Topics in Subtropics

View as a webpage Think fungi are little more than moldy growths? Guess again. Scientists found one that creates fake flowers to attract insect pollinators.

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program has just published its 2020 proceedings. FREP was established in 1990 through legislative action to provide funding for research and education regarding the agronomically safe and environmentally sound use of fertilizer in California.

UF/IFAS researchers are working on a decision-support app to help policy makers and growers decide the best regional treatment options for laurel wilt disease, which is challenging Florida's $35 million-a-year avocado crop. Laurel wilt disease is spread by several ambrosia beetle vectors.

Eureka lemons A new study on the costs and returns of establishing and producing lemons in Ventura County has been released by UC Cooperative Extension in Southern California and UC Agricultural Issues Center, both part of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

In many ways our pest and disease management of fruit tree crops are exacerbated by our cultural practices. Avocado and citrus offer some very clear demonstrations of how we manage our trees can lead to reduced pesticide use.