Friday, January 13, 2012

New and Revised Agriculture Publications, December 2011

This email lists new and revised EDIS publications that have been released to the public in December 2011. They are now available on the World Wide Web at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. This mailing only includes publications in the Agriculture program area. Please see separate mailings for publications in other program areas.

 

 

 

Agriculture

 

2012 Florida Policy Issues and Elections (FE899)
Since the legislative session will convene on January 10, rather than on the typical start date in March, it’s time for all Florida residents to begin thinking and educating themselves. This 4-page fact sheet explains some of the key 2012 policy issues. Written by Rodney L. Clouser, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe899

 

An Overview of Nutrient Budgets for Use in Nutrient Management Planning (SL361/SS562)
For professionals responsible for ensuring water quality, this 4-page fact sheet describes the types and limitations of nutrient budgets. Written by Amy L. Shober, George Hochmuth, and Christine Wiese, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss562

 

Crops

 

Weed Management Guide: Apple, Blackberry, Grape, and Okra
The following fact sheets in the Weed Management Guide have been updated with new recommendations:
Weed Management in Apple (HS88/WG014)
Weed Management in Blackberry (HS89/WG015)
Weed Management in Grape (HS91/WG018)
Weed Management in Okra (HS192/WG032)

 

Florida Predatory Stink Bug (unofficial common name), Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) (EENY157/IN314)
The predatory stink bug is considered a beneficial insect because most of its prey consists of plant-damaging bugs, beetles, and caterpillars. It seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural control of insects in Florida, but its prey includes a number of economically important species. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Frank W. Mead and David B. Richman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in314

 

Big-Eyed Bugs, Geocoris spp. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) (EENY252/IN517)
Big-eyed bugs are among those insects receiving research attention in Florida (and elsewhere) for their value as predators. To aid in identification of big-eyed bugs in Florida, a key to adults and late instar nymphs is provided in this publication. This 6-page fact sheet was written by F. W. Mead, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in517

 

A Wireworm Conoderus scissus Schaeffer (EENY509/IN911)
Conoderus scissus is the most abundant wireworm species found in sweet potato fields. Its preference for other crops is followed by peanut, cowpea, and corn. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet written by Dakshina R. Seal, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in911

 

Identification, Impacts, and Control of Ragweed Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (ENH1187/EP448)
One of the worlds most invasive weeds, this member of the Asteraceae family is a problem in Africa, Australia, India, and is increasingly a problem in Florida. Learn more in this 10-page fact sheet was written by Robert H. Stamps, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep448

 

Jatropha: An Alternative Substitute to Fossil Fuel (HS1193)
Jatropha is a tropical plant and can be grown in low to high rainfall and diverse soil types, but the plant is susceptible to freezes. The plant produces seeds containing inedible oil that can be converted to biodiesel. The cake by-product from oil extraction can be used for fish and animal feed, biogas, or as an organic fertilizer. This 10-page fact sheet describes the plant morphology, species adaptability, cultural practices, and crop uses. Written by Kamrun Nahar and Monica Ozores-Hampton, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, December 2011. (UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1193

 

Sugarcane Ripeners in Florida (SSAGR215/SC015)
Ripeners can be incorporated as an important component of sugarcane production management strategy. This 2-page fact sheet was written by D. C. Odero, C. R. Rainbolt, R. A. Gilbert, and J. A. Dusky, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, October 2011. Photo by ruumo/CC BY-SA 2.0
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc015

 

Production of Biofuel Crops in Florida: Sweet Sorghum (SSAGR293/AG298)
Varieties of sorghum with a high concentration of soluble sugars are attractive as a potential energy crop because of the easy accessibility of readily fermentable sugars combined with very high yields of green biomass. Similar to sugarcane, the sap of sweet sorghum is extracted by milling, and can be easily fermented to produce ethanol. Other products from sweet sorghum include syrup, molasses, and crystal sugar. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Wilfred Vermerris, John Erickson, David Wright, Yoana Newman, and Curtis Rainbolt, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag298

 

Production of Giant Reed for Biofuel (SSAGR318/AG327)
Giant reed is currently being evaluated as a potential biomass energy crop in Florida, even though some scientists and those in other states consider it to be a noxious or invasive weed. This 4-page fact sheet discusses the adaptation and production of giant reed as a potential energy crop and presents measures for controlling giant reed as an escaped weed. It does not give specific recommendations on whether it is better to control giant reed or produce it for biofuel. Written by Dennis Odero, Robert Gilbert, Jason Ferrell, and Zane Helsel, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag327

 

Citrus

 

An Asian Citrus Psyllid Parasitoid: Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam and Agarwal) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) (EENY505/IN907)
This 5-page fact sheet describes this imported biological control agent to combat the Asian citrus psyllid, a serious pest of citrus. Written by Eric Rohrig, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in907

 

 

Forest Resources

 

Assessing the Survival of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Wood Chips (FOR289/FR351)
What is the best way for homeowners to dispose of dead redbay trees to avoid spreading laurel wilt? This 4-page fact sheet summarizes a UF/IFAS study providing evidence that a simple technique — chipping the dead trees — can help contain the disease within a small area and that there is a low probability of long-distance movement of LW via wood chips. Written by Don Spence, Jason Smith, Albert Mayfield III, Jiri Huler, Randy Ploetz and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr351

 

Nursery & Greenhouse

 

Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Containers for the Nursery Industry (ENH1193/EP454)
Biodegradable containers are an increasingly attractive option for consumers and growers alike. This 5-page fact sheet looks at the past, present, and future of containers used in container nursery production. Written by Gary W. Knox and Matthew Chappell, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep454

 

Livestock

Conducting a Successful Livestock Show for Youth (AN268)
Want to plan a livestock show for youth that will serve as the educational summit of the livestock project experience? Make sure the entire event is as stress-free as possible for the livestock, youth exhibitors, their families, and show management and as educational as possible for youth exhibitors, their families, and all public spectators. Consider the recommendations in this 4-page fact sheet written by Chad Carr, Justin Crosswhite, Jennifer Shike, and Heather Shultz, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an268

 

The Florida Bull Test 2010-2011 (AN273)
The North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida annually hosts the Florida Bull Test. By controlling environmental factors and taking Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s) into account, the data emphasizes the dual importance of genetics and environment in all cattle types. Beef cattle producers can use this information to select superior cattle for the best possible herd. This 5-page fact sheet provides the results of the 2010-11 Florida bull test. Written by G. Cliff Lamb and Nicolas DiLorenzo, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, November 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Thomas Wright)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an273

 

Best Practice Checklist for Management of a Swine Show for Youth (AN274)
The management team for a swine show for youth should have a plan to manage the facilities, pigs, and personnel in a way that allows the show to be as stress-free and educational as possible. This 3-page fact sheet includes a checklist of information about unloading pigs, the size of the show ring, and pig handling training so that show managers know how to prepare for their show. Written by Chad Carr and Justin Crosswhite, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an274

 

Common Green Bottle Fly Sheep Blow Fly Luciia sericata (Meigen) (Insecta: Diptera: Calliphoridae) (EENY502/IN903)
The common green bottle fly is a common visitor to carrion, feces, and garbage. Like many of the other blow flies, it plays an important role in forensic, medical and veterinary science. Larvae or maggots help forensic scientists to determine the period of insect colonization as it relates to the time of death, aiding law enforcement in their investigations. Medical treatment using maggot therapy can help to heal infections that are otherwise incurable. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Matthew Anderson and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in903

 

 

Bracken Fern Control in Pastures (SSAGR357/AG366)
Bracken fern is a poisonous plant common along tree lines, in forest openings, and around building borders. Animals will consume it when adequate forage is not available. Learn more in this 2-page fact sheet was written by J. Ferrell, B. Sellers, and T. Wilson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag366

 

 

 

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