeux, E. Santos, C. Wickens, and L. Warren, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2023.

Angela Gonella-Diaza, Oscar Alejandro Ojeda-Rojas, João H. Bittar, andMario Binelli

This publication analyzes the calf-crop and calving distribution data reported on NAHMS Beef 1997 and provides insights and practical recommendations. Written by Angela Gonella, Oscar Alejandro Ojeda-Rojas, João Bittar, and Mario Binelli, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.

Mario Binelli, João Bittar, and Angela Gonella

This paper discusses the use of breeding practices and reproductive technologies in cow-calf operations, and the ways they affect calf crop. Written by Mario Binelli, João Bittar, and Angela Gonella, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, December 2021.

João H. Bittar, Mario Binelli, andAngela Gonella-Diaza

This article aims to present and discuss the most common management practices related to bull use that can impact cow-calf production and to share relevant statistics of bull use based on the last USDA surveys. Written by João Bittar, Mario Binelli, and Angela Gonella, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, September 2022.

Charles Adams, Joy Hazell, Lisa Krimsky, Bryan Fluech, Elizabeth Staugler, John Stevely, and Robert Botta

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Kiersten Fullem, Mathews L. Paret, and Jeffrey B. Jones

This publication is intended to provide information on the disease bacterial leaf spot of cucurbits, its epidemiology, and management to cucurbit growers in the southeastern United States. Written by Kiersten Fullem, Mathews L. Paret, and Jeffrey B. Jones, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, March 2024.

Patrick J. Minogue, Brent V. Brodbeck, and James H. Miller

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

Holly Andres, Hui-Ling Liao, andKaile Zhang

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as symbionts to host plants, play a pivotal role in regulating plant nutrient uptake and maintaining soil health. As approximately 80%-90% of terrestrial plants are colonized by mycorrhizal fungi, this fungal group significantly contributes to the overall yield and functions in crop production. This publication provides updated general knowledge on the biology and ecological functions of the most common types of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi are highly sensitive to environmental stressors and management practices, such as the application of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, as well as fungicides. An enhanced understanding of mycorrhizal fungi can raise awareness among growers, prompting them to consider mycorrhizal fungal activities when managing their farms. Moreover, it can improve the general public's knowledge of the role mycorrhizal fungi play in natural terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural and forest ecosystems.

Holly Andres, Kaile Zhang, andHui-Ling Liao

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with approximately 60% of trees and woody plants among temperate and boreal forests. EMF also serve as the primary symbionts in subtropical and tropical forests, particularly in conifer forests, including those in Florida's climate. These fungi influence the global carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, sequestering or supplying these elements as necessary for ecosystem processes and resilience. However, EMF are susceptible to environmental stressors and management practices, including fertilizers, fungicides, and mechanical disturbances. This publication aims to provide general knowledge to the general public on the biology and ecological functions of EMF in natural and managed forest ecosystems. By understanding the role and benefits of EMF in these environments, forest managers, tree nursery operators, and timber industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights for incorporating EMF into their management practices.

Brandon McDonald, B. M. Mason, C. T. Callaghan, Marcus Lashley, andCarolina Baruzzi

Camera traps provide a means to easily and unobtrusively view wildlife for a variety of purposes, providing information on the makeup of wildlife communities and sometimes animal behavior. While frequently used, there are currently many different cameras available with a variety of different settings. This publication discusses some of the ways cameras are typically used and provides recommended settings to get the most out of camera traps.

R. Seepaul, I. M. Small, P. Devkota, H. Y. Sintim, M. J. Mulvaney, S. George, R. G. Leon, S. V. Paula-Moraes, Isaac L. Esquivel, R. Bennett, A. Pokrzywinski, D. Geller, J. J. Marois, and D. L. Wright

Brassica carinata is a non-food industrial oilseed crop that can be grown in the winter in the southeast US without impacting food, feed, or fiber crops. Carinata is a low carbon advanced renewable fuel feedstock and a good source of animal protein. Carinata research in the SE US through a public-private partnership has developed a comprehensive body of knowledge regarding carinata agronomics, life cycle analysis, best management practices and economics. This article aims to help growers and others interested in carinata to understand its biology, agronomy, and production aspects.

Xavier Martini

This factsheet gives the general public and citrus growers basic knowledge regarding the California red scale. Written by X. Martini and J. Price, and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, November 2022.

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.

Flavia van Cleef andJosé Dubeux

The use of tannin-containing forages has received attention from researchers around the globe because of potential benefits of condensed tannins to livestock health and nutrition as well as possibilities to reduce methane emission. This publication targets two audiences: Extension faculty who need information on potential benefits and negative effects of condensed tannins to livestock production, and producers who intend to feed tannin-containing forages in their operation.

Sudeep S. Sidhu, Vikash Verma, andTom Reed
Other Contacts: Hardeep Singh

This publication focuses on the use of controlled-release potassium (CRK) fertilizer in sandy soils for peanut production. It will provide an overview of the mechanisms and benefits of using this new technology in peanuts. Written by Vikash Verma, Tom Reed, and Sudeep S. Sidhu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, January 2026.

David Wright, I. Small, and Nick Dufault

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

Gary W. Knox, Edward F. Gilman, Teagan Young, Ryan W. Klein, and Leynar Leyton

Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining crapemyrtle. Traditionally, many crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called "crape murder" because most people dislike the winter appearance and many professionals believe the practice impacts crapemyrtle health and structural integrity. UF/IFAS research has clarified the effects of various crapemyrtle pruning practices that resulted in the recommendations in this publication.

Bob Myer, Gary Hill, and Matt Hersom

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

Khalid Hameed, Van T. Cotter, Hui-Ling Liao, andChih-Ming Hsu

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

George Hochmuth and Robert Hochmuth

The purpose of this publication is to present suggestions and options for designing and operating a greenhouse for vegetable production in solid media systems.

Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons y Angela Gonella

Este documento está dirigido a productores de ganado de carne, trabajadores del campo y agentes de Extensión con el propósito de brindar información sobre los métodos de detección y diagnóstico de preñez disponibles en la actualidad. Este documento es AN394-Span, una publicación del Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Fecha original de la publicación: enero 2025.

Jose Dubeux, Jr., Lynn Sollenberger, Mark Mauldin, and Liza Garcia

Holly K. Ober

Holly K. Ober, Samantha M. Wisely, Alejandra Areingdale, andMiguel Acevedo

La rabia es un virus que se transmite entre mamíferos y es mortal para humanos y animales. La enfermedad es tratable, pero es incurable cuando los síntomas son evidentes. El virus ataca el sistema nervioso central y la forma más común de transmisión es la saliva, cuando un mamífero infectado muerde a otro animal o persona. El virus también se puede transmitir cuando saliva, lágrimas o tejido cerebral/nervioso infectados entran en contacto con heridas abiertas o mucosas (ojos, nariz o boca) de otro animal o persona.  El virus puede sobrevivir en los cuerpos de animales muertos por periodos largos, pero puede sobrevivir por poco tiempo fuera del cuerpo de un hospedero. El virus deja de ser infeccioso al secarse o calentarse, o ser expuesto a la luz solar.

Jarek Nowak, Alan J. Long, andAnn Blount
Other Contacts: Patrick J. Minogue

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Daniella C. Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, andKalyn Waters

This publication is intended for producers interested in improving the reproductive efficiency and performance of their cows. This publication explains the process of estrus synchronization and the protocols that can be used for natural service synchronization. Written by Daniella Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, and Kalyn Waters, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2025.

Robert C. Hochmuth and Richard K. Sprenkel

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.

John Hallas, Cheryl Mackowiak, andAnn C. Wilkie

Biosolids are the liquid, semisolid, and solid fractions of the treated waste stream from a domestic wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). On August 29, 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) formally adopted its rule for the management of wastewater biosolids, Chapter 62-640, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C. 2010). This article from the Florida Biosolids series covers applicability of the rule, the intent of Chapter 62-640, F.A.C., land application requirements, biosolids storage, cumulative application limits, setback distances, pH, soil depth, runoff prevention, additional application site restrictions for Class B biosolids, NMPs, and special geographic areas.

John Hallas, Ann C. Wilkie, andCheryl Mackowiak

Biosolids are the liquid, semisolid, and solid fractions of the treated waste stream from a domestic wastewater treatment facility. This article provides an overview of biosolids, biosolids classes, pathogen reduction, vector attraction reduction, and metal contaminants, and also discusses the purpose, applicability, and history of Chapter 62-640, Florida Administrative Code.

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

José Dubeux, Nicolas DiLorenzo, Kalyn Waters, andJane Griffin
Other Contacts: Angela Gonella-Diaza

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

Anna Osiecka and Patrick J. Minogue

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Anna Osiecka, Patrick J. Minogue, andE. David Dickens

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

Brandon McDonald, Marcus Lashley, Michael Cove, andCarolina Baruzzi
Translated by Laura Sánchez
Other Contacts: Miguel Acevedo

Esta publicación forma parte de la serie de hojas informativas Wildlife of Florida, creada para ofrecer al público una introducción rápida y precisa a la vida silvestre de Florida, incluyendo especies nativas e invasoras. Esperamos que estas hojas informativas te inspiren a aprender más sobre uno de los mamíferos más raros de Florida, la rata arborícola de Key Largo, así como a explorar la fauna que habita en tu comunidad y a comprender la increíble biodiversidad del estado de Florida.

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.

José C. B. Dubeux, Jr. and Edward K. Twidwell

This 4-page document provides information on preparing forage crops, conserved forage, and grazing areas for potential hurricane damage and alleviating hurricane damage on forage crops and grazing lands in the Southeast United States, with an emphasis on the Florida peninsula and Gulf Coast.

Isaac L. Esquivel, Xavier Martini, Ethan Carter, andSilvana Vieira de Paula-Moraes

Peanut is one of the most important cash crops grown in the United States, with an estimated production value of over $1 billion. The southeastern coastal plains harbor most of the US peanut acreage, and Florida is ranked among the top five major peanut producers in the US, with 160 thousand acres planted in 2022 and an annual production value of $130 million in 2021. The majority of peanut acreage in Florida is in the Panhandle and central Florida, in Jackson, Santa Rosa, and Levy counties. Several insect pests feed on various peanut plant parts, including foliage, roots, and fruiting structures. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant canopy and kernels and can also transmit diseases, reducing the quality and quantity of yield if they are not properly detected and managed. This publication serves as a guide for Extension agents and growers to provide an overview of proper sampling techniques and management for peanut pests found in the Florida Panhandle.

Xavier Martini

Sweet potatoes, both orange- and white-fleshed varieties, are widely grown in Florida. Foliar pests, leafminers, whiteflies and armyworms, are generally not difficult to manage; in fact insecticides should be avoided to conserve their natural enemies. More serious are those pests whose immature stages feed on roots: sweetpotato weevil, wireworms, banded cucumber beetles, pale-striped and sweetpotato flea beetles, and in south Florida, Diaprepes weevils and white grubs.

Hui-Ling Liao andAdesuwa S. Erhunmwunse

Soil microorganisms, including soil bacteria and fungi, play important roles in pasture systems. They contribute to enhanced soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience. This publication discusses effects of bahiagrass and rhizoma perennial peanut integration on soil microbial diversity. Written by Hui-Ling Liao and Adesuwa S. Erhunmwunse, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, July 2024.

Adesuwa S. Erhunmwunse, Hui-Ling Liao, andKaile Zhang

Soil microbes play important roles in soil health processes, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and aggregate stability. Soil testing labs now include microbial analyses, which often come with unfamiliar terms. This publication aims to educate producers, Extension agents, policymakers, and the public on how to interpret these soil microbial results to better understand their implications for soil health and crop production.

Hui-Ling Liao, Chih-Ming Hsu, Khalid Hameed, and Van T. Cotter

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

Kevin Athearn, Mark Yarick, and Natasha Parks

This publication provides a basic introduction to product costing for farm businesses and food processing enterprises. It describes cost concepts, provides product costing examples, and briefly discusses software tools that can assist with cost analysis. The publication is intended to help farmers and food entrepreneurs understand product costing concepts and do their own cost calculations to assist with business decisions.

K. A. Carey, Brandon McDonald, A. Lahiri, B. M. Mason, Isaac L. Esquivel, C. T. Callaghan, andCarolina Baruzzi

This publication provides some examples of effectively using camera traps to teach ecological concepts related to wildlife feeding preferences, daily activity, human disturbance, ecosystem engineering, and pollinators. Written by K. A. Carey, B. W. McDonald, A. Lahiri, B. M. Mason, I. L. Esquivel, C. T. Callaghan, and C. Baruzzi, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2025.

Peter C. Andersen, Muhammad A. Shahid, andKevin M. Folta

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Kalyn Waters andGraham Cliff Lamb

Ramdeo Seepaul, Sheeja George, Joel C. Love, David L. Wright, Cheryl Mackowiak, andAnn Blount
Other Contacts: Hardeep Singh

This publication aims to help growers and researchers understand the role of cover crops in improving soil health. The document provides recommendations on managing cover crops and describes the benefits of growing cover crops. Written by R. Seepaul, S. George, J. Love, D. W. Wright, C. Mackowiak, and A. Blount, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised January 2023.

Xavier Martini, Ioannis Karapanos, Joseph E. Funderburk, Sanju Kunwar, Jessica Chitwood-Brown, Hugh A. Smith, Eugene J. McAvoy, Mathews Paret, andNorman C. Leppla

This fact sheet describes the biology and ecology of thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus, and recommends an integrated pest management program for these pests. It is intended for professionals in tomato production, horticulture, and pest management.

Robert Hochmuth, Dakshina Seal, Norman Leppla, Daniel Fenneman, Rhoda Broughton, and Anil Baniya

This publication describes current methods for managing wireworms in sweet potato. Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, are the most damaging insect pests of those that infest the foliage and roots. Soil tillage and crop rotation can suppress populations of these root pests but adequate management requires diligent surveillance and the use of insecticides. Describes new research on managing wireworms with alternative insecticide active ingredients and entomopathogenic nematodes.

Jeffrey G. Norcini

This is a brochure describing several of Florida's common wildflower species. The brochure lists common names of many wildflower species, along with their flowering statistics and probable habitats. Images of the species and maps of their ranges are also included. 

R. J. Henny, J. Chen, and T. A. Mellich

George Hochmuth andRobert Hochmuth

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Erin Powell, Isaac L. Esquivel, Nicole Quinn, Marcelo Wallau, Adam Dale, andBrent Sellers

The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei Brookes) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), a pest now found in Florida, can cause severe dieback of grasses. It was first reported in the continental US in Texas in October 2025, though researchers suspect it arrived before 2022. In Texas, it was found on many grasses, including bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and johnsongrass. Along with pasture and turfgrass, it has emerged as an important pest of sugarcane, spreading from Texas to Louisiana. In Florida, it was first reported in late May 2026 on limpograss in the southeastern part of the state. As of June 19, 2026, surveys confirmed the mealybug in 15 Florida counties including: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and St. Lucie. The most damage has been observed on limpograss and sugarcane, but several other grasses are affected, including bahiagrass and bermudagrass.

Sudeep S. Sidhu, David L. Wright, Barry Tillman, Nicholas S. Dufault, Ian M. Small, Isaac L. Esquivel, Zane J. Grabau, Hardeep Singh, Emma Matcham, Ednaldo A. Borgato, Jay Capasso, Shivendra Kumar, andEthan Carter

This publication discusses the current management and cultural practices for peanut production. This article is intended to share the latest information about peanut production and management with farmers, crop consultants, and Extension agents. Written by S. S. Sidhu, D. L. Wright, B. Tillman, N. Dufault, I. M. Small, I. L. Esquivel, Z. Grabau, H. Singh, E. Matcham, E. A. Borgato, J. Capasso, S. Kumar, and E. Carter, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, January 2026.

Muhammad A. Shahid, K. Leaks, Ann Blount, andCheryl Mackowiak

The concept of using a perennial peanut as a living mulch and source of biological nitrogen in fruit and nut crop orchards is not a new idea. In Central and South America, perennial peanuts have long been incorporated as a living groundcover into palm, coffee, cacao, plantain, and citrus, as well as into other fruit and nut production orchards. This cover crop may pose as a viable, environmentally-friendly option for production in Florida, too.

Kevin R. Trumpp, Chang Zhao, andJosé Dubeux

Grasslands have great potential for removing carbon from the atmosphere, helping contribute to the state economy while regulating greenhouse gases. This publication targets the education of Extension faculty and producers on understanding the carbon cycle in grasslands and the potential for economic valuation of carbon accrual in grazing lands. Written by Kevin R. Trumpp, Chang Zhao, and José Dubeux, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, September 2025.

Carla D. Sanford andGraham Cliff Lamb
Other Contacts: Kalyn Waters andJohn Arthington

Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella

This publication is directed to beef producers, farmworkers, and Extension agents with the purpose of providing information regarding current pregnancy diagnosis methods for beef cattle. Written by Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, May 2024.

Hui-Ling Liao, Haihua Wang, Kaile Zhang, Benjamin Reimer, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Vijay Verma, Ann Blount, andCheryl Mackowiak

Rust is a common disease on warm-season grasses that can affect pasture health and potentially serve as an allergen for animals grazing on it. Despite its significance, rust disease in warm-season grass is often overlooked. This publication reports on rust disease observed in Florida pastures and offers practical, non-technical knowledge and general management suggestions to mitigate the threat of rust disease. It is aimed at producers, landowners, and the public.

Robert C. Hochmuth, Robert D. Wallace, Peter J. Van Blokland, and Jeffrey G. Williamson

D. L. Wright, K. Boote, and I. M. Small

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

Daniella C. Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, andKalyn Waters

Las operaciones de cría de ganado dependen de la eficiencia reproductiva. Existen diferentes tecnologías reproductivas que pueden ayudar a incrementar la productividad de las operaciones de cría. El uso de tecnologías para manejo reproductivo permitirá a los productores concentrar la concepción al inicio de la temporada de monta. Como consecuencia, los partos se concentrarán al inicio de la temporada de parición y se producirá un grupo más homogéneo de terneros. Esta publicación está dirigida a productores que estén interesados en mejorar la eficiencia reproductiva y el desempeño de sus vacas. Aquí se explica el proceso de sincronización del celo y los protocolos que se pueden utilizar para el servicio natural en los Estados Unidos. Tenga en cuenta que, si usted se encuentra radicado en otro país, es posible que los protocolos de sincronización y las hormonas disponibles en su región no sean los mismos que se describen en esta publicación.

Xavier Martini, Ioannis Karapanos, Sanju Kunwar, Jane E. Polston, Pamela D. Roberts, andOscar E. Liburd

This publication lists and describes common viruses spread in cucurbit crops by whiteflies. It includes strategies for managing whiteflies, most of them originally from a similar publication on managing whiteflies in tomatoes.

Hui-Ling Liao

Each gram of rich soil can harbor 100 million to a billion microorganisms, meaning every inch of our soil is alive (Raynaud and Nunan 2014) (Fig. 1). These underground organisms keep soil healthy. Balancing the community of microbes can benefit plant yield, plant health, and soil sustainability. While it is recognized that many soil microbes perform key roles in crop productivity, the importance of these underground activities is easily overlooked because of their small size. By focusing on a specific group of microbes living on or near plant roots, this publication provides understanding for these questions: Who are these microbes and how do they improve plant and soil health?

Susannah da Silva, Binoy Babu, Mathews L. Paret, Gary Knox, Fanny Iriarte, Barron Riddle, Matt Orwat, Shawn T. Steed, E. Vanessa Campoverde, and Svetlana Y. Folimonova

Binoy Babu, Mathews L. Paret, Tim Schubert, Carlye Baker, Gary Knox, Fanny Iriarte, James Aldrich, Laura Ritchie, Carrie L. Harmon, and Svetlana Y. Folimonova

Jeffrey G. Norcini
Other Contacts: Héctor E. Pérez

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

Federico Tarnonsky, Federico Podversich, Araceli Maderal, andNicolas DiLorenzo

Sorghum has been gaining attention in Florida as a crop alternative harvested as whole plant silage for inclusion in backgrounding diets as the main roughage source to fill the forage gap in winter feeding programs. The objective of this publication is to share the experience of three consecutive years at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Marianna, Florida, using whole-plant sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage as the main dietary ingredient for growing heifers. County Extension agents and cattle producers can use this report to reference a range of expected weight gains, feed conversion rates, and costs when using sorghum silage as the main dietary ingredient in backgrounding beef cattle diets. Adopting this technology could increase the opportunity for producers to add value to weaned calves across Florida, where there are suitable conditions for growing sorghum. 

Jose Dubeux, Lynn Sollenberger, Joao Vendramini, Marcelo Wallau, Ann Blount, Liza Garcia-Jimenez, Erick Santos, and David Jaramillo

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

Hui-Ling Liao, Kaile Zhang, Vijay Verma, Haihua Wang, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Valerie Mendez Stansly, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Marcelo Wallau, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Ed Jennings, J. K. Yarborough, Doug Mayo, Ray Bodrey, andAaron Stam

The toxicity of grasses caused by mycotoxins has led to economic losses in the United States due to the health impact on livestock feeding on it. Florida's warm and humid weather is favorable for the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi on grasses. The JECFA has provided evaluations and risk management for some high-risk mycotoxins; however, more research is needed in Florida to determine the maximum levels of these mycotoxins, how different environmental conditions affect these levels, and the specialized risk management to prevent animals from getting sick. Our Extension agents were able to collect and examine 195 grass samples from 13 ranchers across dry and wet seasons in Florida. In this publication, we summarized the results for our ranchers to learn more about (1) what (dominant) mycotoxins are generally present in Florida’s pastures, (2) what grass species could harbor more of these mycotoxins, and (3) what seasons or locations may favor these dominant mycotoxins.

Charles Barrett andMartha C. Monroe

Best management practices (BMPs) are cost-efficient processes that improve daily life, from healthcare to food service. Agricultural BMPs aim to reduce water use and improve water quality and soil on farms and ranches as well as to encourage better forestry practices and lawn care. This fact sheet introduces non-farmers to agricultural BMPs.

Kathi Malfa, Ethan Carter, Xavier Martini, andIsaac L. Esquivel

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.

Peter C. Andersen andMuhammad A. Shahid

A comprehensive guide to the pecan tree with recommendations for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, including: historical information, distribution, botany, site selection and soil preparation, tree spacing, tree planting, propagation in the nursery, propagation of mature trees, cultivar selection, pollination, tree training and pruning, irrigation, fertilization, nutrient deficiencies, tree production and alternative bearing, neglected and abandoned pecan orchards, mammal and bird pest problems, marketing situation, and suggested further reading.

Hui-Ling Liao

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

Manisha Yadav, Katherine A. Parys, andIsaac L. Esquivel

This publication (part of the Featured Creatures collection, which profiles insects, nematodes, arachnids and other Florida organisms  for interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology and for academic audiences), describes the sandhills longhorn bee, Epimelissodes aegis (LaBerge), a solitary bee known to pollinate sunflowers and related plants. It includes facts about its distribution, biology, and economic importance, and lists its host plants. Members of the genus are found throughout North and Central America, typically burrowing in sandy or well-drained soils. There are currently 20 species across four subgenera, but nesting biology has been described for only five of these, including Epimelissodes aegis. All known species in the genus are hosts to kleptoparasitic bees in the genus Triepeolus, which lay their eggs in the nests of other bees and rely on stolen pollen and nectar provisions to rear their offspring.

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

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

Christopher M. Demers, Michael G. Andreu, Babe McGowan, Alan J. Long, andJarek Nowak

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Daniela Cortés-Beltrán and Angela Gonella

This publication provides tips on how to perform successful artificial insemination in a beef cattle operation. Written by Daniela Cortés-Beltrán and Angela Gonella, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, December 2021.

Daniela Cortés-Beltrán andAngela Gonella-Diaza

Esta publicación está dirigida a los productores de ganado bovino, trabajadores agrícolas y agentes de Extensión, con el propósito de proporcionar información sobre cómo realizar una IA exitosa en bovinos. Este documento, AN380-Span, es uno de una serie del Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. La publicación original es de marzo 2024.

Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Mark Mauldin, and Angela M. Gonella-Diaza

This publication aims to provide guidance on how to perform successful samples collection and shipping for parent verification. Written by Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Mark Mauldin, and Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2024.

Laura A. Warner, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, and Anil Kumar Chaudhary

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

Brandon McDonald, Marcus Lashley, Michael Cove, and Carolina Baruzzi

This publication is part of the Wildlife of Florida fact sheet series, created to provide the public with a quick and accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive species. We hope these fact sheets inspire you to learn more about one of Florida’s rarest mammals, the Key Largo woodrat, as well as to investigate the other wildlife around your community and understand the amazing biodiversity in the state of Florida.