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by TOMMY THAYER Getting through the HLB disaster that has devastated the Florida citrus industry these past few decades has called for tremendous combined efforts from across the spectrum. These efforts include cutting-edge research, newly developed products, and innovative best practices. Each area builds and pushes the others forward. At Tree Defender, we continue to […]

Citrus growers may have a new tool in the fight against citrus greening — brassinosteroids. Horticulturalists discovered brassinosteroids about 40 years ago but are continuing to discover potentially valuable new uses for them. Fernando Alferez, Associate Professor and Citrus Horticulturist with UF/IFAS, describes brassinosteroids as “a unique class of plant steroidal hormones with important roles

Florida’s citrus growers must always be on the lookout for new pest concerns, and algal spot is high up on that list. It started showing up in citrus groves in 2015, and it has grown more serious in the last few years. UF/IFAS researchers have been prepping for algal spot through multi-year trials, and they

Have you ever wondered what all the buzz is about grass-fed beef? With all the different public misconceptions about grass-fed beef, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. We’re here to clear up the popular myths and shine a light on why grass-fed beef could be the healthier, more ethical choice for you

As mosquito-borne diseases make a resurgence across the United States, horse owners need to be vigilant about protecting their animals from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Every year there are cases of EEE and WNV so it’s crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your horse from these potentially deadly infections.

There is no silver bullet. I’m pretty sure that this is the accepted sentiment by most Florida citrus growers and industry-watchers. There is not going to be some silver-bullet solution that magically appears and wipes away the HLB plague that has haunted the citrus industry for so long. What is becoming apparent is that fighting

The Florida Bamboo industry is an up-and-coming sector of Florida Agriculture, and the Florida Bamboo Growers Association (FBGA) is a group of independent growers, researchers, and allied organizations working to support one another and promote the bamboo industry in the state of Florida.  As a growing organization supporting a growing industry, FBGA is taking numerous

Equine skin tumors are relatively common in horses and can vary in terms of appearance, behavior, and treatment. As a responsible owner, it is essential to be aware of the different types of skin tumors that can affect horses, as early detection and proper management are crucial for the health and well-being of your horse.

Florida citrus growers have been hit hard by HLB, or citrus greening. For the 2023-24 season, the USDA estimated Florida citrus growers had harvested 17.96 million boxes of oranges. Compared to the 244 million boxes harvested in the 1997-98 season, it’s easy to see that Florida citrus is in dire straits. While growers wait to

I’ve always been an entrepreneur, regardless of the industry. Whether helping to bolster the community’s workforce or giving hunters a way to safely process their wild game, my priority is identifying possibilities and turning them into opportunities.  Florida excels in the hospitality and entertainment industries, there’s no denying that. Its expansive theme parks and ever-growing