NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 94 GAINESVILLE, FL senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences PO Box 110180 Gainesville, FL 32611-0180

the institute of food and agricultural sciences magazine | vol. 20 no. 2 | summer 2004

Pets gone wild!

bill kern, an assistant professor and extension vertebrate pest management specialist at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, holds a female green iguana. Kern says the reptiles, which were brought into the state from tropical areas as pets, are becoming a common sight throughout South Florida and thrive outdoors as far north as the Tampa Bay area.

“They are a prime example of how exotic animals can become a nuisance in Florida,” he said. “They feed on fruit and ornamental plants and dig burrows that can cause erosion around retaining walls and seawalls.”

The reptiles, which can carry salmonella, usually avoid people, but will defend themselves and bite if provoked by people or pets such as dogs and cats. Kern said alligators, dogs and raccoons are probably their only natural enemies in the surburban environments of South Florida. He plans to publish a UF/IFAS fact sheet on iguanas this summer. left: photo by Marisol Amador. below: photo by Thomas Wright. For more information, contact: Tropical bill kern (954) 577-6329 [email protected] Agriculture: Florida’s Unique Role

institute of food and agricultural sciences | university of florida | All programs and related activities sponsored for, or assisted by, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are open to all persons with non discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. Information from this publication is available in alternate formats. Visit impact.ifas.ufl.edu, or contact IFAS Communication Services, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810. ISSN #0748-23530

IMPACT is published by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and is produced by IFAS Communication Services, perspective Ashley M. Wood, director. editor Charles T. Woods the institute of food and agricultural sciences magazine | vol. 20 no. 2 | summer 2004

photo editor over the past nearly six years I have learned a great deal about Florida. Thomas S. Wright Among many other things, I have learned that agriculture, including related natural resource ifas staff photographers 4 Taming Melaleuca in Florida 24 Special Help for Specialty Crops industries, is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and critical to the state’s future. Marisol Amador Imported from Australia more than To make sure producers of high-value, Josh Wickham a century ago, melaleuca has invaded specialty crops have the pest management To be sustainable, agriculture must be economically and environmentally viable. And economic a wide variety of natural landscapes tools they need, UF/IFAS is providing art director in South Florida. To bring the trouble- leadership for the Interregional viability means profitability. We know that agricultural profitability depends on expanding sales Tracy D. Zwillinger some tree under control, scientists with Research Project No. 4. revenues in an ever-changing global market. UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural graphic designer Sciences are working with state Elecia J. Crumpton Agricultural sales are influenced by international competition, changing consumer tastes and federal agencies on the new TAME Melaleuca project. 28 Balancing Act in the Tropics contributors and incomes, new product development, costs of transportation and marketing, and value added Patti Bartlett In the tropical forests of Latin America, locally. Costs of agricultural production reflect costs of impacts such as labor, land, water, Tim Lockette the need to balance conservation and 8 economic development is the goal of the chemicals and management —along with the impacts of government policy and regulations. copy editors Living on the Edge new Integrated Graduate Education and Chana J. Bird On the edge of the tropics, Florida is Research Traineeship program, which There was a time when costs could be lowered by simply increasing yields but those days Mary Chichester the perfect place for all sorts of unwanted is administered by UF/IFAS. plants, pests and diseases to gain a foothold. are gone. Now, Florida farmers, foresters and ranchers must constantly seek new approaches, For information about UF/IFAS To keep invasives out of the state — new technologies and new solutions. And these are all the products of research, development programs, call or e-mail Donald and control the ones that are already W. Poucher, assistant vice president here — UF/IFAS researchers are 32 Safety First and education. for marketing and communications. developing a variety of effective A new UF/IFAS extension education (352) 392-0437; [email protected] management programs. program — presented in Spanish — Because Florida’s agriculture is so diverse, there is relatively little private sector research is helping thousands of immigrant farm workers in South Florida learn about and development (R&D) in the state. This means that UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural To change an address, request extra copies of IMPACT, or to be 14 safety and avoid accidents. Sciences (UF/IFAS) is the primary source of R&D for the state’s essential and dynamic added to the mailing list, e-mail Caribbean Connection Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural agricultural sector. Chuck Woods, [email protected], or write Chuck Woods, P.O. Box 110025, Research — also known as T-STAR — 35 University of Florida, Gainesville, is a partnership involving UF/IFAS and Hot Tomato! However, UF/IFAS has experienced decreased real investment in the R&D portion of the FL, 32611-0025. universities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Solar Fire, a heat-tolerant tomato variety Virgin Islands. With support from the U.S. developed by UF/IFAS researchers, can set state’s most stable industries over the past 19 years. And, as we look to the future, without IMPACT is available in alternative Department of Agriculture, more than 80 fruit at high temperatures, giving Florida the ongoing investment and support from the State of Florida, UF/IFAS can’t be all it must formats. Visit our Web site: research projects are currently underway growers a new option for improving production during the summer. impact.ifas.ufl.edu to improve the quality of life for people be to agriculture. Given an increased investment by the state, UF/IFAS is poised to establish in Florida and the Caribbean region. relevant and responsive research and development priorities that will have positive impacts Retraction: on industry profits and sustainability in the global economy. The Summer 2003 issue of IMPACT included an article on an Extension 18 nutrition program for Hispanics. The Orchidaceous! Summer '03 article was an update of Next to poinsettias, orchids are now the an earlier story written by Paul Kimpel, leading potted flowering plant produced who was not credited for the story. in Florida, generating more than $23 Also, the photo on page 28 of that issue million in annual farmgate sales. should have been credited to Milt Putnam. IMPACT regrets these omissions. Mike Martin Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources

On the Cover In Florida, where large-scale production of orchids is booming, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is providing valuable research and education for consumers, growers and students. Pictured is a Doritaenopsis hybrid orchid (Dtps. Happy Smile x Dtps. King Shang’s Rose). Cover photo by Josh Wickham. (story on page 18).

© copyright 2004 by the university of florida/ifas. all rights reserved | IMPACT | Summer 2004

photo courtesy of amy ferriter

TAMING

melaleuca in florida, where invasive “The good news is that various exotic plants account for as much as 31 government agencies have been able in FLORIDA percent of all plant species, melaleuca to clear melaleuca from almost 100,000 is one of the most significant threats acres of publicly owned natural areas to biodiversity. such as Big Cypress National Preserve, Imported from Australia as an the Lake Okeechobee marsh and the ornamental plant that would help Everglades,” Langeland said. “The bad “dry up useless swamps,” melaleuca news is that the tree is still spreading has behaved badly — invading a wide rapidly on privately held lands where variety of natural landscapes in South there are no controls — resulting in Florida. Everything from wetland a no-net loss of melaleuca. Dense marshes and prairies to cypress domes forests of melaleuca now occur mainly and pine flatwoods is affected, and on private lands in Broward, Miami- one mature tree can hold as many Dade, Palm Beach, Lee, Martin and as 50 million seeds. Collier counties.” By the early 1900s, only 50 years Langeland said the TAME project is after it was introduced, melaleuca using an integrated pest management had spread over hundreds of thousands approach to control melaleuca. of acres. In 1967, it was found in “Combining different management Everglades National Park, and by 1993 control options will be more effective it covered 488,000 acres in South than any one method alone,” Langeland Florida. Melaleuca is now listed by said. “The goal is to stop new infesta- federal and state agencies as a noxious tions and treat existing infestations weed, making it illegal to possess, sell, before they spread and become even cultivate or transport in Florida. more difficult to control.” “The tree invades moist, open habi- He said aerial spraying of herbicide tats, forming dense, often impenetrable is effective for large stands of melaleuca. photo courtesy of françois laroche stands of trees,” said Ken Langeland, a Ground crews are used to girdle trees professor of agronomy in the University and apply herbicide to individual trees. photo by marisol amador of Florida’s Institute of Food and Cutting melaleuca trees will not kill Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). the stump or the roots, so herbicide “Native wildlife is threatened because must be applied to the cut surfaces photo courtesy photo courtesy Introduced to Florida in the mid-1880s, melaleuca has spread quickly the tree crowds out beneficial native to prevent regrowth. Flooding doesn’t of paul pratt of paul pratt plants. It’s also a serious fire hazard kill mature trees but may kill some throughout South Florida, displacing native plant and animal communities, drying up because oils in the leaves burn hot seedlings or prevent them from Melaleuca quinguenervia is a large tree up to 100-feet tall and are difficult to extinguish.” becoming established on flooded soils. with whitish, spongy, peeling bark. It has dark-green narrow wetlands, creating fire hazards and threatening the stability of the Everglades ecosystem. leaves that smell like camphor when they are crushed. It also has Langeland, a specialist on aquatic And while fire may destroy seedlings numerous white bottlebrush flowers and clusters of woody seed To bring the troublesome tree under control, scientists with the University of Florida’s and invasive plants, is chairman of and saplings, it won’t kill mature trees capsules along the stems. the technology transfer team for the and actually helps release and spread Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are working with state and federal TAME (The Area-wide Management the seeds. Heavy equipment, which Evaluation) Melaleuca project, a multi- is difficult to use in remote areas with agencies on the new TAME Melaleuca project. by chuck woods agency demonstration program estab- dense melaleuca, may harm soils and lished in 2001 by the U.S. Department native plants. of Agriculture in cooperation with Above: When melaleuca was brought to Florida from Australia in the 1880s, insects and diseases that attack the tree were the South Florida Water Management left behind. This allowed the plant to grow and spread rapidly, displacing native vegetation. No native flora or fauna are District and UF/IFAS. The melaleuca known to harm melaleuca, which gradually forms an ecological wasteland dominated by the tree. Inset: Michael Meisenburg, left, and Ken Langeland examine melaleuca that has been shredded into mulch. Commercial melaleuca mulch, control program includes eight demon- which has been composted for 90 days before bagging in order to kill the seeds, is an environmentally friendly and stration sites in South Florida. To learn more about the TAME Melaleuca termite-resistant mulch. project, visit http://tame.ifas.ufl.edu

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Taking a Bite Out of Melaleuca photo courtesy Double Trouble of forrest howard The best long-term management a problem in South Florida’s fragile option may be biological control. environment. Neither biocontrol Along with the melaleuca menace comes Biocontrol involves the importation insect is a threat to people, animals another worrisome problem: lobate lac scale of agents, such as host-specific insects, or other plants.” Melaleuca is also a good host for the to naturally control invasive species In 1997, the melaleuca weevil lobate lac scale, serving as a breeding like melaleuca. After 16 years of (Oxyops vitiosa) was released to control ground where large numbers of larvae research, five biocontrol insects have melaleuca by feeding on leaves. By are free to spread to valued landscape been imported from Australia, and two the end of 2002, the weevil was estab- and native plants, said Forrest Howard, have been released in South Florida lished in 12 South Florida counties, melaleuca weevil (Oxyops vitiosa) an associate professor of entomology by USDA and UF/IFAS researchers. reducing seed production by about photo courtesy of paul pratt at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale “We have been seeking effective 80 percent on trees they attack. Research and Education Center. biological control agents for melaleuca In 2002, the melaleuca psyllid and project manager; Jim Cuda, an assistant The insect —no bigger than a since 1986,” said Paul Pratt, TAME (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae) was professor in the UF/IFAS entomology and pinhead —could become the most project leader at the USDA Invasive released. About the size of a gnat nematology department in Gainesville; difficult problem yet for gardens and Plant Research Laboratory located at or small ant, the psyllid feeds on Alan Hodges, an associate in the UF/IFAS natural areas in South Florida. Native the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research melaleuca’s clear sap, severely food and resource economics department; to India and Sri Lanka, it was first and Education Center. Pratt also is a damaging seedlings. and William Overholt, an assistant profes- found in Broward County in 1999, courtesy assistant professor at the “Unlike the weevil, which is sor of entomology at the UF/IFAS Indian and now it’s been found on more than UF/IFAS center. restricted to dry habitats, the River Research and Education Center 200 species of plants in South Florida. “Since melaleuca trees are native melaleuca psyllid can become estab- in Fort Pierce. It attacks native species such as wax- to Australia, we searched for and found lished in any melaleuca-infested area,” For more information, contact: myrtle, cocoplum, red bay, wild-coffee two natural enemies of melaleuca in Pratt said. “We expect this will provide and strangler-fig as well as ornamental that country,” he said. “Both releases more effective control of the tree.” ken langeland (352) 392-9614 and fruit trees such as mango, ficus, were made after an extensive quaran- Other scientists working on the [email protected] black-olive, lychee and star-fruit. tine period and careful testing to TAME project include Cressida paul pratt (954) 475-0541, ext. 105 above: Forrest Howard examines a silver buttonwood ornamental shrub, which is a host for lobate lac scale. [email protected] Of all trees, wax-myrtles are the Photo by Marisol Amador. inset: Lobate lac scales can be identified by their unusual four-lobed appearance. make sure the insects will not become Silvers, a USDA entomologist most susceptible to the scale, Howard said. Wax-myrtles are an important the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s but in some cases they cannot be used berry-producing tree for birds in Invasive Plant Research Laboratory on fruit trees. Furthermore, control South Florida. in Fort Lauderdale, and Ru Nguyen, with insecticides is not appropriate for Biocontrol Bugs by Mail Order “The wide-range of hosts makes an entomologist at the Florida use in natural areas where lobate lac The TAME Melaleuca technology “The two bugs will not completely For mail orders, there is a $20 lobate lac scale especially troubling,” Department of Agriculture and scale is a severe problem.” transfer team also includes UF/IFAS kill melaleuca trees, but they will handling and shipping fee for each he said. “Evidence of their sap-sucking Consumer Services Division of Plant He said biocontrol offers the county extension agents such as John defoliate trees and cause them to insect order. For those who visit the destruction includes blackened leaves Industry in Gainesville. best long-term solution to the scale Brenneman in Polk and Hillsborough flower less often, providing effective UF/IFAS Extension Service at 8400 and branches, branch dieback and Howard is studying the biology problem, but a great deal of research counties and Ken Gioeli in St. Lucie control of trees over a period of time,” Picos Road in Fort Pierce and collect even death for susceptible shrubs of the scale insect and developing must precede any introduction of County. Gioeli said. “The natural biocontrols their own bugs at the site, there is no and trees.” chemical controls for it; Pemberton biological control agents to insure Thanks to Gioeli, the melaleuca are environmentally friendly, easy fee. The bugs can be ordered by calling Worse yet, the lobate lac scale is testing several different tiny, non- that they do not negatively effect pysllid and melaleuca weevil are to apply and less expensive than Gioeli or downloading order forms from (Paratachardina lobata) may eventually stinging wasps that he collected in the environment. now available by mail order for South chemical herbicides.” his Web site: http://kgioeli.ifas.ufl.edu/ spread to other areas of Florida. southern Asia as biocontrol agents; Residents who want to treat lobate Florida residents who want to help Gioeli, a natural resources expert, Experiments are in progress to deter- and Nguyen is developing mass-rearing lac scale should contract their local control the invasive tree on their own said the bugs will be shipped to resi- For more information, contact: mine how well it will survive in cooler techniques for the biocontrol agents. UF/IFAS county extension service areas of the state, Howard said. “Since lobate lac scale is a relatively office for information. property. Getting the beneficial insects dents in South Florida or wherever ken gioeli (772) 462-1660 I To develop more effective control new pest, we urgently need better is as easy as a phone call or visit to melaleuca is a problem. He said the [email protected] For more information, contact: his Web site. natural enemies are shipped in small measures, including biocontrol for ways to control it,” Howard said. the scale, Howard is working with “Certain pesticides are effective on forrest howard (954) 577-6332 Gioeli is raising large numbers plastic containers and survive well [email protected] of the bugs in his “honeypot,” a term during transit. The mail order pack- Bob Pemberton, an entomologist at insect pests of ornamental plants, commonly used by scientists to ages include approximately 25 to 40 melaleuca psyllid (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae) describe an insect-rearing facility weevils and 15 melaleuca branch photo courtesy of susan wineriter or insectory. tips inoculated with psyllids. An online publication about lobate lac scale and its host plants may be found at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/scales/lobate_lac.htm 6 IMPACT | Summer 2004 IMPACT | Summer 2004 7

uf/ifas file photo photo courtesy of a. murray from invasive Brazilian peppertree to citrus canker that could devastate Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry to exotic heartwater disease that kills livestock and wildlife, the Sunshine State is under siege as never before. Dozens of dangerous insect pests, diseases and invasive plants have already found their way into the state, and others are lurking offshore —waiting for the chance to

gain a foothold and cause irreparable damage to agriculture above: Jim Cuda, right, and Kenyatta Nichols, a laboratory technician, count eggs and the environment. An estimated 15 to 20 new insect of Brazilian peppertree insects in their quarantine laboratory at the entomology species invade the state every year, and many become major and nematology department in Gainesville. Photo by Josh Wickham. inset: Yuncong Li conducts a soil analysis in his laboratory at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education plant pests. Invasive plants displace native vegetation and Center in Homestead. He said Brazilian peppertree is being controlled on 3,000 acres of uf/ifas file photo disrupt ecosystems. Most invasives flourish in Florida abandoned farmland in the Everglades National Park by excavating the soil from infested sites and allowing them to be repopulated by native vegetation. Photo by Thomas Wright. because the natural enemies that control them in their

photo courtesy of holly chamberlain native lands are absent. The fact that Florida is a major international tourist desti- Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius), one nation and trading partner with many nations also increases of the most widespread invasive plants in Florida, was intro- the risk of more problems down the road. And, worse yet, duced as an ornamental shrub-to-tree from South America the tropical invaders could threaten the nation’s biosecurity. in the 1840s. Now it’s the target of an integrated weed photo by marisol amador Living on the But researchers with the University of Florida’s Institute managment program that includes biological, chemical and of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), who work mechanical controls, said Jim Cuda, an assistant professor with other state and federal scientists, are making of entomology in Gainesville and chair of the Interagency progress against the intruders. Brazilian Peppertree Management Task Force. uf/ifas file photo One new line of defense is the Biological Control “The Brazilian peppertree sawfly, one of several biological Research and Containment Laboratory at the UF/IFAS control agents being studied by UF/IFAS entomologists, EDGE Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce. could be approved for release this year by federal officials,” Jointly managed with the Florida Department of Agriculture said Cuda, who also is project leader for the Brazilian and Consumer Services, the 17,000-square-foot facility Peppertree Biological Control Program. florida’s unique geographical location on the edge of the tropics opened in June 2004. Cuda and his colleagues found the wasplike sawfly Bill Overholt and Ronald Cave, assistant professors (Heteroperreyia hubrichi) in the forests of southeastern Brazil, provides near ideal conditions for a wide range of pests, diseases and invasive of entomology at the Fort Pierce center, said the primary where it feeds on the leaves of Brazilian peppertree. Their mission of the $3.7 million facility will be to contain, research shows that growth and reproduction of the plant plants that threaten agriculture, natural resources and the environment. To stop evaluate and release natural predators and other is reduced by repeated defoliations caused by the developing organisms to control invasive plants and pests. larvae. He said the sawfly will be released into the Florida these destructive invaders from the tropics and other parts of the globe, scientists “We are working with state and federal scientists to environment only after extensive testing to make sure it at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are test and evaluate biological control organisms before is not a danger to nontarget plants and animials. they are released into the Florida environment,” Overholt Meanwhile, in the Florida Everglades where Brazilian ramping up their research and education programs across the state. by chuck woods said. “The research will ensure that insects, mites and peppertree has invaded more than 6,000 acres of farmland — nematodes being used for control of invasives will not creating an area known as “the Hole in the Donut” because feed on unintended plants or other living matter.” it threatens Everglades restoration — federal officials are clockwise from bottom left: tropical soda apple has been more aptly described as the “plant from hell,” according Overholt said their research program is focusing on controlling the plant the old-fashioned way: they’re to uf/ifas researchers. heartwater disease could be carried and spread by this large african tortoise tick, found on three invasive plants: Brazilian peppertree, air potato digging up the plants and the soil beneath them. an imported reptile. the invasive air potato plant rapidly climbs to the top of tree canopies, robbing existing vegeta- and West Indian marsh grass. All three are on the Florida Yuncong Li, an associate professor at the UF/IFAS tion of sunlight and nutrients. brazilian peppertree has invaded more than 6,000 acres of farmland in florida and has Exotic Pest Plant Council’s Category 1 List, which includes Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, threatened everglades restoration. the pink hibiscus mealybug attacks more than 100 plant varieties, including plants that are considered the most invasive in the state. said the Brazilian peppertree has been removed on about citrus, ornamentals, sugarcane and tomatoes. citrus canker threatens florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. Additional invasive plants will be targeted in the future 3,000 acres, and native vegetation is beginning to as the program expands, he said. replace the invasive tree.

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photo courtesy of holly chamberlain

The air potato, an exotic yam that probably came from Africa, has invaded tropical hammocks and pinelands in 23 Florida counties. It rapidly climbs to the top of tree canopies, robbing existing vegetation of sunlight and nutri- ents. To learn more about the invasive weed and develop Heartwater The outbreak of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform effective controls for it, UF/IFAS scientists are working in photo courtesy of monica lewandowski encephalopathy (BSE), showed how disruptive animal cooperation with the Crops Research Institute in Ghana illnesses can be to the nation’s cattle industry. To guard and Makerere University in Uganda. Overholt said above: Harold Browning, left, and Jim Graham examine citrus trees inoculated with citrus bacterial spot, which is closely related to citrus canker. Their work at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research against another deadly animal disease called heartwater, researchers have identified several insects that might and Education Center evaluates the effectiveness of chemicals that induce resistance to both UF/IFAS scientists have developed a new vaccine and serve as biocontrols, and these may be brought to the of these bacterial diseases. other control measures. new Ft. Pierce facility within the next two years. The research will help protect U.S. livestock and wildlife Michael Burridge examines cattle for ticks. Photo by Thomas Wright. West Indian marsh grass is a semiaquatic invader of Florida is currently fighting three separate outbreaks from the deadly African tick-borne disease that has already wetlands that has completely taken over large marsh of citrus canker, the worst since the initial outbreak in spread from Africa to the eastern Caribbean. areas in Myakka River State Park and the west side of Lake 1912. And UF/IFAS researchers are playing a key role “Obviously, we’re dealing with something we need to keep Okeechobee. Overholt said an insect that attacks the grass in the battle. To check for the presence of the disease, particularly in out of this country,” said Michael Burridge, a UF/IFAS profes- was discovered in Florida in 2000, and research will deter- Jim Graham, a professor of soil and water science at animals being brought into the United States, the UF/IFAS sor of pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. mine its host range and impact on the invasive plant. the Lake Alfred center, is working on the detection and researchers have developed two new diagnostic blood tests “Like mad cow disease, heartwater is another foreign-animal In addition to Brazilian peppertree, air potato and West spread of the disease. The research shows how easily canker that now are available to laboratories. “Until now, the only disease worry for state and national cattle producers.” Indian marsh grass, UF/IFAS researchers are developing bacterium is dispersed by thunderstorms as well as hurri- way to detect the disease was by a brain biopsy, which is Heartwater attacks blood vessels, particularly in the biological controls for other invasive plants such as straw- canes and tornadoes in subtropical Florida. The disease not practical under field conditions,” Mahan explained. brain. Once infected, up to 90 percent of infected animals berry guava, which is a major host of the adventive also can be easily spread by harvesting personnel and Burridge, who directs the heartwater project, said one die. The disease does not affect humans and it cannot be Caribfly as well as other insect pests and diseases. urban residents who move infected plant materials. of the main objectives of regulatory officials now is to The research findings have helped state agricultural transmitted by eating meat. eradicate the tropical bont tick in Caribbean countries and officials establish new rules that stopped outbreaks of He said the tick that spreads the disease —known as prevent the disease from spreading to the U.S. mainland. Citrus Canker canker by extending the radius for tree removal around the tropical bont tick —would thrive in the Southeast To kill the ticks on livestock, UF/IFAS researchers have When it comes to highly contagious diseases that infected trees from 125 feet to 1,900 feet. Graham also United States where heartwater could decimate cattle, developed a tropical bont tick decoy —an inexpensive, envi- threaten Florida $9 billion citrus industry, citrus canker leads research that identified strains of the bacterium sheep, goat and deer populations. And, he said, once the ronmentally sound tag that can be attached to the ears, neck is at the top of list. that are responsible for current and past outbreaks disease is established in the wild deer population, it and tail of livestock. The tag has both pheromones to attract “We can live with other pest and disease problems, of canker —findings that helped agricultural officials would be impossible to eradicate. ticks and a slow-release pesticide that spreads over the but canker is something we must eradicate,” said Harold trace the origin of new infections. The new vaccine —a breakthrough by UF/IFAS animal’s body and kills ticks for at least three months. Browning, director of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and “With the new technologies, regulators can now survey, researchers – has been under development for more than “Because tick decoys cannot be placed on wild animals, Education Center in Lake Alfred. detect and eliminate the disease more rapidly, and quickly 10 years. Described as “a conventional inactivated vaccine,” we have also developed a tick control system for deer and “If canker became established in Florida, it would have reduce the size and scope of quarantines,” Graham said. it has been successfully field tested in South Africa by other wildlife. The novel self-medicating applicator is a severe impact on interstate and international shipments “However, if canker were to become permanently estab- Suman Mahan, a UF/IFAS veterinary scientist based in attached to a feeding trough, and it applies pesticide of fresh citrus fruit, which comprise about 20 percent of lished in Florida, growers would have to manage the Pretoria. Mahan and Burridge are working with Intervet passively in a stress-free manner to animals as they feed the state’s citrus industry,” Browning said. “When the disease by spraying more chemicals on citrus varieties, International in Boxmeer, Netherlands, a leading manufac- from the trough,” Burridge said. “This device is known as disease is severe, defoliation, dieback and fruit drop such as grapefruit, that lack disease resistance.” turer of animal vaccines, to commercialize the vaccine. the Appligator™, and prototypes have already been manu- can occur, and the fruit may be unmarketable.” Dean Gabriel, a professor in the plant pathology “The real breakthrough is that we now have developed factured for UF by U.S. and South African companies.” Over the past century, the Sunshine State has fought department in Gainesville, has developed methods for rapid a safe vaccine that protects animals from death from heart- Since 1985, the UF/IFAS heartwater research project off at least four invasions of the bacterial disease, which on-site detection of the disease, and the state agriculture water under field conditions when the tick challenge is has received more than $16 million in grants from the U.S. probably originated in Asia, and those victories have come department is now using the test. He also is evaluating how very heavy,” Mahan said. Agency for International Development (USAID). Burridge at a high cost. Many groves have been quarantined and citrus responds to canker and investigating mechanisms to Another concern, he said, is that the disease could said UF is the lead agency in the Heartwater Control Global cleared of citrus trees, and many dooryard citrus trees provide citrus with resistance to the disease. If the industry enter the United States on wild animals imported for zoos Development Alliance, a new AID-funded initiative that is in residential areas have been destroyed to prevent is forced to live with canker in the future, genetic resistance or conservation and breeding purposes. The disease is wide- moving research from the laboratory to the commercial spread of the disease. to canker is the ultimate solution, he said. spread in livestock and wildlife in Africa. And, animals marketplace. may look healthy but still carry the disease.

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uf/ifas file photo Pink Hibiscus Mealybug In 2000, when a Broward County resident spotted a strange-looking, fuzz-covered insect in his garden, state regulatory officials and UF/IFAS scientists acted quickly to control the pest. “We knew it was only a matter of time before the pink hibiscus mealybug found its way into Florida from the Caribbean, and we were ready when it showed up,” said Lance Osborne, a professor of entomology at the Sharp thorns make the plant’s foliage unpalatable, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center but livestock, wild animals and birds that eat the fruit in Apopka. “If we had not acted quickly, the pest would help spread the seeds. Mature plants can produce 50,000 be a serious problem all over the state by now.” seeds that germinate under a wide range of conditions. The tiny insect with a pink body covered in white Seeds also can be spread by compost, sod and moving hairlike wax filaments can quickly strip a plant of its water, Charudattan said. leaves and kill it. The pest attacks more than 100 plant “Pastures infested with the weed have less area varieties, including citrus, ornamentals, sugarcane and available for cattle grazing, which means the stocking tomatoes. This species of mealybug also produces a rates —the number of animals per acre —must be toxin that causes significant damage to the plant. In reduced,” Charudattan said. the Caribbean, the mealybug killed 100-year-old trees. Until now, the only way to control the weed was with Each female lays up to 800 eggs, so mealybugs rapidly repeated mowing and chemical herbicides. But, Charudattan develop large populations. said, applying herbicides is a problem for the cattle industry Because the pest found here was in an urban setting, because of possible chemical residues in milk and meat. the only real option for managing the pest over the long His research has shown that a common plant virus can term is with an effective biological control program, be used to kill tropical soda apple, and he is seeking Osborne said. commercial partners to produce and market the virus He said officials with the state agriculture department’s as a natural biocontrol or bioherbicide. Division of Plant Industry and the U.S. Department of “During a routine examination of several plant pathogens Agriculture met the mealybug invasion with natural enemies for their ability to cause disease on tropical soda apple, we imported from the Caribbean. And while imported parasitic discovered that tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) wasps have been effective in controlling the pest, they kills the weed,” he said. “Tests in pastures demonstrated the won’t be able to eliminate the invasive bug completely. Raghavan Charudattan examines a tropical soda apple plant in his laboratory. Photo by Marisol Amador. virus kills up to 97 percent of the weed.” Osborne and other UF researchers are testing chemical To determine which plants may be vulnerable to the treatments that will control the bugs in commercial nurseries top, bottom left: Lance Osborne examines ornamental plants used for mealybug virus, Charudattan is testing the virus on some 300 different where there is zero tolerance for this particular pest. I experiments at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Tropical Soda Apple plant species, including other weeds and cultivated plants. bottom right: Mealybugs on ornamental plant. Photos by Marisol Amador. With a name that sounds like an exotic new drink, The virus does not affect people or animals. tropical soda apple has been more aptly described as “We know that some varieties of tobacco and peppers For more information, contact: the “plant from hell,” according to UF/IFAS researchers are susceptible, but the virus can be used safely in areas who have developed a natural way to control the rapidly where tobacco and peppers are not grown,” he said. harold browning (863) 956-1151, ext. 1215 dean gabriel (352) 392-7239 spreading weed. The virus, which can be applied easily and inexpensively [email protected] [email protected] “The highly invasive plant, which forms a dense and with a back-pack sprayer, is effective against tropical soda mike burridge (352) 392-4700, ext. 3131 jim graham (863) 956-1151, ext. 1297 thorny thicket that is impenetrable to animals and people, apple under a wide range of temperatures and in year- [email protected] [email protected] has been classified by the federal government as one of the round growing conditions, he said. ron cave (772) 468-3922, ext. 145 ernest hiebert (352) 392-3631, ext. 216 nation’s most noxious weeds,” said Raghavan Charudattan, Other UF plant pathologists working with Charudattan on [email protected] [email protected] a professor of plant pathology in Gainesville. “In Florida the tropical soda apple project are Ernest Hiebert, a professor and seven southeastern states, it’s literally taking over, emeritus; James DeValerio and Mark Elliott, senior biological raghavan charudattan (352) 392-3631, ext. 354 yuncong li (305) 246-7001, ext. 282 [email protected] [email protected] displacing native plant species in infested areas.” scientists; and Jonathan Horrell, a graduate student. Edward He said the weed, native to South America, is a serious Jennings, Sumter County extension director, and Joseph jim cuda (352) 392-1901, ext. 126 suman mahan (352) 392-4700, ext. 5838 environmental threat to natural areas, and it’s become Walter, Brevard County extension agent, are also working [email protected] [email protected] a major problem for the beef and dairy cattle industries. on the project.

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Caribbean photo courtesy Connection of rita duncan

that connects scientists in the Caribbean basin, ever since its accidental In a unique partnership introduction into Florida from the the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is working Caribbean more than 30 years ago, the Diaprepes root weevil has been with the University of Puerto Rico and the University of the Virgin Islands impossible to eradicate and difficult to control. The exotic weevil attacks citrus, ornamental plants, root crops, above: Rita Duncan, left, senior biologist, and Jorge Peña examine Diaprepes root weevils being reared tropical fruit crops and grasses. in a laboratory at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead. Photo by Thomas Wright. Estimates show the weevil infests inset: Adult Diaprepes root weevils (Diaprepes abbreviatus). more than 100,000 acres of citrus and causes more than $70 million Basin Group. The U.S. Department that seals the leaves together, protecting in damage annually. of Agriculture’s Cooperative State the eggs. Diaprepes eggs also are laid “Despite all the damage, there Research, Education and Extension on broad-leafed plants, grasses and is some good news,” says Jorge Peña, Service (CSREES) provides $9 million palm fronds. The parasitic wasps a professor of entomology with the in annual funds for the T-STAR deposit their eggs into Diaprepes University of Florida’s Institute of program, which includes $4.2 million weevil eggs, preventing the weevils Food and Agricultural Sciences for the Caribbean group. from emerging. (UF/IFAS), who started a biological Peña said biological control is Working with the Florida control program that uses wasps to appealing as a pest management tool Department of Agriculture and attack the eggs of the Diaprepes root because it relies on natural predators Consumer Services and various grower weevil. The wasps prevent weevils instead of pesticides. Biocontrol is also organizations, Peña has released more from reproducing. nontoxic and often self-sustaining. than 363,000 wasps of the species With the help of funding from Since the wasps attack Diaprepes Ceratogramma etiennei since 1998, the Tropical and Subtropical root weevil eggs in Puerto Rico, more than 160,000 Quadrastichus Agricultural Research (T-STAR) Guadeloupe and other Caribbean haitiensis since 1999 and more than program, Peña, in cooperation with countries, Peña’s first goal was to 50,000 Aprostocetus vaquitarum other researchers, imported three import the wasps from the islands to since 1999. photo courtesy of rita duncan photo by thomas wright uf/ifas file photo photo courtesy of rita duncan tiny wasps from the Caribbean and see if they would become established released them in five South Florida in Florida. He brought three different to promote tropical and subtropical agricultural research. Operating under the counties. Early tests indicate the wasp parasites into the state, placed wasps are providing effective control them under quarantine conditions t-star acronym, the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the weevil. and then released them in test plots. to improve the quality of life for people in tropical and subtropical regions of “Peña’s work is a prime example The three parasites are identified of how the T-STAR program supports by the following scientific names: the United States. A similar T-STAR program in the Pacific basin includes and enhances our research programs,” Quadrastichus haitiensis, Ceratogramma said John Neilson, program manager of etiennei and Aprostocetus vaquitarum. the University of Hawaii and the University of Guam. by chuck woods the partnership that involves UF/IFAS, Peña, based at the UF/IFAS Tropical the University of Puerto Rico and the Research and Education Center in University of the Virgin Islands. Homestead, said female Diaprepes above, from left: aprostocetus vaquitarum pupae, one of three wasp parasites used to attack the eggs of the trouble- Neilson, based at UF/IFAS in weevils lay their eggs in concealed some diaprepes root weevil. to combat papaya ringspot disease and help south florida’s small papaya industry meet John Neilson said the primary goal of the T-STAR Gainesville, oversees more than 80 the latino community’s growing demand for the fruit, researchers at the uf/ifas homestead center are using biotech- sites, usually in the space between program is to develop high quality and useful agri- T-STAR projects at the three land-grant two adjacent leaves. Weevil egg masses cultural research that is relevant to industry needs. nology to develop papaya trees that are resistant to the virus. t-star is leading to the commercialization of a new Visit http://research.ifas.ufl.edu/TSTAR/ for more pasteurization process for orange juice and other beverages. adult female aprostocetus vaquitarum. universities in the T-STAR Caribbean are deposited in a gelatinous cement information. Photo by Thomas Wright.

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The T-STAR program also has been crucial to developing beef and dairy cattle that are more tolerant to high-temperature conditions in Florida and the Caribbean region, said Tim Olson, an associate professor in the UF/IFAS animal sciences department. “T-STAR funding supported left: Papaya ringspot virus symptoms. above: Mike Davis, left, and Jonathan Crane check for the presence Tim Olson inspects Holstein cattle at the UF/IFAS Dairy Research Unit near Gainesville. Calves with the slick-hair of ringspot on papaya plants at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead. Photos by Thomas research that documented that gene are being studied to develop beef and dairy cattle that are more tolerant to high-temperature conditions in Wright. below: Murat Balaban records data in his laboratory in the UF/IFAS food science and human nutrition Senepol (Bos taurus) cattle from Florida and the Caribbean region. Photo by Marisol Amador. department in Gainesville. UF/IFAS file photo. the island of St. Croix were as heat tolerant as Brahman cattle,” Olson being studied at the UF/IFAS Dairy emerge from poverty and develop He said the wasps were released Another example of T-STAR’s high pressure and at room tempera- said. “And then we found that the Research Unit near Gainesville. He an improved quality of life. in Florida citrus groves, ornamental impact involves the production of ture to create juice that tastes just heat tolerance is linked to a single said 12 embryo-transfer, predominantly “T-STAR projects frequently focus plantings and undisturbed areas. papaya fruit, which is hampered by like it’s freshly squeezed. gene — named the ‘slick-hair gene’ Holstein calves were recently born at on insect pests and plant diseases that Ceratogramma etiennei wasp parasites an unusual strain of the papaya ringspot Murat Balaban, a professor in because it produces a very short and the UF/IFAS Subtropical Agricultural represent a threat to U.S. agriculture, have attacked Diaprepes eggs in Miami- virus. To combat the disease and help the UF/IFAS food science and human shiny hair coat — in Bos taurus cattle.” Research Station in Brooksville, Fla. including the discovery and evaluation Dade County. Quadrastichus haitiensis South Florida’s small papaya industry nutrition department, said the process Olson said that Holstein cattle Some of these may include the first of biological controls for pests of U.S. parasites have been found in weevil meet the Latino community’s growing could also be used to pasteurize other with slick hair were first identified red and white, slick-haired Holsteins agricultural commodities,” Neilson eggs in Miami-Dade, Glades, Hendry demand for the fruit, researchers at the tropical fruit juices such as passion in a Puerto Rico dairy several years to be homozygous – having two said. “The program also includes and Polk counties, and Aprostocetus UF/IFAS Homestead center are using fruit juice, watermelon juice and ago, and they produced over 20 copies of the slick-hair gene. research on the collection and vaquitarum parasites have been recov- biotechnology to develop papaya trees coconut water. percent more milk than their “The primary goal of the T-STAR improvement of U.S. agricultural ered from weevil eggs in Indian River that are resistant to the virus. Balaban, who helped develop normal-haired herdmates. program is to develop high-quality germplasm interests.” County. Peña said that two of the Mike Davis, a professor of plant the process, said freshly squeezed I “These cows apparently were and useful agricultural research that wasps are established in southern pathology, and Johnathan Crane, orange juice is mixed with pressurized the descendants of a single crossbred is relevant to industry needs,” Neilson For more information, contact: Florida, causing significant mortality a professor of horticultural sciences, carbon dioxide, and then the juice is —Holstein x native —cow,” Olson said. “Of course, the research also to weevil eggs. He hopes they will have tested genetically engineered depressurized and separated from the said. “T-STAR is currently supporting should protect the environment, become established across the state. papaya trees and found that only about gas, killing any harmful microorgan- murat balaban (352) 392-1991, ext. 507 research in Puerto Rico that will enhance economic opportunities and [email protected] In fact, since their introduction, 6 percent of the trees are affected isms. This process also helps preserve examine the effect of the slick-hair provide for the social well-being of the wasps have begun to parasitize 35 by the virus. Meanwhile, almost all vitamins, increases product shelf life mike davis (305) 246-7001, ext. 213 gene in a number of dairies under people in tropical and subtropical percent to 100 percent of Diaprepes the regular papaya trees in a nearby and inactivates an enzyme that causes [email protected] varying management systems. In regions of the United States.” root weevil eggs in different crops. test plot appear to be infected. The orange juice to separate. UF has a (352) 392-7230 Florida, T-STAR is supporting The program was initiated by john neilson “Although we’re finding more and researchers said ringspot-resistant patent on the new process that is [email protected] the development of genetically supe- USDA in 1983 because Florida and more of the wasp parasites in citrus papaya varieties could be available licensed to Praxair Inc. in Chicago. other regions in the tropics and sub- tim olson (352) 392-2367 groves and ornamental plantings — to South Florida growers in two or rior Holsteins that also possess the [email protected] which is good — we need some three years, allowing the industry slick-hair gene.” tropics have unique ecosystems, Olson said calves with the slick- problems and opportunities, he said. jorge peña (305) 246-7001, ext. 223 additional studies to measure their to reach its potential. [email protected] effectiveness. We also need to learn T-STAR also is leading to the hair gene, sired by one of the elite Often the people in these regions how pesticide application affects the commercialization of a new pasteur- bulls of the Holstein breed, are now are in minority groups struggling to survival of the imported wasp para- ization process for orange juice and sites,” Peña said. “We will continue other beverages. Unlike conventional releasing the wasp parasites in Florida heat pasteurization, which may alter and document how well they control the taste of orange juice, the new The primary goal of the T-STAR program is to develop high-quality Diaprepes root weevils.” process uses carbon dioxide under “and useful agricultural research that is relevant to industry needs. –john neilson

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Orchidaceous!

Often described as the most beautiful flowers in the world, photo by thomas wright orchids have a distinct and undeniable mystique.

With more than 25,000 identified species and 120,000

registered hybrids, they are the largest group of flowering

plants —and the fastest growing segment of the nation’s

$13 billion floriculture and nursery crops industry. photo by thomas wright In Florida, where large-scale production of orchids

is booming, the University of Florida’s Institute

of Food and Agricultural Sciences is providing

valuable research and education for consumers,

growers and students. by chuck woods

photo by marisol amador

photo by marisol amador

top, center, left: Phalaenopsis hybrids. bottom: Orchid production at Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery, Inc. opposite: Ascocenda hybrid.

18 IMPACT | Summer 2004 photo by thomas wright IMPACT | Summer 2004 19

Orchid mania has spawned hundreds of orchid societies across the nation. In South Florida alone, more than 20 societies meet every month. The American Orchid Society, headquartered in Delray Beach, has nearly 30,000 members nationwide. And there are orchid shows throughout the year, including the world famous Miami International Orchid Show sponsored by the South Florida Orchid Society. UF research on orchids dates back to 1957 when Tom Sheehan, now a professor emeritus in the environmental horticulture department, studied proper fertilization methods for using bark as an orchid growing medium. Sheehan also began using tissue culture to multiply clonal varieties and tested foliar application of fertilizer on orchids. He remains active in national and interna- tional organizations and orchid societies. Tom Sheehan, right, and Candace Hollinger examine Phalaenopsis orchids Sheehan’s most recent book, Ultimate Orchids, is being in Hollinger’s greenhouse in Gainesville. Sheehan and Hollinger are active in the Gainesville Orchid Society and the American Orchid Society. Photo published in seven languages. With his late wife, Marion, by Josh Wickham. an assistant professor in the department, he co-authored An Illustrated Guide to Orchid Genera. Together they authored beauty alone cannot explain our fascination several other books and more than 350 articles for various with orchids. When it comes to variety, complexity and scientific journals or orchid publications. elegance, orchidaceous plants are unlike any other. Over the past 10 years, the popularity of orchids And, while orchids are common in the tropics, they has increased dramatically, thanks to new and improved also grow wild under different climatic conditions on cultivation and propagation techniques that allow commercial every continent except Antarctica. In North America, growers to produce large numbers of plants at affordable orchid species are native to every state —including prices for the consumer. In response to the growing demand Alaska where “arctic orchids” have been identified. for orchids, the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Not surprisingly, orchids are the national flower in Center in Homestead has ramped up its ornamental research above: Kerry Herndon, left, and Wagner Vendrame discuss commercial orchid production at Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery, Inc. many countries: Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, program and initiated an orchidology course. The course is in Homestead, one of the nation’s largest orchid producers. Students in Vendrame’s orchid course frequently visit Herndon’s Guatemala, Indonesia and Singapore. In Venezuela, offered through the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life operation to learn about flowering pot–plant production. TOP, right: Phalaenopsis hybrid production Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery, orchids are featured on the nation’s currency. In the state Sciences, which was one of the first colleges in the nation Inc. Photos by Marisol Amador. of Minnesota, the pink and white lady slipper (Cypripedium to offer a course in orchidology in the 1950s. reginae) is the state flower. W agner Vendrame, an assistant professor of environ- Vendrame, who has developed a close working relation- Throughout South America during the 16th century, mental horticulture at the Homestead center, is using ship with commercial producers in South Florida, presents English explorers pioneered orchid hunting, and there are tissue culture to clone and mass-produce orchids. To an orchid short course every other year in cooperation with many accounts of hunters vanishing in the jungles without help reduce collection of specimens from the wild, he the Boca Raton Orchid Society. a trace. The competitive nature of these early expeditions Next to poinsettias, and graduate student Philip Kauth are micropropagating “No longer a luxury item, orchids can be purchased at prompted some explorers to collect as many orchids as Florida native orchid species for preservation purposes. prices comparable to other flowering pot plants,” he said. possible and then burn the area to prevent others from orchids are now the leading potted “Native orchid species that are rare or endangered “When a few basic cultural requirements are met, growing finding the same prized specimens —a prime example “ could be multiplied and reintroduced to their natural orchids in the home environment can be a rewarding of early habitat destruction. flowering plant produced in Florida, habitats, greatly increasing their numbers,” Vendrame experience.” Once just a hobby for the landed gentry with the money, said. “If we can mass-produce some of our native Vendrame said species and hybrids of six orchid genera time and patience to care for these exotic plants, orchid generating more than $23 million orchids, they could be used in landscapes.” are the most popular because they’re easy to grow and produce growing is now an international business, and Florida His orchidology course covers the basic principles beautiful flowers: Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Vanda, Cattleya, has become one of the nation’s top commercial producers. in annual farmgate sales. of orchid biology, culture and commercial production. Oncidium and Epidendrum. “Next to poinsettias, orchids are now the leading potted The course includes the history, morphology, propagation flowering plant produced in Florida, generating more –terril nell and taxonomy of orchids as well as orchid pests and diseases, than $23 million in annual farmgate sales,” said Terril and other cultural practices. Laboratory sessions and field Nell, professor and chair of the UF/IFAS environmental ” trips to South Florida nurseries provide students with horticulture department. hands-on experience.

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When it comes to habitat, orchids can be terrestrial, epiphytic (those that grow on other plants) or lithophytic (those that grow on rocks). The habitat dictates the type of growing medium to be used, Vendrame said. “Terrestrial orchids will grow in any well-drained medium that contains 40 percent or more organic matter and nutrients, and provides good support and water- holding capacity,” he said. Epiphytic media include bark, charcoal, coconut fiber, fiber from tree ferns, peat, perlite, sphagnum moss and combinations of these materials. Research has shown that most species and hybrids will grow well and produce flowers in these growing media when fertilization and Wagner Vendrame examines a vandaceous hybrid orchid at the UF/IFAS Tropical irrigation are carefully adjusted. Most orchids require Research and Education Center in Homestead. In response to the growing demand for orchids, the center has increased its ornamental research program and initiated partial shade for optimum growth and flowering. an orchidology course that is offered through the College of Agricultural and Life Vendrame said growing containers vary from plastic Sciences. Photo by Marisol Amador. to clay pots and wire or redwood hanging baskets. Epiphytic orchids can be grown on slabs of tree fern, corkbark or Martin Motes, owner of Motes Orchids in Homestead, directly on the trunk of trees. also is known worldwide for breeding excellent Vanda As a general rule, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Epidendrum orchids. His book, Vandas: Their History, Botany and Culture, photos by thomas wright and Oncidium orchids should be repotted every two or three soon will be available in a paperback edition. He also years as the growing medium decomposes or new plant publishes a monthly email newsletter on growing orchids growth extends over the container edge, he said. Phalaenopsis in South Florida. To subscribe, contact Motes at Phalaenopsis, (top left) the most popular potted Vanda (bottom left) is a genus whose popularity and Vanda orchids do not need to be repotted as often. [email protected]. orchid plant, is widely grown in Florida. With a flowering has increased dramatically, especially in tropical and sub- Vendrame’s research and education program includes While some growers import “liners” or even full-grown period that may last up to three months —and a short cycle tropical regions. Vandas are widely grown in Florida, and work with some of the leading commercial orchid plants from Thailand and finish growing them here, Motes from seedling to flower —this genus and related hybrids hybridizers have produced a large number of multigeneric producers in South Florida. believes plants can be produced more cheaply in the United are good candidates for mass production. They respond well crosses. They produce a dozen or more flowers ranging in Kerry Herndon, president of Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery, States, resulting in a better quality product for consumers to Florida’s warm, humid climate, producing long, arching size from two to four inches. Colors vary from white to Inc., in Homestead, is the largest orchid grower in Florida and greater profits for growers. sprays of white or pink flowers that resemble a flight of variegated patterns of brown, green and pink to blue and one of the two largest orchid growers in the world. Motes said: “We’re working with UF to combine moths, hence the common name “moth orchid.” Thanks and purple. Ascocendas, hybrids between Vanda and “To produce high-quality orchids for the national market, their research and education programs with the experi- to hybridization, yellow, orange, red, spotted and two- Ascocentrum, have flowers that are about half the we have relied heavily on the scientists and technicians at ence of long-time orchid growers to bring the South tone varieties are available. size of those on Vandas. UF’s Tropical Research and Education Center,” Herndon Florida orchid industry to a new level of sophistication said. “Their expertise and experience has been very valuable and profitability.” I to us and the orchid industry in South Florida. Several of Dendrobium (top center) is a large and diverse Oncidium (bottom center) is a large and diverse our employees are currently enrolled in the environmental For more information, contact: genus with 1,500 species in the Pacific basin — ranging genus with more than 1,200 species occurring naturally horticulture program at the center, which is a great benefit from Japan to Australia —and with many species and hybrids from Florida to Brazil. Flower color ranges from yellow and to the grower community.” tom sheehan (352) 376-9673 under cultivation in Florida. The Dendrobium phalaenopsis brown or white and brown to purple, pink and red. This is Bob Fuchs, president of R.F. Orchids in Homestead, [email protected] species and its hybrids are the most popular because they’re a hardy orchid that will flower under adverse growing is known worldwide for breeding Vanda hybrids that win easy to grow and produce lots of flowers that may remain conditions. When given proper care, Oncidiums wagner vendrame (305) 246-7001, ext. 210 awards at orchid shows. Fuchs supports the UF research and open for three or four weeks. Dendrobium has been the produce even more flowers. [email protected] education program by donating plants and providing guided backbone of the orchid cut-flower business for many years. field trips for students. Epidendrum (bottom right) is one of the easiest “Wagner Vendrame’s work on orchids is an excellent Cattleya (top right) is widely cultivated. Called and most prolific orchids to grow, producing many one-inch addition to the research and education center in Homestead,” the Queen of Flowers, it was the most popular orchid for pastel flowers most of the year. There are about 500 species Fuchs said. “We’re happy and proud to open our private corsages until the 1960s. Thanks to intense hybridization that occur naturally from the coastal plain of North Carolina garden to his students on field trips so they can learn for more than 150 years, there is a wide choice of sizes to Brazil. Reed-stem types can be grown in outdoor gardens how plants grow under different conditions.” and flower colors. Florida has a several nurseries that in South Florida — or in pots elsewhere. specialize in the production of Cattleyas.

22 IMPACT | Summer 2004 IMPACT | Summer 2004 23

welcome to the complex said Marty Marshall, a professor with specialty crops. One of several differ- world of government regulations UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural ent, multistate projects in the nation, and corporate marketing decisions Sciences. “There is no incentive for IR-4 also provides the economic incen- that affect the availability of pesti- companies to help the little guy who’s tives manufacturers need to support cides for specialty crops. growing 300 acres of watercress.” a pesticide registration by EPA. Since all crop protection products While the acreage for many of The IR-4 project, which is funded must go through a lengthy and these specialty crops may be small, by the USDA Cooperative State expensive testing process to earn the they are high-value crops. In Florida, Research Education and Extension Environmental Protection Agency’s seal the value of specialty crops exceeds Service and the USDA Agricultural of approval, manufacturers need strong $4.7 billion annually, and that’s why Research Service, helps growers economic incentives to make sure that the Interregional Research Project remain economically viable in global their investments in research and devel- No. 4 is so important, he said. markets, and provide a safe and opment will pay off in the marketplace. Since 1963, the IR-4 project secure food supply. For corn, cotton, soybeans and has provided safe and effective pest In 1976, the IR-4 program was wheat —crops that are grown on management solutions for specialty expanded to include registration millions of acres —manufacturers will crop growers, saving more than $1 of pest control products for nursery, develop pesticides and go through the billion a year in crop losses in the floral, forestry, turf crops, forestry regulatory hoops to obtain EPA product southern region that includes 13 seedlings and Christmas trees. In registration. However, for specialty states and Puerto Rico, Marshall said. 1982, the program added biological crops —usually 300,000 acres or less — (In addition to Florida, the region control agents or biopesticides.

uf/ifas file photos there is little or no incentive for includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, manufacturers to invest in the research Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Special Help for specialty crops needed to obtain EPA product registra- Oklahoma, South Carolina, North tion, leaving many producers without Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee effective pest management options. and Texas.) in the production of specialty crops. In fact, 98 percent “The bottom line is that agrochemi- Marshall, who is director of the Florida is a leader cal manufacturers make their money southern region, said IR-4 is a partner- of all crops produced in the state fall into this category, including most fruits, controlling pests on millions of acres, ship of producers, manufacturers, but they won’t spend money to federal agencies and land-grant univer- vegetables, herbs, nuts, nursery and flower crops. To make sure producers of these develop and register a product for a sities that develop field and laboratory crop that is grown on a few thousand data needed by EPA to approve the use high-value crops have the pest management products they need, the University acres — or for a seldom-seen pest,” of various pest management tools on of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is providing leadership for the Interregional Research Project No. 4. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the IR-4 Project includes four regions in the nation. The southern region contains land-grant universities in 13 states and Puerto Rico. by chuck woods To learn more about the IR-4 project, visit http://ir4.rutgers.edu specialty crops dominate florida agriculture, which relies on a wide range of pest management programs, and these crops generate more than $4.7 billion in annual farmgate sales. inset, from left: blueberries, strawberries, caladiums, swiss chard. opposite: mangos, beans, papaya, nectarines.

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The 1996 Food Quality Protection Since its inception in the 1963, Mike Aerts, assistant director of the Act requires greater emphasis on using the IR-4 Project has obtained more than Environmental and Pest Management reduced-risk and safer chemicals, along 7,200 EPA registrations for specialty Division of the Florida Fruit and with integrated pest management food crops and more than 10,000 orna- Vegetable Association in Orlando, said (IPM) and biologically based products. mental clearances, Marshall said. that —over the years —IR-4 has been As a result, more than 80 percent of With the looming 2006 phase-out responsible for securing EPA registra- products that IR-4 scientists now work of methyl bromide, an effective soil tions for virtually every food on are reduced-risk chemicals. The fumigant that controls nematodes and commodity produced in the state. approval of safer products reduces other soil-borne pests, the IR-4 Project “It’s hard to envision a sustainable toxic exposure to birds, fish, wildlife, is focusing on alternatives for this pest management system in Florida beneficial organisms, human health product. The fumigant, which is used agriculture without having IR-4 as a and lowers the potential for groundwa- on many specialty crops, is being partner in the crop protection registra- ter contamination, Marshall said. phased out because it contributes to tion process,” Aerts said. “The reality In order for the program to respond the depletion of the Earth’s protective in Florida is that we would have signif- to the pest control needs of specialty ozone layer. icantly fewer crop protection options crop growers, project requests are Jim Gilreath, an associate professor available to us without IR-4.” solicited from growers, commodity of horticultural sciences at the UF/IFAS He said manufacturers understand- groups, university researchers and Gulf Coast Research and Education ably hesitate obtaining registrations

extension personnel, USDA Center in Bradenton, and Joe Noling, a for products to be used on minor Marty Marshall, foreground, and Jau Yoh, southern region laboratory coordinator for the IR-4 project, use a high researchers and other interested professor of nematology at the UF/IFAS commodities. “This hesitation stems performance liquid chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometers to analyze food for pesticide residues. parties. The needs and goals of the Citrus Research and Education Center from the direct relationship between The equipment allows for the rapid identification and analysis of chemicals. Photo by Marisol Amador. program are summarized once a in Lake Alfred, are leading the effort to limited production acreages and year. In 2003, the IR-4 project identi- find cost-effective replacements for limited potential economic returns, uf/ifas file photo fied 96 projects and scheduled 740 methyl bromide in Florida. and the fact that prominent liabili- commodities would for all intents Aerts said the funds directed toward

JIm Gilreath is one of several UF/IFAS scientists who field trials for new or expanded ties may be tacked onto inputs used and purposes never receive a priority the IR-4 project are “one of the best are developing cost-effective replacements for methyl product registrations. in the production of high value for registration,” Aerts said. taxpayer dollar investments Congress bromide in Florida. specialty crops.” “Others such as tropical fruit could make.” I Aerts said the IR-4 project has filled producers would essentially never have important voids in crop protection a chance to access newer chemistries, For more information, contact: management. For example, the IR-4 purely because their total acreages are marty marshall (352) 392-1978, ext. 405 project cleared the way for lettuce and limited,” he said. “Thanks to IR-4, [email protected] endive growers to use an effective various tropical fruits gained access herbicide, thereby saving growers in this past year to Switch® fungicide, uf/ifas file photos the state more than $2 million a year Admire® insecticide and Knack® and in labor costs to remove weeds. Courier® insect growth regulators.” “During the past year, fruiting vegetables, Cole crops, herbs, leafy

Brassica crops, cucurbits, succulent uf/ifas file photos beans, potatoes, citrus, watercress, blueberries and strawberries all received access to new crop produc- tion tools purely because of IR-4. Without IR-4, crops such as okra, Swiss chard and other similar

opposite: Specialty crops include cabbage, carambola, poinsettias, marigolds, pine trees. this page: red leaf lettuce, roses, azaleas.

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MAYA FOREST (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala)

EASTERN AMAZON (Brazil) ACRE (Brazil)

LOWLAND BOLIVIA

tropical closed forest tropical open and fragmented forest tropical other wooded land subtropical closed forest subtropical open and fragmented forest subtropical other wooded land other

Source: FAO 2001 balancing act research focus regions for the “working forests in the tropics” program at a time when vast areas of the Amazon and other Zarin, who directs the Integrated Graduate Education in the tropics tropical forests are being cleared for farming and economic and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program, said it includes development, University of Florida researchers are helping students and faculty in UF’s College of Agricultural and photo courtesy of robert buschbacher break the worrisome cycle of destruction with a new inter- Life Sciences and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. disciplinary research and education program. He said tropical forests in Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, The UF effort is directed toward several tropical areas, Guatemala and Mexico are the main focus of the five- finding the right balance between conserving Latin America’s including Brazil where satellite images show that over year program, which is supported by a $2.8 million grant 10,000 square miles of Amazon rainforest were cut down from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant tropical forests and using them for economic development is the goal of a new in 2003, about twice the annual rate of the 1990s. is administered by the UF/IFAS School of Forest “The traditional starting point for conserving tropical Resources and Conservation. University of Florida research and education program. Supported by a $2.8 million forests has been the creation of parks that protect them In July 2003, the UF IGERT program also received from people and development,” said Daniel Zarin, an a $64,000 supplemental NSF grant to teach a course grant from the National Science Foundation, the Integrated Graduate Education associate professor of tropical forestry with UF’s Institute in Brazil on forest policy in the Amazon. The course, and Research Traineeship program is a multidisciplinary, university-wide effort of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Parks conducted in Portuguese, is being offered jointly are a critical cornerstone for conservation, but parks with three Brazilian universities. alone will not suffice. administered by UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. by chuck woods Zarin said NSF awarded the grants to UF because of its “In developing countries, the pressure to use tropical strong programs in tropical ecology and tropical conservation forests for economic purposes is enormous, and that’s why and development. Officially known as the Working Forests students from the university of florida and the autonomous university of the yucatán in mexico check field the need for our new interdisciplinary research and training in the Tropics Program, the UF research and training effort observations against a satellite-derived, land cover map of the northern yucatán peninsula. the working forests program is so great,” he said. “There’s a growing need for is linked to more than 20 cooperating institutions in Latin in the tropics program sponsored the field trip in march 2004 as part of a land use/land cover analysis course taught by jane southworth, an assistant professor of geography. trained professionals in tropical conservation and sustain- America, including universities, government agencies able development who can solve real-world problems.” and nongovernmental organizations.

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the watershed, conserving biodiversity and sequestering carbon dioxide. Zarin said the economic value of these services is now being recognized, and they’re being bought and sold in some pilot projects in the region. UF graduate students are taking advantage of the oppor- tunity to work in different tropical forest regions, including the Amazon in Brazil, lowland areas in Bolivia and the Maya Forest in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, he said. “Like other UF doctoral programs, this one requires photo courtesy of robert buschbacher technical proficiency in a scientific discipline,” Zarin said. “And the cross-disciplinary components of the program Amy Duchelle, left, and David Buck, IGERT fellows in the Working Forests in the Tropics Program, use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine their location relative will provide the broader perspective generally lacking to a land cover map of the northern Yucatán peninsula during their March 2004 field in doctoral programs.” trip to Mexico. Amy Duchelle said the IGERT program attracted her “The term ‘working forests’ emerged as a way to distin- to UF to pursue her doctoral degree in wildlife ecology guish production forests from those set aside as ‘wilderness.’ and conservation. She is spending this summer in Brazil, In Latin America, working forests are part of a larger participating in two of the program’s field courses and emphasis on the simultaneous promotion of conservation working with researchers in partner organizations. and rural development, which includes consideration of “With a wonderful cohort of graduate students and ecological, economic and social sustainability,” Zarin said. faculty, an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes “Some forests are valued for their wood while others are field courses in the Maya Forest and Brazilian Amazon, valued for other forest products, or for watershed protec- and the opportunity to work with a wide range of partner tion, biodiversity conservation or removing carbon dioxide organizations in Latin America, the program has exceeded from the atmosphere.” my expectations,” Duchelle said. “These experiences will uf/ifas file photo Zarin said the three main goals of the UF research and increase my understanding of the ecological, socioeconomic education program are to compare the tradeoffs between and political issues surrounding conservation and develop- Daniel Zarin, left, met recently with other faculty on the project’s executive committee. In the foreground are Marianne Schmink, left, and Karen Kainer. different economic and conservation options; to learn how ment in neotropical forests.” Other committee members include Francis Putz, back row left; Richard Stepp and Robert Buschbacher, a visiting professor in wildlife ecology and conservation and associate director of the program. social, economic, political and environmental issues affect Kelly Keefe, who is working on her doctoral degree economic development and conservation; and to determine in forest resources and conservation, said the program how local communities, regional governments, interna- increased her understanding of the critical need for conser- UF academic units participating in the program include “We anticipate that graduates of the program will be attrac- tional agencies, philanthropic foundations and the private vation in the tropics. “Before I started the program, my anthropology, botany, environmental engineering, forest tive employees for government and other agencies as well as sector can best intervene to improve forest management focus on physiology and ecology was very narrow, with resources and conservation, geography, geology, Latin academic institutions and the private sector,” she said. and conservation in the tropical forests of Latin America. much less understanding of the unique footprint that social, American studies, law, natural resources and the environ- Other measures of the program’s success will include “The conventional logging common in most tropical economic and political history leaves on an area, and how ment, sociology, soil and water science, wildlife ecology and refereed scientific publications produced by students and forests is often cited for its destructive impacts such as loss this footprint influences conservation and development.” conservation, and zoology. faculty in collaboration with Latin American colleagues, of biodiversity, decline of wildlife populations, increased Miriam Wyman, whose doctoral research focuses on Other UF faculty on the program’s executive committee along with extension publications and workshops in regions erosion and fire susceptibility,” said Francis Putz, a UF ecotourism in the Maya Forest, said environmental problems include Marianne Schmink, a professor of Latin American hosting the research program. The Working Forests in the professor of botany and a member of the program’s execu- do not observe international boundaries. “It is important studies; Susan Jacobson, a professor of wildlife ecology and Tropics Program Web site will provide a global network for tive committee. Putz said an alternative to conventional that the international community works together on envi- conservation; and Richard Stepp, an assistant professor of communication: www.tropicalforests.ufl.edu/wft. logging is reduced-impact logging, which is intended to ronmental concerns that connect us all, and the IGERT anthropology. More than 30 other UF faculty are affiliated The program is organizing an international conference — produce greater financial returns without heavy damage to program addresses this need,” Wyman said. “Students, with the program. ”Working Forests in the Tropics: Policy and Market Impacts forest ecosystems. faculty and organizations from different regions are Schmink said students conducting research in the program on Conservation and Management” —to be held February Other options include management for nontimber working together to solve real-world issues —there must be familiar with a variety of disciplines and have skills 13-15, 2005, at UF in Gainesville. Additional information forest products. Brazil nuts, palm fruits and natural latex is no better training I could have asked for.” ranging from language proficiency to cultural sensitivity. and registration materials are available at are among the more commonly harvested species in Latin Last year, seven IGERT fellowships were awarded to “The graduate program will provide hands-on training www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/tropics. I America’s tropical forests, said Karen Kainer, an assistant doctoral students who are now completing their first year and experience in communication, ethics, teamwork and professor of tropical forestry. Kainer, another member in the program. An additional eight fellowships were cross-cultural skills that are sorely needed by scholars and For more information, contact: of the program’s executive committee, also has an appoint- recently awarded to students who will enter in August practitioners working in tropical forest regions,” she said. daniel zarin (352) 846-1247 ment in UF’s Center for Latin American Studies. 2004, and a third round will be awarded next year. The Jacobson said interdisciplinary programs are more difficult [email protected] The key to evaluating the sustainability of any forest program also runs a competitive small grants program to evaluate than single-discipline programs. The real success use is its impact on what ecologists refer to as ecosystem to support additional UF doctoral students conducting of the program will depend on the ability of graduates to work services, which includes the forest’s role in protecting field research in tropical working forests. effectively in tropical regions and solve difficult problems.

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Safety First immigrants from Mexico and other countries in the tropics make up the majority of Florida’s seasonal agricultural workers, a work force that is almost 200,000 strong, according to University of Florida estimates. Many of those workers move from job to job as the seasons change, operating farm equipment and apply- ing pesticide to crops. Yet many of Cesar Asuaje, right, travels to citrus groves, sugarcane fields, tomato farms and other agricultural enterprises throughout South Florida, teaching a one-day, on-the-job safety course to Spanish-speaking migrant workers. them can’t read basic safety instructions Photo by Marisol Amador. or warning labels written in English, and some receive little instruction on farm safety. hurt them,” Asuaje said. “In recent When you can’t read instructions But Cesar Asuaje, a regional years, Hispanic workers have accounted on heavy equipment, just about any specialized extension agent with UF’s for a growing number of injuries and work can become dangerous. Santiago Institute of Food and Agricultural fatalities in the agriculture and related cited a recent spate of deaths among Sciences, is on a mission to change industries such as landscaping. migrant workers using heavy-duty that —one farm at a time. “As a result, injuries and fatalities industrial lawnmowers in landscaping Based at the UF/IFAS Palm Beach among Hispanic workers are increas- operations in South Florida residential County Extension Service in West Palm ing, and the language barrier is one areas. Many industrial mowers are Beach, Asuaje regularly travels to citrus reason for that,” Asuaje said. “In a lot top-heavy, and they are marked with groves, sugarcane fields, tomato farms of cases, people are hurt because they clear warnings against using them on and other agricultural enterprises can’t read signs or safety instructions, steep inclines. But workers unfamiliar throughout South Florida, teaching and some don’t want to let on that with the warnings often use them on a one-day, on-the-job safety course to they don’t understand.” steep slopes near canals — and some-

photo by josh wickham Spanish-speaking migrant workers. According to statistics from the U.S. times tumble in. He currently is offering the extension Occupational Safety and Health “We’ve had people drown in as education program in the following Administration (OSHA), reports of little as a foot of water,” Santiago photo by thomas wright 11 counties: Broward, Collier, Hendry, fatal injuries among Hispanic workers said. “The mower tips over, they Hillsborough, Manatee, Martin, on the farm rose 18 percent during the fall into the canal, and they’re Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, period from 1999-2002, while nonfatal pinned under the mower.” Down on the farm, it can be downright dangerous —especially for thousands Pinellas and St. Lucie. injuries rose by 33 percent. In the land- He said another problem is occur- of South Florida migrant farm workers who may not be familiar with rules and Every year, workers fill Florida’s scaping industry — a sector of Florida ring in more rural settings, where fields, maintaining and harvesting agriculture that employs large numbers increasing use of all-terrain vehicles regulations designed to ensure their safety on the job. Fortunately, help is on the crops that make the state a power- of immigrant workers — nonfatal in agriculture has more migrant house in American agriculture. injuries increased by 63 percent over workers driving the off-road vehicles way, thanks to a new extension safety education program from the University According to UF studies, more than the same three-year period. on country roads. 90 percent of those workers hail from “It’s a trend you see everywhere, Workers are also subject to all of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. by tim lockette Latin American countries, and nearly but particularly in Florida,” said Luis the traditional hazards of farm life, one-fifth of them have no previous Santiago, Ft. Lauderdale area director including the health effects of spray- inset: cesar asuaje has initiated a new extension farm safety education program in 11 florida counties: broward, work experience in United States. for OSHA. “They’re doing work that ing pesticides on crops. collier, hendry, hillsborough, manatee, martin, miami-dade, orange, palm beach, pinellas and st. lucie. “What those workers don’t know others won’t do — and usually that about agriculture, it seems, can truly means dangerous work.”

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Federal regulations require worker safety training for every beginning farm worker —training that usually consists Hot Tomato! of watching a Spanish-language video- tape on worker safety. Because of the New solar fire tomato can take the heat. fast-paced working environment on by patti bartlett most farms, there’s no guarantee that Growing tomatoes in Florida’s hot, one of the state’s largest tomato every migrant worker will receive effec- humid climate isn’t always easy. Too hot producers. “There are a few varieties tive training, Asuaje said. and the fruit won’t set. Too much rain- such as Florida 91 that can be planted “Most growers are honest, but there fall and the fruit cracks, or the plants in early fall, but summer heat has are some employers who don’t show develop diseases and lose their leaves. always meant the fruit won’t set. the video because they want to avoid These problems have been largely We’re glad to see the introduction claims against them if something goes Cesar Asuaje is educating Hispanic workers about all aspects of farm safety. In recent years, these workers have solved with the introduction of Solar of a new heat-tolerant variety.” wrong,” Santiago said. “A lot of these accounted for a growing number of injuries and fatalities in agriculture and related fields. Photo by Thomas Wright. Fire, a heat-tolerant variety developed Growers are invited to see the workers have never seen a respirator, by researchers at the University of new varieties, usually on someone’s for instance, before working here. His office is one of the few places Others are well-to-do newcomers Florida’s Institute of Food and farm, DiMare said. “A small amount If they’re spraying pesticide without where Florida residents can take from Latin America who want to set Agricultural Sciences. of seed is offered to growers so they can the proper equipment, they might not Spanish-language classes toward a up small farms, either as residential “Solar Fire is our best bet yet for plant single rows of the tomato, called even know that this is not allowed.” license to apply pesticides —something farms or as new businesses. And many a tomato that can set fruit at warm strip trials. If growers like the way the In the late 1990s, Asuaje decided that can give a fledgling landscaping are longtime South Florida residents, temperatures,” said Jay Scott, a professor tomato performs, they’ll plant a couple to fill the gap by traveling to South company a leg up on competitors who familiar with local agricultural prac- of horticultural sciences at the UF/IFAS of acres to see how the plant fares under Florida farms and providing the are not licensed to apply pest-control tices in their communities, but not Gulf Coast Research and Education commercial production techniques.” training himself. products to lawns and shrubs. Asuaje current on government regulations. Center in Bradenton. “Most tomatoes He said commercial production has “It’s good to have the video said the class is popular among immi- “One of the problems with small that can set fruit at higher tempera- become a science, and new varieties uf/ifas file photo training materials when there are grants who started as landscape farmers, especially the Hispanic folks, tures have small fruit, but this one come under close scrutiny. so few people available to teach this workers and went on to found their is that they get a lot of their informa- Jay Scott helped develop the new Solar Fire tomato variety, is different. And you can plant this “We check the moisture in the soil which sets fruit at higher, summer temperatures. Seed for class,” he said. “But it’s better to have own landscaping companies. tion from each other,” Asuaje said. variety earlier in the fall growing and monitor the nutrition we add to the new variety will be available this summer. someone teaching in person if you The test for the license is in English, “Too many plant the same crop at the season than other varieties.” the plant,” DiMare said. “We analyze can. People are going to remember and applicants need some basic same time, and then they all harvest at A winter cash crop in Florida since Solar Fire has medium- to large- the sap from the petiole of one of the more if they’re taught in person.” reading skills in English to be success- the same time, which drives the price the 1870s, tomatoes now bring more sized fruit, just above 6 ounces, with an tomatoes in the field for nitrogen and Asuaje has taught basic worker ful in the examination, but instruction down. I try to teach people that before than $400 million into the state attractive red color and gloss. Each vine potassium levels to see if we need to safety classes to about 1,500 workers in Spanish can make a difference in you plant 10 acres of something, you annually. bears a lot of fruit, so crop yields are add fertilizer. When the fruit is ripe, since classes began in December 2000. how well the students grasp the basic need to know how to sell it.” “We think this tomato will extend good. It is a firm tomato, an important we check density, color, interior color He believes the classes have made a concepts of the class. About 500 people have gone the tomato season in Florida, and will factor when shipping produce, he said. and texture. We also look for flavor — difference in the way his students “We start with Spanish and include through the pesticide certification prove to be a significant addition to “It’s best when eaten fresh in salads consumers don’t want tomatoes that approach safety in the field. His more and more English as the class classes and small farm workshops the fresh tomato business in the state,” or sandwiches, rather than cooked taste like cardboard.” success is difficult to quantify — goes along,” Asuaje said. “It’s good since they began. And Asuaje says Brown said. or canned,” Scott said. “I like it with Once the varieties are accepted for the program is new and statistics on because, if someone has a problem he’s only scratched the surface of Solar Fire has been licensed for onions, feta cheese and caesar dressing.” further production, they are named — migrant worker accidents can be diffi- understanding something, we can the demand for Spanish-language production with Harris Moran Seed Solar Fire is resistant to races 1, often for the characteristic they were cult to collect —but the classes are work it out in Spanish, which is easier.” instruction among small farmers Company in Modesto, Ca. Bruno 2 and 3 of Fusarium wilt as well as bred — such as Solar Fire’s tolerance growing in popularity with agricultural He said workers with acceptable and agricultural workers. Libbrecht, product manager for toma- Verticillium wilt race 1 and to gray for heat, DiMare said. producers who want to avoid accidents reading skills seem to benefit the most, “I’m always teaching a class some- toes for Harris Moran, said his firm has leafspot. It has moderate resistance Like other new tomato varieties among migrant workers on the farm. while those who have lower reading where, to somebody, and I get a lot fields of Solar Fire under cultivation, to fruit soft rot, a bacteria that attacks developed by UF/IFAS researchers, “We have more people participating skills will begin the learning process of requests for more,” he said. “There’s and seed will be available in late May damp tomatoes after the fruit has Solar Fire began life as a number: every year since the extension educa- for pesticide license certification. enough work here for more than to early June 2004. been harvested. Florida 7943B. I tion program started, and that’s good Asuaje has also begun offering one person.” I “Until now, if you wanted to Reggie Brown, director of the Florida indication of the demand for this occasional workshops for small For more information, contact: plant tomatoes in Florida from July Tomato Committee, an industry group For more information, contact: training,” Asuaje said. farmers who are Hispanic. Some of through August, you’ve been pretty based in Orlando, said tomatoes are The popularity of the worker safety the students in those classes are immi- cesar asuaje (561) 233-1727 jay scott (941) 751-7536, ext. 241 much out of luck,” said Tony DiMare, the most valuable vegetable crop program has led Asuaje to begin offer- grant farm workers who have become [email protected] [email protected] vice president of DiMare Ruskin Inc., grown in Florida. ing other Spanish-language classes. tenant farmers.

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