Florida Cooperative Extension Service Research Articles

Roles and Responsibilities of the Florida Extension Specialist

This publication was created to help Florida Extension specialists and their mentors in understanding their roles and responsibilities and the way their expertise fits within the Florida Cooperative Exten­sion Service (FCES). Written by Matt Benge, Karlibeth Leitheiser, Saqib Mukhtar, Karla P. Shelnutt, LaToya O’Neal, Maia McGuire, Shannon J. Horrillo, and Peyton N. Beattie, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2024.

Introduction - Florida Greenhouse Vegetable Production Handbook, Vol 1

Greenhouse vegetables cannot usually compete directly on a price basis in the same markets with field-grown vegetables. Greenhouse vegetable production is much more expensive and more intensive and the crops must be marketed as specialty produce. Since greenhouse production is very costly and intensive, and the market for the specialty items is volatile, the prospective grower must be keenly aware of the special and exacting requirements of greenhouse vegetable production. This publication presents the special considerations that must be understood by all new or perspective greenhouse vegetable growers. This document is a chapter of the Florida Greenhosue Vegetable Production Handbook, Volume 1, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First Publication Date: December, 1990

Starting the Garden with Transplants

In the spring and fall, carefully prepared trays of young vegetable plants grace garden centers everywhere, signaling the start of garden season. Many times, the varieties available in retail centers are not the best-tasting or best-adapted varieties for our area. Starting your own vegetable transplants is fun and easy. This publication provides considerations and best practices for selecting the best crops to transplant and how to prepare transplants for home and community gardens in Florida.
 Original version:
 Stephens, James M. (1994) Starting the Garden with Transplants. Fact Sheet HS-507, April 1994. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Gainesville, FL

Diverse Perspectives on Trends Impacting the Future of Extension in Florida

In Extension, understanding trends has ramifications when working with external audiences, internal audiences, and even preparing future Extension professionals. This research sought to assess the applicability of several national trends to Florida so that the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (CES) could more accurately plan to meet the needs of Florida in the future. The Organizational Change model guided this discussion and provided a theory-driven strategy for addressing future challenges facing Extension. A basic qualitative study was used, and eight participants were interviewed. Participants were required to be Florida Extension personnel who were well regarded within the organization and had a working understanding of Extension’s issues. Data analysis was performed using the constant comparative method with open coding and themes were consolidated which ultimately resulted in five themes and 10 sub-themes. Findings indicated that the transformational factors challenging Extension included the external environment and mission and strategy. Conversely, the challenging transactional factors were structure, systems (policies and procedures), and task requirements and individual skills. Transformational factors were identified as the primary catalyst for change and Extension may focus efforts towards the four sub-themes that emerged from the external environment: (a) urbanization, (b) education with online technology, (c) conflicting messages, and (d) diverse audiences. Additionally, three sub-themes emerged from mission and strategy: (a) science-based information, (b) building partnerships, and (c) engaging stakeholders. The Florida CES has adapted to many 21st century challenges, but the need for change remains if Extension intends to keep its reputation as a premier educational organization.

Seeding the Garden

Growing your own Florida vegetable garden can be a rewarding experience with a little planning. This 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents an overview of proper seed selection and planting. It also provides best management practices, as well as relevant terms and methods, for seeding vegetables in home and community gardens. Written by Danielle Treadwell, David Outerbridge, Tabitha Petri, and James M. Stephens.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh026
 Original Publication:
 Stephens, James M. (1994) Seeding the Garden. Fact Sheet HS-506 (March 1994). Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Gainesville FL.

2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Useful Websites and Mobile Apps

This 4-page fact sheet is part of the 2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide. It contains a list of web-based programs that can be used to assist in the decision-making process of maintaining Florida citrus groves. The listing here does not indicate general or specific endorsement or exclusion of a product or service, nor does it indicate approval by the University of Florida, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Written by Jamie D. Burrow, Stephen H. Futch, Laurie Hurner, Chris Oswalt, Juanita Popenoe, and Mongi Zekri, and published by the Horticultural Sciences Department, April 2019. CG0100/CG0100: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Useful Websites and Mobile Apps (ufl.edu)

A Ground Beetle, Calleida decora (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Calleida decora (Fabricius) is a small arboreal ground beetle, predaceous both as larva and adult. Common on various cultivated crops, it is apparently the only carabid to complete its larval development on Florida soybean foliage (Neal 1974). It is believed to be a major factor in suppression of several lepidopterous pests, e.g., velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, on soybeans. This document is EENY-331 (originally published as DPI Entomology Circular 278), one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: July 2004. 
 EENY331/IN604: A Ground Beetle, Calleida decora (Fabricius) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae) (ufl.edu)

The Role of Flow in the Everglades Landscape

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to improve water quantity, timing, distribution, and quality of the Greater Everglades System (Figure 1) over the next 35 years (SFERTF 1998). Not only is it the most expensive (8 billion dollars, 1999) and ambitious ecological restoration ever undertaken, but it involves multiple agencies and organizations analyzing natural and ecological attributes to recover the natural system. A critically important but often overlooked aspect of the Everglades is the role of flow--the actual movement of water across the landscape--in creation and maintenance of habitats for Everglades plants and animals. Successful restoration of the Everglades landscape requires a thorough understanding of the role of flow (SCT 2003). This document is CIR1452, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Publication date: December, 2004.
 CIR 1452/UW199: The Role of Flow in the Everglades Landscape (ufl.edu)

Primer on Chemical Vegetation Management in Florida Pine Plantations

This publication discusses factors that need to be considered to develop effective and safe herbicide prescriptions for pine plantation management. It also reviews some basic herbicide concepts and terminology important to understanding chemical vegetation management in pine plantations. Familiarity with this terminology is essential to understanding herbicide labels, which are legally binding documents for the herbicide use. This document is Circular 1477, one of a series of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First Published: May 2005.

Working With Others: Coping with Criticism

Whether a volunteer, community committee member, an employee, a member of a family, or a supervisor, we can cope with criticism effectively and learn from it. We can use our energy wisely to ensure a safe, productive and encouraging environment for one another, our organizations and our communities. This document is FCS9211, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date June 1, 2005.

Some Small Native Freshwater Fish Recommended for Mosquito and Midge Control in Ornamental Ponds

This publication is intended to help anyone interested in ponds or mosquito control to identify, select, collect, and stock small native fish species that would be useful in controlling mosquito populations. This document is Fact Sheet ENY-670, a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: August 2004.
 ENY-670/IN456: Some Small Native Freshwater Fish Recommended for Mosquito and Midge Control in Ornamental Ponds (ufl.edu)

Pesticide Toxicity Profile: Miscellaneous Organic Fungicides

This document provides a general overview of human toxicity, provides a listing of laboratory animal and wildlife toxicities and a cross reference of chemical, common and trade names of miscellaneous organic fungicides registered for use in Florida. This document is PI-72, one of a series of the Pesticide Information Office, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published September 2005.

Disaster Tips for People with Disabilities

Natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes create special challenges for people with disabilities, their caregivers, and their families. People with disabilities need to have the same basic disaster supply kit as everyone else. Basic supply lists are available from a number of sources, but the list available at the American Red Cross web site serves as the model (http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/fds-all.pdf). People with disabilities may have special needs that go beyond the basic supplies list. The tips in this document were recommended by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for people with disabilities. This document is FCS9215, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date: August 2005.
 FCS9215/FY750: Preparing for a Disaster: Strategies for Older Adults (ufl.edu)

Shopping to Get the Most for your Money

People must make choices about food, clothing, and housing as well as non-essentials. Our wants are endless, but our resources are not! To become a competent consumer, you must develop skills to serve you in a complex marketplace. When buying goods and services, if you spend your money wisely you will receive satisfaction and value for the dollars you spend. To become a competent consumer, learn to shop effectively. This document is Fact Sheet FCS 5008, a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Revised: June 2005. First published: June 1982.

Nutritional Composition and Marketable Shelf-Life of Blood Ark Clams and Ponderous Ark Clams

The rapid growth of Florida's hard clam industry over the past decade has motivated aquaculturists to explore alternative molluscan species, which could reduce exposure to production risks and simultaneously promote market expansion. Species diversification could possibly provide some degree of protection against potential disastrous losses associated with a monoculture-based industry. Further, production of other molluscan species could potentially increase sales and profitability, expanding clam consumers' options. The Blood Ark (Anadara ovalis) and the Ponderous Ark (Noetia ponderosa) clams represent two possible production opportunities. This is EDIS document FE568, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published August 2005.

Five Things an Agricultural Producer Can Do to Improve Business Profitability

The business of producing agricultural commodities is undergoing considerable change. Long gone are the days when an agricultural producer could afford to ignore what goes on outside the local area and still expect to make a profit. In today's world characterized by the increasing globalization of competition, producers must be cognizant of the world around them and must make informed decisions from an increasing volume of information. Improved financial management has become the single most important factor for success in a globally competitive market. This article summarizes five things that producers can do to improve the profitability of their agricultural businesses. This is EDIS document FE569, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published August 2005.

Working With Others: Developing Trust and Cooperation

When someone has a positive experience in a group, he/she is more likely to take risks, ask questions, and share ideas that will benefit the total group. A trusting, cooperative atmosphere doesn't happen automatically. Everyone in the group contributes to the group dynamics. When trust and cooperation exist in a group, then individuals, committees, organizations, and communities benefit. This document is FCS9212, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date August 2005.

Evaluating the Performance of Cuba's Sugarcane Basic Units of Cooperative Production During Their First Decade

The objective of this fact sheet is to provide a performance evaluation of the sugarcane UBPCs after their first ten years in operation. The evaluation follows standard measures such as production/productivity, revenue, cost, and profitability. It also revises the accomplishments of the UBPCs relating to their original goals and objectives. The fact sheet ends with a discussion of some of the factors that appear to be limiting the efficiency and profitability in Cuba's sugarcane UBPCs. As opposed to what was the norm in the past, comprehensive official data from Cuba's Ministry of Sugar (MINAZ) have recently become available for these cooperatives (MINAZ, 2003). This is EDIS document FE562, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published June 2005.
 FE562/FE562: Evaluating the Performance of Cuba's Sugarcane Basic Units of Cooperative Production During Their First Decade (ufl.edu)

Helping Teens Answer the Question “Who Am I?”: Cognitive Development in Adolescents

This is the second of a four-part series that will explore adolescence in terms of physical, cognitive, social, and moral development. This publication will focus on the cognitive development that adolescents experience. This document is FCS2241, one of a series of the Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date December 6, 2005.

Florida's Pesticidal Substances Exempt from the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA-Section 25(b))

Effective in 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exempted products containing 31 pesticidal active ingredients and 160 inert ingredients from FIFRA regulation. The EPA concluded that the exemption of these products would not pose unreasonable risks to public health or the environment. This document is PI-55, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date August 2005.
 PI-55/PI092: Florida's Pesticidal Substances Exempt from the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA-Section 25(b)) (ufl.edu)