North Florida Research Articles

Groundwater impacts of adding carrot to corn-peanut rotations in North Florida

The Upper Floridan aquifer underlying the Suwannee River Basin in Florida has experienced increased groundwater pumping and nitrate leaching over the last half century resulting in violation of water quantity and quality standards, largely due to row crop production. Increasingly carrot is being added as a winter cash crop to the traditional corn-peanut rotation in the region which may further increase pumping and nitrogen leaching. Establishing carrot nitrogen and irrigation best management practices is therefore critical to help growers meet yield goals while minimizing groundwater quantity and quality impacts. In this study, a carrot cultivation field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a range of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer practices on irrigation demand, nitrogen uptake and carrot crop growth and yield. Results showed that soil moisture sensor-based irrigation reduced the amount of water used for carrot cultivation by approximately 30% over the calendar-based irrigation without statistically significant reductions in yield, and fertilization rates above 224 kg ha−1 showed no statistically significant increase in yield. A field-scale SWAT carrot model was calibrated using the field experiment data and validated using previously published experimental results. The carrot parameters were then incorporated into a watershed-scale SWAT model of the Santa Fe River Basin, a tributary of the Suwannee River, and used to assess groundwater recharge and nitrate leaching impacts of adding carrot into corn-peanut rotations across all row crop lands in the watershed. Modeling results showed that adding carrot cultivation to the rotation will increase irrigation by 32–43% and decrease net groundwater recharge from row crop land by 9–28%. Moreover, it will increase nitrate leaching from row crop land by 60–100%. These results indicate that adding carrot cultivation to the conventional corn-peanut rotation will make water quantity and quality standards in the region more difficult to achieve.

Historical specimens and photographs reveal long‐term changes in Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) age class distribution and average size during U.S. population decline

Abstract Population‐level, historical studies can provide insights on the distribution, abundance and demographic characteristics of imperiled species prior to human exploitation, habitat modification or climate change. These studies provide a baseline for contemporary data, which often shape successful management and recovery. The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) occupies ~20% of its historical range due to declines driven primarily by mortalities in fisheries and coastal habitat loss over the last century. As a result, they are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and as Endangered federally in the United States (U.S.). Because P. pectinata grow to a large size and have a toothed rostrum, many historical photographs and specimens are archived in natural history collections. Metadata and morphometric data were collected and analysed from P. pectinata photographs (n = 84) and specimens (n = 429) to evaluate temporal changes in average size and historical distribution of five age classes in U.S. waters. Historically, smaller age classes were well‐distributed throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico, while only larger age classes were recorded on the U.S. east coast, north of Florida. All age classes were found in both Florida and Texas historically, but records from Texas decline after the 1980s and remain persistent in Florida, indicative of a strong‐hold for the U.S. population. Regardless of origin, individuals in three of the five age classes were larger on average historically than those observed today. Understanding which age classes used previously occupied areas will help direct habitat restoration efforts and support recovery, especially in the face of climate change. Non‐traditional data sources, such as those used here, may often be the only means of providing historical context to modern research on imperiled species, ultimately guiding restoration and conservation efforts.

Effect of Cucurbit Host, Production Region, and Season on the Population Structure of Pseudoperonospora cubensis in Florida.

Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), is one of the most important diseases affecting cucurbit production in the United States. This disease is especially damaging to Florida production areas, as the state is a top producer of many cucurbit species. In addition, winter production in central and south Florida likely serves as a likely source of P. cubensis inoculum for spring and summer cucurbit production throughout the eastern United States, where CDM is unable to overwinter in the absence of a living host. Over 2 years (2017 and 2018) and four seasons (spring 2017, spring 2018, fall 2017, and fall 2018), 274 P. cubensis isolates were collected from cucurbit hosts at production sites in south, central, and north Florida. The isolates were analyzed with 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to establish population structure and genetic diversity and further assigned to a clade based on a qPCR assay. Results of population structure and genetic diversity analyses differentiated isolates based on cucurbit host and clade (1 or 2). Of the isolates assigned to clade by qPCR, butternut squash, watermelon, and zucchini were dominated by clade 1 isolates, whereas cucumber isolates were split 34 and 59% between clades 1 and 2, respectively. Clade assignments agreed with isolate clustering observed within discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) based on SSR markers, although watermelon isolates formed a group distinct from the other clade 1 isolates. For seasonal collections from cucumber at each location, isolates were typically skewed to one clade or the other and varied across locations and seasons within each year of the study. This variable population structure of cucumber isolates could have consequences for regional disease management. This is the first study to characterize P. cubensis populations in Florida and evaluate the effect of cucurbit host and clade-type on isolate diversity and population structure, with implications for CDM management in Florida and other United States cucurbit production areas.

Landscape and Fruit Evaluation of Three Privet (Ligustrum sp.) Cultivars in Florida

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) has escaped cultivation in 20 states in the USA and is classified as a noxious weed in Florida, where its use is prohibited. There is confusion among producers and consumers surrounding the invasive status of its cultivars. In Florida, cultivars of an invasive wildtype species are also invasive unless proven otherwise and exempted from an invasive ruling. This study evaluated the fruiting and landscape performance of two cultivars of Chinese privet, ‘Variegatum’ (variegated privet) and ‘Sunshine’ (sunshine privet), and an interspecific hybrid of another form of privet, ‘NCLX1’ (L. × vicaryi, Golden Ticket®), planted in southwest, northcentral, and north Florida. ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Variegatum’ privet both performed well throughout the study with average quality ratings ranging from 3.2 to 4.9 (scale of 1–5) and a 100% survival rate during the nearly two-year study. ‘NCLX1’ privet also had a 100% survival rate at the southwest and northcentral sites, but 80% survival at the north Florida site. ‘Variegatum’ privet grew the largest in both height and width compared to ‘Sunshine’ and ‘NCLX1’ privet, that had similar heights. ‘Variegatum’ and ‘NCLX1’ privet flowered during the study, but ‘Sunshine’ privet did not. ‘Variegatum’ privet was the only cultivar evaluated to produce mature fruit and show clear signs of reversion back to its green wildtype form. The DNA content of all three cultivars suggests they are diploids, as is the wildtype form of Chinese privet. These results provide potential alternatives to Chinese privet for use in landscapes but recommend avoiding ‘Variegatum’ privet, due to its frequent reversion to the wildtype and its abundant fruit production.

Residents’ contribution to Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening management in Florida residential habitats

Abstract The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the world’s most damaging citrus pest that transmits the bacteria that cause huanglongbing (HLB). In the fall of 2022, we investigated residents’ attitudes to ACP and HLB using online surveys over a 9-month period. The survey gathered information on citrus grown in backyards and on the detection of ACP and HLB, as well as the management strategies used (or ready to be implemented) to control them. We recorded 529 responses, 218 from areas where HLB is endemic (South and Central Florida) and 311 from areas where HLB and ACP are still rare (North Florida). In the HLB area, the number of citrus grown was significantly reduced, and residents were more active in controlling ACP and HLB. Most residents were able to identify an adult psyllid from a photo, but only 5% reported having seen it on their trees, in most cases in areas with high HLB incidence. The results also revealed residents’ interest in managing ACP and HLB, as well as their willingness to participate in the search for integrated solutions to tackle ACP and HLB in urban habitats. Interestingly, 76% of responders agreed to remove HLB trees from their backyard; this went up to 82% if compensation was offered. This study provides valuable insights for improving backyard Extension strategies tailored to the needs and willingness of residents to manage ACP and HLB.

Factors Associated With Food Insecurity Among a Community-Based Sample of Older Adults in a North Florida County.

Food insecurity impacts the lives of 7.6 million U.S. adults aged 60 and older and is linked to numerous life challenges. This study examined the nature of food insecurity among community-based participants ≥65 years in a north Florida county and conceptualized food insecurity as encompassing the lack of food and individual adaptability. Thus, food insecurity was measured using three dependent variables: (1) worrying that food would run out, (2) cutting meal size or skipping meals, and (3) food not lasting. Logistic regression revealed that older participants, those with better-perceived health status, and those who were confident that they could find solutions to their problems had lower odds of reporting food insecurity. However, respondents who lived in low-income, low-access zip codes and those who received food assistance were more likely to report food insecurity. To improve outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities, solutions to food insecurity must vary in focus and approach.

The Chemical Nature of Mercury and Copper Sulfides and Its Implication for Bioavailability Assessments in Sediments

Sulfur chemistry plays an important role in regulating the bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs) because HM sulfides are extremely insoluble in sediments. However, quantifying HM sulfides in sediments has been difficult because they are considered acid-extractable (AE). Previous studies also found that Hg and Cu behaved differently from other HMs in sediments. This study investigated the chemical nature of Hg and Cu sulfides and the causes of Hg and Cu anomalies in sediments. The results indicated that Hg and Cu sulfides are not mono-sulfides (HS− or S=) but bi-sulfides (S2=), which are non-acid-extractable (NAE) under nitrogen. These results explain the Hg and Cu anomalies compared to other HMs and facilitate a procedure to quantify Hg and Cu sulfides in sediments. We analyzed the AE and NAE fractions of Hg, Cu, and Zn under nitrogen in the sediments of Apalachicola Bay, North Florida. Zn was included for comparison because Zn sulfide is mono-sulfide. The NAE Hg and Cu were, on average, 97.9 ± 2.7% and 84.6%, respectively, of the total, much higher than that of Zn (24.3% of the total) in the sediments, as expected. The NAE fractions of Hg and Cu were sulfides and thus could be excluded from the bioavailability assessments.

PARTNERING TO IMPROVE CARE: STRENGTHENING THE FAMILY CAREGIVER AND HOME CARE WORKER RELATIONSHIP

Abstract Family caregivers and home care workers provide essential daily care for millions of older adults and individuals with disabilities across the United States—and together they constitute the backbone of home and community-based services (HCBS). In many cases, these unpaid and paid caregivers work closely together and share common knowledge, skills, experiences, and challenges. Yet the overlap and relationship between them remains relatively understudied. This session will describe the importance of strengthening the family caregiver/home care worker dyad and discuss promising developments in research, policy, and practice. We will then highlight a pilot training intervention designed to improve the shared knowledge and interpersonal competencies of family caregivers and home care workers. The intervention— Partnering to Improve Care: Direct Care Workers and Families—was developed by PHI (a national nonprofit research, public education, and consulting organization) in partnership with the Florida Pioneer Network, Home Instead, and Florida State University through the North and Central Florida Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Partnership (GWEP). Informed by the PHI Coaching Approach®, the intervention consists of five parallel online training modules for family caregivers and for home care workers that utilize adult learner-centered teaching methods and reflect input from home care stakeholders. The modules portray common scenarios that family caregivers and home care workers face and aim to build communication and relationship skills that facilitate collaborative problem-solving and the provision of person-centered care. We will present key findings on the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, discuss next steps in this research, and highlight broader policy and practice recommendations.

Comparison of Carabid Densities in Different Cover Crop Species in North Florida

Comparison of Carabid Densities in Different Cover Crop Species in North Florida

Use of a Data Repository to Identify Delirium as a Presenting Symptom of COVID-19 Infection in Hospitalized Adults: Cross-Sectional Cohort Pilot Study.

Delirium, an acute confusional state highlighted by inattention, has been reported to occur in 10% to 50% of patients with COVID-19. People hospitalized with COVID-19 have been noted to present with or develop delirium and neurocognitive disorders. Caring for patients with delirium is associated with more burden for nurses, clinicians, and caregivers. Using information in electronic health record data to recognize delirium and possibly COVID-19 could lead to earlier treatment of the underlying viral infection and improve outcomes in clinical and health care systems cost per patient. Clinical data repositories can further support rapid discovery through cohort identification tools, such as the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside tool. The specific aim of this research was to investigate delirium in hospitalized older adults as a possible presenting symptom in COVID-19 using a data repository to identify neurocognitive disorders with a novel group of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. We analyzed data from 2 catchment areas with different demographics. The first catchment area (7 counties in the North-Central Florida) is predominantly rural while the second (1 county in North Florida) is predominantly urban. The Integrating Biology and the Bedside data repository was queried for patients with COVID-19 admitted to inpatient units via the emergency department (ED) within the health center from April 1, 2020, and April 1, 2022. Patients with COVID-19 were identified by having a positive COVID-19 laboratory test or a diagnosis code of U07.1. We identified neurocognitive disorders as delirium or encephalopathy, using ICD-10 codes. Less than one-third (1437/4828, 29.8%) of patients with COVID-19 were diagnosed with a co-occurring neurocognitive disorder. A neurocognitive disorder was present on admission for 15.8% (762/4828) of all patients with COVID-19 admitted through the ED. Among patients with both COVID-19 and a neurocognitive disorder, 56.9% (817/1437) were aged ≥65 years, a significantly higher proportion than those with no neurocognitive disorder (P<.001). The proportion of patients aged <65 years was significantly higher among patients diagnosed with encephalopathy only than patients diagnosed with delirium only and both delirium and encephalopathy (P<.001). Most (1272/4828, 26.3%) patients with COVID-19 admitted through the ED during our study period were admitted during the Delta variant peak. The data collected demonstrated that an increased number of older patients with neurocognitive disorder present on admission were infected with COVID-19. Knowing that delirium increases the staffing, nursing care needs, hospital resources used, and the length of stay as previously noted, identifying delirium early may benefit hospital administration when planning for newly anticipated COVID-19 surges. A robust and accessible data repository, such as the one used in this study, can provide invaluable support to clinicians and clinical administrators in such resource reallocation and clinical decision-making.

Transfluthrin diffusers do not protect two-person US military tents from mosquitoes in open field and canopy warm-temperate habitats

Spatial repellents are volatile or volatilized chemicals that may repel arthropod vectors in free space, preventing bites and reducing the potential for pathogen transmission. In a 21-week field study, we investigated the efficacy of passive transfluthrin-impregnated diffusers placed in two-person United States (US) military tents located in canopy and open field habitats in north Florida to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Mosquito collections with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traps baited with light and carbon dioxide were conducted weekly for weeks 0–4, every two weeks for weeks 5–10, and monthly for weeks 11–21. Our results demonstrated that these transfluthrin-impregnated devices did not function as spatial repellents as expected and did not create a mosquito-free zone of protection. Instead, we observed consistently higher collections of mosquitoes from tents with transfluthrin-impregnated diffusers, and higher rates of mosquito mortality in collections from tents with transfluthrin diffusers, compared to untreated control tents. Based on these findings we do not recommend the use of passive transfluthrin-impregnated diffusers for mosquito protection in two-person US military tents in warm-temperate environments similar to north Florida.

Frequent prescribed burns reduce mammalian species richness and occurrence in longleaf pine sandhills

Prescribed fire is a critical forest management tool, the frequency and size of which can alter the composition of wildlife communities. In the longleaf pine ecosystem of the southeastern United States, frequent prescribed fire (1–3 year fire interval) is used to replicate natural processes that prevent woody encroachment and transition to alternate states. However, we have little understanding of how different scales and frequencies of fire influence medium and large mammals. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the homogenizing influence of prescribed fire on mammal community composition at different fire frequencies and scales. We set 110 camera trap grids containing 990 individual camera points across conservation lands in north Florida and the Florida panhandle. We used a Bayesian multi-species occupancy modeling approach to assess the relationship between fire frequency and the occurrence of 11 mammal species across three spatial scales (0.2 ha, 12.57 ha, and 176.71 ha). Species richness was negatively associated with increased burn frequency at all scales and community occurrence was negatively associated with increased burn frequency at the two largest scales. Non-native nine-banded armadillos were negatively associated with increased burn frequency at all scales and non-native feral hogs were negatively associated with increased burn frequency at the two largest scales. Raccoons and opossums, both known nest predators, were negatively associated with increased burn frequency at the two largest scales. Our results indicate that prescribed fire applied at 1–3 year intervals could be used to reduce the occurrence of most non-native mammals and several prolific nest predators in longleaf pine sandhills, particularly at larger scales. However, these perceived benefits must be weighed against the concurrent loss of the ecosystem services and functions native generalist species provide.

Colliding cratons: linking the Variscan Orogeny in West Africa and North America

Abstract The Variscan Orogen was formed during the closure of the Rheic Ocean and the final collision between the North American and West African cratons in the Late Paleozoic. This collision led to the multistage building of the Mauritanide Belt to the east of the Variscan suture and to the building of the well-known Appalachian Belt to the west. Both led to opposite vergences in this part of the Variscan belt. The earliest records of the main collision episode begin at ∼360 Ma and end about 250 myr ago, while a late extensional phase lasted until ∼190 Ma. Three distinct stages are recognized in West Africa. The first stage ( c. 350–300 Ma) records the indentation of the Reguibat Shield into the central Appalachian margin of Laurentia. This indentation led to thrusting of the Souttoufide and Akjoujt ‘nappes’ onto the Reguibat Shield, to southward motion of the Senegalese block (SB), and to strike-slip motion in the Appalachians. The motion of the SB to the south is coeval with: (1) folding of the northern part of the Bové Basin, (2) north–south sinistral strike-slip motions in the central Mauritanides, and (3) the end of sedimentation in the Bové and Taoudeni Basins by the Late Devonian. The second stage ( c. 300–250 Ma) involves the eastward motion of the Western Thrust Block (WTB) against the SB and, likely, some of the westward thrusts in the Appalachians. This second ‘Variscan’ event includes: (1) closure of parts of the lower Diourbel Carboniferous basin, which is now concealed beneath the Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin, (2) thrusting to the east of the Simenti Group over the Koulountou Group in the Bassaride Belt, (3) thrusting to the east of the Wa-Wa Group, (4) thrusting of the Mauritanide Belt onto the Taoudeni Basin in the central Mauritanide Belt, and finally (5) thrusting of the Agualilet Group over the Akjoujt nappes and eastward motion of the western units over the Dhloat Ensour (Late Ordovician to early Devonian) autochthonous unit in the Souttoufides. West of the supposed ‘Variscan’ suture, Appalachian thrusting affected parts of Appalachian Belt. The third stage ( c. 250 to 190 Ma) began with the opening of Triassic rift basins in the Senegalo-Mauritanian basin and also in the north of Florida. As numerous previous correlations across the Variscan system do not include the West African part, our sythesis is intended to enhance these correlations.

Yield and plant height predictions of irrigated maize through unmanned aerial vehicle in North Florida

Monitoring crops and producing correct yield estimates are both crucial components of decision-making in agricultural systems. This is particularly important for crops like maize, with a national gross production value above US $82 billion in 2021. Several crop parameters, e.g., plant height (PH), leaf nutrient status, etc., are in use for improving maize grain yield (MGY) prediction models. Traditional PH measurements can be time-consuming and labor-intensive; thus, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) might be efficient and practical tools to predict in-season MGY. Two small-plot trials were conducted in North Florida to estimate in-field PH (IFPH) using UAVs (UAV-PH) and compare different regression approaches to estimate MGY using different time points (from 17 to 133 days after planting [DAP]). A multispectral camera was mounted onto an Aurelia X6 Standard hexacopter to capture crop canopy height. Overall, the IFPH values were higher than UAV-PH but strongly correlated (r = 0.95). Moderate to strong correlations were observed between MGY and PH at all time points except 17 DAP. The prediction of MGY using IFPH or UAV-PH was better through machine learning algorithms (Random forest regressor [RFR] and Support vector regression [SVR]) compared to simple/multiple linear regression (S/MLR), with R2, MAE, RMSE, and nRMSE ranges of 0.91–0.94, 553.86–1574.62 kg ha−1, 708.94–195.04 kg ha−1, and 14.2–39.1 % for best-performing models of RFR and SVR, respectively. Furthermore, S/MLR usually overestimated low-yielding plots (MGY < 12000 kg ha−1) and underestimated high-yielding plots (MGY > 12000 kg ha−1). The results showed that UAVs are a potential tool for quicker decision-making in maize cropping systems in North Florida since the crop-height model accurately estimated ground PH measurements (IFPH) at different time points.

Incidence of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Non-Surgical Patients

Introduction: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication of heparin exposure. HIT occurs when Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) forms a complex with heparin, resulting in the formation of autoantibodies. HIT occurs more frequently in surgical patients compared with non-surgical patients due to the inflammatory release of PF4 and perioperative heparin exposure. Previously, unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) solely among surgical patients which has been correlated with a higher incidence of HIT relative to LMWH. However, there is little data regarding UFH versus LMWH in non-surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in the incidence of HIT between these two forms of anticoagulation in non-surgical patients. We also sought to delineate differences in incidence of HIT with respect to BMI, gender, and age. Methods: This is a retrospective study that included all patients admitted to 14 hospitals within Hospital Corporation of America's (HCA) North Florida Division between January 2016 and September 2022. Data was retrieved and analyzed by HCA statisticians. Patient selection was based not only on whether they had been diagnosed with HIT, but various other factors including age, weight, gender and type of anticoagulation (LMWH vs UFH). Patients who had undergone surgery or even been hospitalized within the six months had been excluded. Other excluded conditions include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), drug induced systemic lupus erythematosus (DILE), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Results: A total of 2,061 patients were included. Unfractionated heparin group was significantly associated with the likelihood of the patient being diagnosed with HIT (χ 2 = 184.06, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). The odds ratio is 0.237, indicating that patients who received unfractionated heparin were 4.219 (1/0.237) times as likely to develop HIT as patients who received LMWH. When controlling for age, sex, and BMI, age was significantly associated with the likelihood of the patient being diagnosed with HIT (χ 2 = 8.423, p &amp;lt; 0.01). The odds ratio was 1.010, indicating that with each additional year of age, patients were 1.010 times as likely to develop HIT. BMI was also significantly associated with likelihood of HIT (χ2 = 4.892, P &amp;lt; 0.03), indicating that obesity was identified as a potential factor associated with the development of HIT. Female were less likely to develop HIT when compared to men overall (χ2 = 7.238, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions: HIT is a rare but important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients exposed to heparin containing products. This study explored the profile of HIT incidence in non-surgical patients receiving UFH versus LMWH and in young versus older age groups. Here we provide evidence that a long-standing understanding regarding the incidence of HIT in surgical patients holds true in strictly non-surgical patients. Additionally, we have acquired evidence that age may very well play a role in HIT.

Plant‐mediated effects of fire and fragmentation drive plant–pollinator interaction β‐diversity in fire‐dependent pine savannas

Interaction β‐diversity is a measure essential for understanding and conserving species interactions and ecosystem functioning. Interaction β‐diversity explains the variation in species interactions across spatial and temporal gradients, resulting from species turnover or interaction rewiring. Each component of interaction β‐diversity has different ecological implications and practical consequences. While interaction β‐diversity due to species turnover is related to assembly processes and fragmentation, rewiring can support high biodiversity and confer resilience to ecological networks. However, it is unclear whether both components respond to the same or different ecological drivers. Here, we assessed the ecological drivers of plant–pollinator interaction β‐diversity and its components across 24 sites in 9 longleaf pine (LLP) savannas in north and central Florida. We evaluated the effects of flowering plant composition and flower abundance, vegetation, fire regime, soil moisture, terrain characteristics, climate, spatial context and geographic location. We used path analysis to evaluate the drivers of spatial interaction β‐diversity and its main components. We then used generalized linear mixed models to assess the temporal patterns of spatial β‐diversity among sites within preserves. We found that plant–pollinator networks in LLP savannas are highly variable across space and time, mainly due to species turnover and possibly in response to abiotic gradients and dispersal boundaries. Flower abundance and flowering plant composition, geographic location, fire seasonality, soil moisture, and landscape context were the main drivers of plant–pollinator β‐diversity, highlighting the role of fire management and habitat connectivity in preserving plant–pollinator networks.

Grazing Reduces Nitrate Leaching in North Florida Crop Systems

Grazing Reduces Nitrate Leaching in North Florida Crop Systems

Characteristics of Patients with Dermatologic Conditions in a Student-Run Free Clinic: A Retrospective Study

Background: The Equal Access Clinic is a free, student-run clinic affiliated with the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Four days a week, a general clinic is held at various sites, providing free healthcare to patients in North Florida. Once a month, a specialty clinic for dermatology is held based on a referral system from general clinics. We aimed to characterize patients’ demographics and diagnoses who received dermatologic care at a free clinic in North Florida.&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients seen at Equal Access Clinic for a dermatology diagnosis from 2013 to 2020 (n=864).&#x0D; Results: One third of patients were seen for a chronic dermatology condition. Patients who were white and higher earners were more likely to travel further distances for care.&#x0D; Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of improving access of dermatology care to underserved areas and may be accomplished in part by increasing access to transportation to clinics. Limitations include the retrospective nature of our chart review and the reliance on zip code to estimate median household income. Additionally, the patients in this study were seen by primary care physicians, rather than dermatologists.

Environmental Factors Influencing Stem Rot Development in Peanut: Predictors and Action Thresholds for Disease Management.

Peanuts grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions are susceptible to stem rot, which is a soilborne disease caused by Athelia rolfsii. Due to the lack of reliable environmental-based scheduling recommendations, stem rot control relies heavily on fungicides that are applied at predetermined intervals. We conducted inoculated field experiments for six site-years in North Florida to examine the relationship between germination of A. rolfsii sclerotia: the inoculum, stem rot symptom development in the peanut crop, and environmental factors such as soil temperature (ST), soil moisture, relative humidity (RH), precipitation, evapotranspiration, and solar radiation. Window-pane analysis with hourly and daily environmental data for 5- to 28-day periods before each disease assessment were evaluated to select model predictors using correlation analysis, regularized regression, and exhaustive feature selection. Our results indicated that within-canopy ST (at 0.05 m belowground) and RH (at 0.15 m aboveground) were the most important environmental variables that influenced the progress of mycelial activity in susceptible peanut crops. Decision tree analysis resulted in an easy-to-interpret one-variable model (adjusted R2 = 0.51, Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 324, root average square error [RASE] = 14.21) or two-variable model (adjusted R2 = 0.61, AIC = 306, RASE = 10.95) that provided an action threshold for various disease scenarios based on number of hours of canopy RH above 90% and ST between 25 and 35°C in a 14-day window. Coupling an existing preseason risk index for stem rot, such as Peanut Rx, with the environmentally based predictors identified in this study would be a logical next step to optimize stem rot management. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Carrot (Daucus carota) Production in the Sandy Soils of North Florida: Nitrogen Fertilization Guidelines

This publication discusses carrot growth characteristics and provides nitrogen fertilizer best management practices for carrot crops growing in north Florida. The nitrogen management guidelines presented in this publication are based on multiyear field-based research conducted by UF/IFAS. Written by Morgan Morrow, Vivek Sharma, Robert C. Hochmuth, Charles Barrett, and Marina Burani-Arouca, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, July 2023.