Farms In Florida Research Articles

Bee Vectoring Technology Using Clonostachys rosea as a Biological Control for Botrytis Fruit Rot of Strawberry in Florida

Botrytis fruit rot (BFR), caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a major strawberry disease. The intensive use of fungicides for its management has resulted in resistance to several fungicide groups, requiring alternatives to BFR management. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of bee vectoring technology (BVT) using Clonostachys rosea as a fungal biological control agent for BFR. BVT involves the use of bumble bees to carry C. rosea to strawberry flowers, where it can compete with B. cinerea. Three experiments were conducted on commercial farms in Florida during the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 strawberry seasons. Treatments consisted of a nontreated control, fungicide standard program, BVT, and BVT + fungicide program. Fruits were harvested twice a week throughout the season to determine BFR incidence and yield, and postharvest activity was quantified during selected harvests. Temperature effect on mycelial growth was also determined for B. cinerea and C. rosea. The BVT + fungicide program reduced BFR incidence compared with the nontreated control in all seasons. However, BVT treatment by itself was not effective in improving yields or reducing disease incidence, likely due to highly favorable weather conditions for BFR in Florida. In addition, the low attractiveness of strawberry flowers to bumble bees and the fact that C. rosea is a better colonizer of strawberry leaves than flowers could also be limiting the effectiveness of BVT. Therefore, the BVT may be used in combination with fungicides to reduce BFR in strawberry production in Florida, but its cost-effectiveness still needs to be determined.

Characterization of two novel reassortant bluetongue virus serotype 1 strains isolated from farmed white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA.

Hemorrhagic diseases caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus or by bluetongue virus (BTV) are the most important orbivirus diseases affecting ruminants, including white-tailed deer (WTD). Bluetongue virus is of particular concern for farmed WTD in Florida, given its lethality and its wide distribution throughout the state. This study reports the clinical findings, ancillary diagnostics, and genomic characterization of two BTV serotype 1 strains isolated from two farmed WTD, from two different farms in Florida in 2019 and 2022. Phylogenetic and genetic analyses indicated that these two novel BTV-1 strains were reassortants. In addition, our analyses reveal that most genome segments of these strains were acquired from BTVs previously detected in ruminants in Florida, substantiating their endemism in the Southeastern U.S. Our findings underscore the need for additional research to determine the genetic diversity of BTV strains in Florida, their prevalence, and the potential risk of new BTV strains to WTD and other ruminants.

The Effects of Regulations on the Florida Ornamental Aquaculture Industry Infographic

This infographic accompanies "The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA248), an Ask IFAS factsheet that discusses the results of a study conducted to measure the impact of regulations on ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida using on-farm data from 2018. Florida’s diverse ornamental aquaculture industry has many unique challenges that set it apart from other aquaculture commodity groups. The numerous production techniques, diversity of species, and various market outlets make the ornamental aquaculture industry an intriguing study in how regulations impact the industry. By understanding regulatory impacts, we can streamline efforts to address them.

The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm

This research aimed to determine salient factors affecting the decision to become a beginning organic farmer. New and beginning organic farmers have unique characteristics, showcasing their dedication to environmental justice and social justice at the expense of their own businesses. This research aimed to determine why people with no background in agriculture would start a farm when it is a high-risk and low-return business. With multigenerational farmers aging out of agriculture, we investigated the new generation and shifting demographics of people entering farming that will replace retiring farmers and feed our future. This research employed a multiple-case case study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 first-generation farmers who operate organic farms in Arkansas, Florida, or Georgia. We analyzed interview transcripts using the qualitative analysis approach of coding. Our results reveal two primary reasons why people with little practical knowledge start farms. First, they are inspired by those around them who succeed, and second, they are encouraged by influential characters in the field who assure them they can do something they love and be profitable. This research showed that first-generation farmers find inspiration and develop values rooted in food justice. Our findings have implications for developing and implementing current and future programmatic activities that aim to enhance beginning farmer training and workforce development. We identified sources of inspiration that will help researchers and service providers target newer and beginning farmers to support a vibrant food system, including burgeoning market opportunities, developing strong communities around food, and building grassroots solutions.

Characteristics of Commercial Urban Agriculture in Florida

This publication provides an overview of the size, production methods, and market channels used by urban farms in Florida. It discusses urban farmers’ perceptions of barriers, opportunities, and needs for their operations. Written by Catherine G. Campbell, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2023.

Host associations of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) at deer farms in Florida, USA.

Documenting the host use of vector species is important for understanding the transmission dynamics of vector-borne pathogens. Biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) are vectors of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) worldwide. However, relative to mosquitoes and many other vector groups, host associations of this group are poorly documented. In this study, we used PCR-based bloodmeal analysis to determine species-level host associations of 3,603 blood-engorged specimens belonging to 18 Culicoides species at 8 deer farms in Florida, USA. We used a binomial mixed model with a Bayesian framework to compare the effect of host composition on the feeding patterns of Culicoides spp. and employed the Morisita-Horn Index to investigate the similarity of host use between farms for Culicoides stellifer and Culicoides insignis. Results show that the estimated probability of Culicoides spp. feeding upon white-tailed deer depends on the availability of cattle or exotic game and demonstrates differences in host-feeding selection among species. Culicoides insignis had high host similarity across farms suggesting that its host-use patterns are somewhat conserved. Culicoides stellifer had lower host similarity across farms suggesting that it is a more opportunistic feeder. White-tailed deer are fed upon by many Culicoides species on deer farms in Florida, and while most Culicoides species feed on white-tailed deer, the ratio of white-tailed deer bloodmeals to other bloodmeals is likely influenced by host availability. Culicoides spp. taking a majority of their bloodmeals from farmed white-tailed deer should be assessed for their vector competence for EHDV and BTV.

Labor and Sustainability: The Role of Farm Labor Practices in Shaping Antibiotic Use☆

AbstractIn this study, we examine the role that human labor practices and attitudes play in mastitis infections on US dairy farms. Mastitis infection is a key barrier to sustainability in dairy production, contributing to financial losses, animal welfare concerns, and perhaps most importantly imprudent antibiotic use. We combine data from five sources on herd characteristics, owner/manager attitudes and behaviors, and labor management to empirically analyze the connections between labor practices and mastitis infection. We examine 72 conventional dairy farms in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan using survey responses from both employees and owners/managers. We find that several labor practices and attitudes like communication, training, manager attitudes, and work intensity have important and meaningful associations with mastitis infection on dairy farms, in addition to conventional veterinary management practices. We also find that key labor practices are not associated with infection rates once we control for other factors. Our findings demonstrate the ways in which aspects of sustainability are intertwined on farms, particularly labor practices.

The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida

Florida’s diverse ornamental aquaculture industry has many unique challenges that set it apart from other aquaculture commodity groups. The numerous production techniques, diversity of species, and various market outlets make the ornamental aquaculture industry an intriguing study in how regulations impact the industry. By understanding those regulatory impacts, we can streamline efforts to address them. A study was conducted to measure the regulatory impact on ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida using on-farm data from 2018. All farms were censused in the state and results covered 82% of the industry with a response rate of 41% of farms. This factsheet discusses the results of that study and the regulatory burden that the ornamental aquaculture industry in Florida endures.

A novel dataset for wireless soil monitoring of a strawberry harvest and respective evaluation of physicochemical qualities

The paper presents a complete collection of data and its preliminary statistical analysis obtained from the first phase of a large soil study on how to improve strawberry production and achieve sustainable and high-quality harvests through sensor-assisted real-time field monitoring. Six real-time loggers were placed in an operational commercial strawberry farm in Central Florida for the entirety of a harvest season from soil preparation to planting to harvesting. Along with temporally high-resolution soil sensory measurements including water content, electrical conductivity, and temperature, strawberries were harvested from each of the six locations on three separate occasions for their objective physicochemical characteristics to be monitored and recorded in a food chemistry lab. The primary goal of this paper is to introduce the dataset to the food science and engineering research community and present the results of its preliminary statistical analysis in identifying which factors correlate with one another. Based on the findings of this paper, while there exists a weak correlation between the quality of the harvest and the water content of the soil immediately preceding it, there were several cases where statistically significant differences exist between the soil sensory measurements from different locations which did not replicate the same differences in their corresponding harvest qualities.

A regulatory cost assessment of ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida

AbstractThe ornamental aquaculture trade is a diverse sector of aquaculture and faces unique challenges that other commodity groups do not have to contend with. The various production techniques, species, and destination markets make ornamental aquaculture an interesting study in how regulations impact the industry. In Florida, aquaculture is primarily regulated under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, unique from other states. Regulatory costs and the value of lost production on ornamental farms in Florida were estimated to be $5.2 and $23.2 million, respectively. Results from an industry‐wide census have shown that there is a high regulatory burden on ornamental farmers for some regulatory categories. These include issues of legal control of fish‐eating predators, the restriction of drugs and chemicals, which would be beneficial to production, and the prohibition for farmers to raise species that have been restricted for culture at the national and state level. Larger farms were also able to limit the impact from regulations better than smaller farms by spreading their regulatory costs and value of lost production across greater sales. Although the values of lost production were high for ornamental producers, direct regulatory costs were low compared with other aquaculture commodities demonstrating that the industry in Florida may prove a regulatory model for other sectors.

‘Your’s Truly’: The Creation and Consumption of Commercial Tourist Portraits

There is a long history of tourists substantiating their visits to a destination through the purchase of portraits that show them against a backdrop of the local setting. While its initial expression in the form of paintings was confined to the social elite who could afford to commission and sit for an artist, the advent of photography democratized the process, enabling the aspiring middle classes to partake in the custom. While some tourists took their own photographs, the majority relied on local photographers who offered their services in studio and open-air settings. Smaller-sized images, such as Cartes de Visite (2.5″ × 4″) and Cabinet Cards (4.5″ × 6.5″), could be enclosed with letters to family and social circles, thus providing proof of visits while the voyage was still in progress. The development of picture postcards as a postal item in the 1890s, coupled with the manufacture of precut photographic paper with preprinted address fields, revolutionized tourist portraiture. Photographers could set-up outside tourist attractions, where tourists could have their portrait taken with formulaic framing against a canonized background. Efficient production flows meant that tourists could pick up their printed portraits, ready for mailing within an hour. Using examples of San Marc’s Basilica in Venice (Italy), as well as Ostrich Farms in California and Florida (U.S.A.), this paper contextualizes the production and consumption of such commercial tourist portraits as objects of social validation. It discusses their ability to situate the visitor in locales iconic of the destination, substantiating their presence and validating their experience. Given the speed of production (within an hour) and their ability to be immediately mailed through the global postal network, such images were the precursor of the modern-day ‘selfies’ posted on social media.

Influence of Land Use Intensity and Management on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Avocado Symbiosis

This study was done to assess the effect of soil disturbance on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore abundance and root colonization in avocado (Persea americana Mill.). Rhizosphere soil and root samples of avocado were collected from different farms in south Florida and analyzed for degree of mycorrhizal colonization in roots, spore density and diversity in soil along with soil characteristics. There was significant difference in the soil characteristics among the different farms. Similarly, there was a significant difference in the degree of mycorrhizal colonization in the roots and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore morphotypes among different land use and management practices. However, there was no significant difference in the total number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores among these sites. There was no correlation between the number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores and soil characteristics. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization in roots were strongly influenced by soil characteristics such as soil moisture, carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter. Further research is necessary to identify these AMF species and determine the role of in avocado growth tolerance to anthropogenic disturbance in highly disturbed urban soils.

Mite species (Acari) on blackberry cultivars in organic and conventional farms in Florida and Georgia, USA

This study was carried out to determine mite species on blackberry plants (Rubus spp. (Rosaceae)) in Florida and Georgia, USA, and differences in mite species between organic and conventional blackberry plantings in the area sampled. Surveys were conducted in organic and conventional commercial blackberry plantings from June to October 2016. Leaf samples were collected monthly from nine different blackberry cultivars including ‘Arapaho’, ‘Choctaw’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Kiowa’, ‘Natchez’, ‘Navaho’, ‘Osage’, ‘Ouachita’, and Von. Approximately 20 leaves per blackberry plant were taken. Twenty mite species (a total of 152 mite specimens) belonging to 7 families including Phytoseiidae (9 species), Ascidae (1), Cheyletidae (1), Erythraeidae (1), Stigmaeidae (1), Tetranychidae (4) and Tarsonemidae (3) were identified during the study. It was found that the abundance of predatory mites collected in organic farms was over 2-fold higher (105) than in conventional farms (47), which may be related to pesticide use on these commercial farms. Future surveys should provide a list of predatory species, which may hold potential for biological control of economically important pest mites.

Prevalence, Concentration, and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Salmonella Isolated from Florida Poultry Litter

For over a decade, Salmonella contamination has increasingly led to outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with fresh produce. The use of untreated animal manures, or biological soil amendments of animal origin, to amend agricultural soils holds a risk of contamination from foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, concentration, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella in poultry litter from Florida farms. Litter pH, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus (P2O5), total potassium (K2O), moisture content, total solids, total ash, organic matter, and aerobic plate count (APC) were also measured. Litter samples (n = 54) were collected from 18 broiler farms across three seasons (spring, summer, and winter). Salmonella concentrations were enumerated using a most-probable-number (MPN) method, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. The prevalence of Salmonella in litter samples was 61.1%, with a geometric mean of 0.21 ± 20.7 MPN/g. Across all seasons, Salmonella concentrations were not influenced by the chemical, physical, or microbial properties measured. Recovered Salmonella isolates (n = 290) were grouped into serogroups O:4 (43.1%), O:7 (26.9%), O:8 (11.0%), O:1,3,10,19 (7.9%), and O:9,46 (7.2%). Serotyping Salmonella isolates (n = 47) resulted in 12 serotypes, with the most common being Typhimurium (27.7%), Kentucky (17.0%), Enteritidis (14.9%), and Mbandaka (14.9%). Antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline (29.8%), sulfisoxazole (23.4%), and streptomycin (14.9%) was observed. No isolates were resistant to more than two antimicrobial agents. This study provides valuable information for future risk assessments for the use of poultry litter as an untreated biological soil amendment of animal origin.

Characterization of Forage Utilization and Pasture Management Practices on Florida Horse Operations

This study used an online survey to gather information on forage utilization and pasture management practices implemented on horse farms in Florida. We hypothesized that pastures were inadequately managed and underutilized, resulting in greater reliance on hay. Data from 80 complete responses were submitted to descriptive analysis and Fisher’s exact test. Significantly associated variables were also evaluated using multiple correspondence analysis. The primary function of the facility most reported was recreational horse use (62%). Nearly all operations (n = 79) had pasture available, with 57% reporting housing horses on pasture full time (24 hr/d) and 48% reporting implementation of rotational stocking. Most respondents reported using a combination of hay and pasture (57.5%) as their primary source of forage, followed by pasture only (32.5%) and hay only (10%). Pasture maintenance was performed by 82% of respondents, and 6% did not implement any type of pasture management. Primary forage fed to the horses was related to the type of pasture management implemented (P = .0313) and turnout practices (P = .0003). The multiple correspondence analysis showed that relying on hay as the primary source of forage was associated with a shorter duration of pasture access and lack of pasture management. Most operations did not have their hay (89%) or pasture (94%) analyzed for nutrient composition. Despite pasture availability, lack of adequate pasture management appeared to contribute to a greater dependence on hay feeding. Pasture management practices and forage analysis are potential areas for horse owner education in Florida.

Japanese Persimmon Cultivars in Florida

Japanese persimmons were first grown in Florida in the 1870s, but as of 2017, most US plantings are on a small scale; however, even as the overall acreage has decreased, the number of farms in Florida growing the fruit increased from 2012 to 2017. Trees grow and fruit best in central and northern Florida and can produce high yields of good-quality fruit. With an estimated population of more than 21 million, a diverse cultural base, and large cities close to production zones, Florida is primed for a larger persimmon industry. This 11-page revision provides growers with a primer on persimmon characteristics, marketing, and cultivars. Written by Ali Sarkhosh, Peter C. Andersen, and Dustin M. Huff, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg242

Florida Agritourism Building and Fire Codes

Agritourism marries Florida’s two largest industries, tourism and agriculture, to provide an on-farm recreational experience for consumers. Although Florida trails many other states in the number of agritourism operations, the number of Florida farms offering recreational experiences more than doubled from 2007 to 2012. This new 4-page document describes building codes relevant to Florida agritourism operations. Written by Mary Beth Henry and Kathryn A. Stofer, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc349
 A companion document, Florida’s Agritourism Laws, EDIS publication AEC623, Florida’s Agritourism Laws, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc285, discusses Florida Statutes related to definitions, liability protections, and limits to regulatory authority of local governments over bona fide agricultural operations engaged in agritourism.

Prevalence and concentration of stx+ E. coli and E. coli O157 in bovine manure from Florida farms.

Fresh produce outbreaks due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) continue to occur in the United States (US). Manure-amended soils can pose a public health risk when used for growing raw agricultural commodities. Knowing the prevalence and concentration of STEC in untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) is important to help guide the most appropriate pre-harvest interval(s) following application to limit risks from these soil amendments. Bovine manure samples were collected from 12 farms in Florida, including samples from piles, lagoons, barns, and screened solids. Two methods were used to detect stx1/2 and rfbE genes in samples. A prevalence rate of 9% for stx1 and/or stx2 and 19% for rfbE was observed from the 518 bovine manure samples evaluated. A most probable number (MPN) assay was performed on stx+ samples when applicable. The geometric mean for stx+ samples (n = 20) was 3.37 MPN g-1 (0.53 log MPN g-1) with a maximum value of 6,800 MPN g-1 (3.83 log MPN g-1). This research was part of a larger nationwide geographical study on the prevalence and concentration of STEC in bovine manure to help guide regulations on feasible pre-harvest intervals for the application of untreated BSAAO.

How Are Cows Cooled on Dairy Farms in Florida?

While hot and humid conditions cause grief for dairy producers, additional impacts of heat and humidity on the dairy cow are sometimes overlooked. These conditions and their associated losses in productivity pose a growing concern to dairy producers, as more frequent and severe fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, and droughts are predicted to occur in the United States. This new 4-page document discusses heat stress in the dairy industry, the Florida dairy heat stress abatement survey, and heat stress abatement for lactating cows, dry cows, and dairy calves. Written by Bethany Dado-Senn, Geoffrey E. Dahl, and Jimena Laporta, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2019. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an355

High Prevalence of Cefotaxime Resistant Bacteria in Grazing Beef Cattle: A Cross Sectional Study.

Although the over-use of antibiotics during food animal production is a potential driver of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms (ARMs), a high prevalence of cefotaxime resistant bacteria (CRB) has been observed in grazing animals raised without antibiotic supplementation. In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence and concentration of CRB in beef cattle on grazing farms were investigated. Fecal samples from the recto-anal junction of cattle (n = 840) and environmental samples (n = 258) were collected from 17 farms in North and Central Florida in the United States, and a survey of farm characteristics, animal husbandry practices, and antibiotic usage was conducted. CRB were detected in fecal samples from 47.4% of all cattle, with the prevalence ranging from 21.1 to 87.5% on farms, and significantly higher (P < 0.001) in calves compared to adult cows (54.1 vs. 41.8%). Environmental samples had a higher prevalence than fecal samples (P < 0.001), with CRB detected in 88.6% of water, 98.7% of soil, and 95.7% of forage samples. Compared to the concentration (log CFU/g) of CRB in fecal samples (2.95, 95% CI: 2.89, 3.02), the concentration of CRB was higher (P < 0.001) in soil and forage samples (5.37, 95% CI: 5.16, 5.57) and lower (P < 0.001) in water samples (1.08, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.36). Soil microbiota from farms with high prevalence of CRB clustered closer together and the proportion of Phylum Proteobacteria was higher on farms with high prevalence of CRB resistance. Large farming operations were associated with a 58% higher likelihood of CRB detection in fecal samples. Regular cleaning of drinking troughs and the addition of ionophores to feed were associated with CRB reduction in fecal samples. Taken together, the widespread of CRB into both cattle seldom treated with cephalosporin antibiotics and the surrounding environment suggests the environment is a natural source of antimicrobial resistance in beef cattle.