For more information visit http://research.ifas.ufl.edu/biotech.shtml
or to register visit http://flbiotechliteracyday.eventbrite.com.
Live streaming will be available at http://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/ebe6567e17364cd4933f327207c9e28e1d
Ruth Hohl Borger, Ed.D., APR
Assistant Vice President
IFAS Communication Services
Mailing address
Bldg.69, 2343 Mowry Rd.
PO Box 110810
Gainesville, FL 32611-0810
352-392-2411 Ext. 43329
517-803-7631 cell
352-392-7902 Fax
Hi Everyone – here is a blog post that I posted on my blog site - https://ufstonefruit.wordpress.com/. Hope you can help Dr. Brito out!
Ever wonder why we only have one commercial rootstock that we use for Florida peach production? It’s because of a type of root-knot nematode found only here in Florida. In fact, it’s scientific name is Meloidogyne floridensis.
If you have it in your orchard, you might see short shoot growth, early bloom, and a general delay in fruit development (see below). 
The tree on the right was found to have nematode galls on the root system that was affecting the tree growth. Successive years of weak growth can cause tree collapse, and will require removal and replanting.
So, what can be done? First things first, we need some help! Dr. Janete Brito at FDACS, DPI in Gainesville would like to conduct a survey of growers orchards.
Here is her request:
Scientists of FDACS, Division of Plant Industry, University of Florida, IFAS and other research agencies are joining forces through a cooperative Farm Bill agreement to study and identify plant-parasitic nematodes associated with peach trees in Florida peach orchards. So far, the potential risk posed by these nematodes to the new peach industry in Florida has not been fully assessed because of lack of information on their identity and distribution in the state. Scientists involved in this cooperative project are confident that an intensive nematode survey in Florida peach followed by accurate morphological and molecular analyses of plant-parasitic nematodes found will provide precise information on the species that parasitize peach in Florida. Additionally, an associated survey for detection of plum pox virus (PPV) will be carried out. The results of these surveys will provide information about the incidence of these pathogens in Florida peach.
The sites to be surveyed for nematodes will include existing peach orchards, nurseries and land destined to peach production, including abandoned citrus groves. The support and cooperation of the peach growers in the form of access to orchards, nurseries and other sites to be sampled are much needed for the success of this project. As permission and access to the sites to be surveyed is granted, a timetable and strategy will be developed trying to minimize potential interference with the activity of peach growers involved in the survey. Scientists are hoping that this initiative will receive a favorable reception by the Florida peach industry. Peach growers wishing more information about this cooperative project or willing to provide access to their orchards for the survey should contact Dr. Janete Brito, FDACS nematologist; phone: (352)395-4752; e-mail: janete.brito@freshfromflorida. com.
Thank you in advance for helping to figure out where these nematodes are, so that we can target control methods. If you have any questions, please let Dr. Brito know!
Cheers, Mercy
“The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it”
-Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Here is an updated listing of upcoming webinars, workshops, and conferences that are offered both through eXtension and through other organizations. The one on Urban Master Gardening is about to start!
Volunteering in under-resourced communities: Challenges for urban Master Gardeners
Upcoming - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 10:00 am CDT - Presented by Sarah Eichberger
Master Gardeners are experts in gardening and food production. However, how prepared are they to work in urban areas where healthy food access is limited? This webinar will focus on the results of a study that investigated the challenges of the engagement process associated...
Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) for Extension
Upcoming - Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm CDT
See http://goo.gl/VSpq8F for a webinar invitation from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) 11:00 a.m. – Noon ET, Thursday, April 30, 2015. The focus will be on how Cooperative Extension can become involved in helping small businesses prepare for and comply...
2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Beneficial Garden Helpers
Upcoming - Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Mallory Kelley, Ellen Huckabay, Kris Braman
Learn about the helpful insects in your garden and landscape in this webinar presented by Dr. Kris Braman from the University of Georgia. Dr. Braman will explain how to encourage the predators and parasitoids in your backyard. Moderated by Mallory Kelley and Ellen Huckabay,...
Alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production
Upcoming - Friday, June 12, 2015 at 2:00 pm CDT
Poultry producers are frequently looking for treatment options aside from antibiotics. This presentation by Dr. Irene Hanning-Jarquin will provide an overview of herbs, spices and plant extracts as alternatives to antibiotics. Dr. Hanning-Jarquin -...
Ready Community: Vulnerability and Resilience
Upcoming - Friday, June 26, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Deborah Tootle
Studies have shown that resilient communities are those that can prepare for, respond to, and rebound quickly from disasters. These abilities do not happen by chance. Dr. Deborah Tootle, Iowa State University Extension, will explain how planning and reducing vulnerabilities...
Livestock First Aid and Safety
Upcoming - Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Scott Cotton
Injured animals and animals under stress react differently than they do in normal circumstances. If you don't work with livestock often, you may not completely understand how to keep yourself and animals safe in stressful situations, or how to provide first aid to injured...
Foodborne Outbreaks--What You Need to Know
Upcoming - Friday, October 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Soohyoun Ahn
Dr. Ahn will discuss recent outbreak trends, how to report a foodborne illness or outbreak, and how to prevent outbreaks. She'll also provide some general food safety information. Dr. Ahn is Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida....
Webinars, Workshops, & Conferences Outside of eXtension
Resources for Organic Producers Selling Local Foods
April 29, 2015
Online
The USDA Organic Working Group will host a webinar highlighting USDA's resources for organic producers marketing local foods. Learn about organic certification, labeling, and online directories of local markets. Learn about more resources for local and regional food programs through the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Pre-registration is not required for these webinar sessions. To participate, dial in by phone: 866-740-1260 with access code 7206000. Also access the Web:http://www.readytalk.com
On the left side of the screen, enter Participant Access Code 7206000.
Growing Your Community Food System "From the Ground Up" Workshop
May 2-3, 2015
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Growing Power's "From the Ground Up" Workshops are intensive, hands-on trainings offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects. Project participants leave the workshop with improved skills that they can take back into their communities and pass on to others. These workshops are for both rural and urban projects.
California Farm to School Conference
May 4-6, 2015
Pacific Grove, California
The conference will offer a series of workshops, panels, and discussions that will be of significant educational and networking value to attendees who will represent all facets of the farm to school movement, including farmers, distributors, government representatives, procurement officers, educators, and food program administrators. The pre-conference day on Monday offers optional activities and field trips (most for an additional fee) and opportunities to see programs in action. Five tracks will be offered at the Conference: Education in the Cafeteria and Classroom; Programs on the Farm and in the Garden; Making The Case; Local Procurement; and The Big Picture.
Resilient Food Systems Conference
May 8-9, 2015
San Luis Obispo, California
Join Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for this free, public event. Learn from industry and community leaders from across the food and agricultural landscape who are helping to build a more resilient food system through their innovative enterprises.
Plasticulture Workshop: Using Plastic Mulch in your Home or Market Garden
May 9, 2015
Poteau, Oklahoma
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture offers an opportunity to learn about using plastic mulch and drip irrigation for vegetable production. The program will include indoor presentations and outdoor demonstration. Pre-registration is required.
IOIA Webinar: On-Farm Food Safety Training
May 15, 2015
Online
The Independent Organic Inspectors Association offers this on-farm food safety training online in two 3.5-hour sessions.
National Value Added Agriculture Conference
May 18-20, 2015
Austin, Texas
This conference addresses food security, rural development, and value added agriculture. The theme is "The Future of the U.S. Food System: Providing Nutritious, Sustainable, and Healthy Food for All Americans." The conference will include breakout sessions and tours and will feature innovative businesses. The recent farm bill, food waste, labor issues, functional foods, technology and big data, the adaptability and resilience of the food and agricultural system in the new century are among the topics to be discussed toward the goal of designing and building a sustainable regional food network and agricultural systems.
June 18, 2015: Creative Financing for Food
Is access to capital holding your food business back from thriving?
Whether you run a farm, food hub, processing facility, retail store, co-op or shared kitchen this webinar will introduce you to new and creative sources of capital.
Bridging the Past, Cultivating the Future: Exploring Sustainable Foodscapes
AFHVS/ASFS Annual Meeting and Conference
June 24 - 28, 2015
https://falk.chatham.edu/falk/foodconference/
Katie Wright
Project Specialist
Department of Food Science
Center for Food Safety
Office: FDSC Building, Rm N101
Phone: (479) 575-2166
Email: katiew@uark.edu
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Check out upcoming FAMU programs including Mater Goat and Sheep Certification Program here.
Mary Beth Henry
Small Farms/Pesticide Licensing
Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 HWY. 17 S, Bartow, FL 33830
NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBER 863.519.1049 Fax: 863.534.0001
Previous number 863.519.8677 x 110 will be phased out soon
mbhenry@ufl.edu http://polksmallfarms.com http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
No Farmers No Food
Need notice of upcoming training and other information?
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The April 2015 issue of the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Newsletter is now available- http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2015-2017/April15.html
This month's news includes:
Faculty and student news
Lab news
Publications and meetings
Social media and outreach activities
Grants and more...
Get ready for BugWeek@UF! May 18-25. Look for #UFBugs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Issues usually are published by mid-month. Submit items for an issue by the 7th of that month.
We would like to share news when it happens using our social media outlets- Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Follow us on these sites for daily updates! Use the #UFBugs hashtag when you post your UF insect finds.
When you send news we will post it on one or more of these sites and again in the monthly newsletter.
Thank you for reading,
Jennifer
Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Ph.D.
UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Department
Rm. 3006 Bldg. 970, Natural Area Drive
PO Box 110620, Gainesville Florida 32611-0620
Phone: (352)273-3950
Email: gillett@ufl.edu
Twitter: @JGillettKaufman @UFEntomology and @UFNATL
