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Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
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3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidewesternwear.com
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MARCH 2019 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 5
CONTENTS Florida Strawberry Season Recap
64 PAGE 10 Champion of Champions
PAGE35 Caimito
PAGE 16 Business Up Front PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 Jack Payne PAGE 38 Yard Art PAGE 40 Managing Insects
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 58 Activity
PAGE 59 A Closer Look
PAGE 62 Spring Gardening
PAGE 26 Nutrition Education
PAGE 28 Picking Challenge
PAGE 46 John Dicks PAGE 48 Endangered Species PAGE 52 Recipes
PAGE 32 Heat treatment
PAGE 63 Fresh Strawberries
PAGE 66
News Briefs PAGE 68
Healthy Crop Seeds Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President Jake Raburn................Vice President Tony Lopez..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2018 - 2019 Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv, Jay Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Thomas O. Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Patsy Berry Editor
Letter from the Editor Another fair season has come and gone. This is a busy time for youth in agriculture in the state of Florida. All their hard work is on display at these shows. Congratulations to each of you. Those participating next year have already turned the page and are preparing for their next project. When fair season starts again, plan on visiting the agriculture area of any of the local fairs. Let exhibitors know you recognize the hard work they have done. Food and shelter, among an untold number of other things, are basic to our needs. The purpose of these projects is twofold. They expose youth to the industry, but also develop important life skills. Caring for an animal or plant, or other agriculture responsibility, helps make them more accountable and have a better understanding of life than a young person who has not had the good fortune to have these experiences. FFA and 4-H are incredible organizations. They help develop life skills and leadership for members. Please remember to look for the Fresh From Florida logo when shopping. You will get the freshest food available and support your local farmers and ranchers. Also, say thank you to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Sales Melissa Nichols Karen Berry Sarah Holt Robert Verner George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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An Important Time for Agriculture’s Voice to be Heard HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
Greetings, We’ve started 2019 as every New Year with the Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival – two great opportunities to showcase Agriculture in Florida. Now, we have begun another important opportunity for our industry here in the Sunshine State, and that is the current legislative session underway in Tallahassee. We began the session earlier this month by visiting our elected officials as part of Florida Farm Bureau’s Legislative Days apprising them of our industry’s priorities during this session, and they are multi-fold. Last fall’s Hurricane Irma brought devastation to the panhandle of Florida. Farmers and ranchers were especially hard hit, and we are at work promoting policies and other legislative action that will aid in that recovery. A few examples are securing funding for clean up and debris removal, as well as reforestation and damaged irrigation system funding to help the agriculture community recover. Water and environmental issues are also focal points for the 2019 session. Many are demanding responses to the impact of blue green algae and red tide. All of us at Farm Bureau support science-based measures that will benefit the quality of water and the most appropriate ways to help with these important needs. Many are looking at storing water on public lands, repairing the Herbert Hoover Dike and increasing water storage in Lake Okeechobee to name just a few.
There are many other issues that affect agriculture. Everify, continued support of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are vital to the ongoing success of the agriculture community here in Florida. I welcome your active participation in all endeavors that support the critical mission of agriculture in the Sunshine State. There’s another area where all of us can help and that is what U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is calling the fight against the growing “Fear Your Food” movement, an initiative that could severely harm efforts to feed the world’s growing population that must not go unanswered. Secretary Perdue is urging the Ag community to “connect with the consumer” and “fight” those spreading fear of food. In his words, “we need to be transparent, because we have nothing to hide. We must get better telling our own stories, rather than letting others fill in the void. Consumers need the truth – don’t fear your food.” If you are helping us getting the Voice of Agriculture heard, thank you. If you want to lend a hand, please let us know by phone, 813-685-9121, or email: info@ hcfarmbureau.org. Thank you,
Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Dennis Carlton, Jr. , President; Jake Raburn, Vice-President; Tony Lopez Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv,Jay Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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PARKESDALE’S Sweet LineUp.
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Strawberry Shortcake
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3
SStrawberry b Shortcake & Ice Cream
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SSunday d B Boat
Berries & Cream
(Strawberries &VanillaIceCream)
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Milkshakes VotedBest DrinkableDessert byFoodNetwork
PARKESDALE 3702 W. Baker Street • Plant City, FL.
Hwy 92 west of Plant City limits off I-4 between exits 17 & 19 OPEN 9-6PM OPEN 7 DAYS
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2019
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best” 1ST Place - $1500 Cash Award SHELBY SUMNER FROM OKEECHOBEE 2nd Place Champion of Champions Austin Holcomb from Lithia 3rd Place Champion of Champions Emily Jennings from Dade City 4th Place Champion of Champions Isabel Perdomo from San Antonio 5th Place Champion of Champions Camryn Farquhar from Zephyrhills 6th Place Champion of Champions Gina Tran from Orlando Mosaic Scholarship Winners
Junior Champion – Dylan Shaver from Thonotosassa Intermediate Champion –Maggie Jordan from Nokomis 4th place Senior Champion – Caitlin Fine from Odessa 3rd place Senior Champion – Miranda Holder from Riverview 2nd place Senior Champion – Savannah Morgan from Tampa Champion Youth for Llama Show – Ryan Swartz from Sarasota Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Violet Szeja from Brandon Intermediate Champion – Kally Lynne Henson from Winter Haven 4th place Senior Champion – Angelina Rivera from Miami
The winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is: Gina Tran from Orlando
3rd place Senior Champion – Mykayla Clark from Valrico
Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship Winners
2nd place Senior Champion – Colton Nichols from Land O’Lakes
The winners of the $1,000 Scholarship are: Jozef Heijkoop from Webster Annabel Henson from Myakka City Josephine Hoffner from Palmetto Ainsley Peterson from Mayo Cydney Slapa from Deltona
Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Austin Holcomb from Lithia Youth Steer Intermediate Champion –Gabe Mitchell from Trenton
Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship Winner
4th place Senior Champion – Callie Cramer from Oakland
The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is: Stephanie Shimer from Dade City
3rd place Senior Champion – Sophia Jaramillo-Vasconez from Orlando
CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS
2nd place Senior Champion – Gina Tran from Orlando
Youth Dog
Champion Youth for Steer Show – Emily May from Orlando
Junior Champion – Michelle Faith Lightsey from Winter Haven Intermediate Champion – Carsen Babich from Lutz
Youth Dairy
4th place Senior Champion – Alle Bilancione from Valrico 3rd place Senior Champion – Corin Hockenberry from Lakeland 2nd place Senior Champion – Burlynne Mejeris from Old Town Champion Youth for Dog Show – Genevieve Cruickshank from Largo PAGE
Youth Llama
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Junior Champion – Colby Holcomb from Lithia Intermediate Champion –Logan Shoop from Wimauma 4th place Senior Champion – Charlotte Byrns from Riverview 3rd place Senior Champion – Hailey Jones from Sarasota 2nd place Senior Champion – Shelby Sumner from Okeechobee WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Champion Youth for Swine Show – Sierra Graham from Lake City Youth Beef Junior Champion – Reagan Hancock from Morriston
Intermediate Champion – Gabe Mitchell from Trenton 4th place Senior Champion – Mykayla Clark from Valrico 3rd place Senior Champion – Sage Dawson from DeLand 2nd place Senior Champion – Payton Davis from Ocala Champion Youth for Beef Show – Emily Jennings from Dade City
Youth Sheep Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Camryn Farquhar from Zephyrhills Youth Poultry Junior Champion – Micah Evans from Brooksville Intermediate Champion –Caroline Evans from Brooksville 4th place Senior Champion – Nathanael Monroe Floral City 3rd place Senior Champion – Anthony Kirwan from Ocoee
Junior Champion – Mia Portillo from Deltona Intermediate Champion – Grady Callahan from Osteen 4th place Senior Champion – Tyler Watson from Lake Helen 3rd place Senior Champion – Kaitlyn Simmons from Zephyrhills 2nd place Senior Champion – Shawna Clay from DeLand Champion Youth for Sheep Show – T.J. Schroeder from DeLand
2nd place Senior Champion – Juliette Young from Lithia Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Kathleen Wann from Lakeland Youth Goat Junior Champion – Justin Davis from Pierson
Intermediate Champion – Melina Perdomo from San Antonio
4th place Senior Champion – Rachel Morris from DeLeon Springs 3rd place Senior Champion – Megan Christopher from DeLeon Springs 2nd place Senior Champion – Isabel Perdomo from San Antonio Champion Youth for Goat Show – Dominique Palka from Clermont
Youth Swine Junior Champion – Adysen Burns from Bell Intermediate Champion – Jordan Byers from Dade City 4th place Senior Champion –Madison Dvorak from Lakeland 3rd place Senior Champion – Jade Parrish from Parrish 2nd place Senior Champion – Taylor Waller from Inverness INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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GOV. DESANTIS AND CABINET ENJOY FRESH FROM FLORIDA BREAKFAST By Jim Frankowiak
The 2019 Florida State Fair began with the traditional “Fresh from Florida” breakfast, featuring traditional fare and a host of VIPS, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Secretary Nikki Fried and other cabinet members.
The breakfast also showcased a number of Hillsborough County Ag “stars” such as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
The annual event, which is the first event of the fair, is always a great opportunity for networking among local Ag professionals and policymakers, as well as 4-H and FFA members who demonstrated some of their current projects.
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Among breakfast offerings were biscuit and sausage treats cooked by board members of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
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Business Up Front
By Jim Frankowiak
SOUTHSIDE WESTERN AND OUTDOOR WEAR (SOUTHSIDE)
Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
Very Significant Sales Growth, Expanded Clothing Lines and More It’s been six years since Pam and Tim Lopez bought the iconic Plant City Southside store from the Der family. A lot has changed, and sales have markedly increased. The changes have been dramatic with annual sales “more than doubling since 2013,” noted Tim.
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The store’s official name is Southside Western & Outdoor Wear, “but locals know us as ‘Southside,’” said Pam. “We still have western wear, but our clothing offerings are truly fashion forward for men, women and children. We’ve brought high fashion brand name clothing and footwear into Plant City. There is no need to drive to and fight the crowds in Brandon or Lakeland big box stores when you can get the same brands at Southside. “
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Among the brands available at Southside are: • Ariat western/casual/work boots for men, women and kids • Ariat fashion shirts and jeans including fire resistant • Wrangler shirts and jeans including fire resistant • Cinch shirts and jeans • Columbia outdoor wear for men and women • Rock n Roll jeans for men • Corral women’s boots • Costa sunglasses • Oakley sunglasses • Justin western/casual/work boots for men, women and kids • Jack Rogers women’s sandals, booties, sneakers and slides WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
• Lane boots for men and women • Lucchese exotic boots for men and women • Miss Me clothing and accessories for her • Rock & Roll denim jeans for men and women • Twisted X cowboy/casual/work boots for men and women • Stetson & Resistol cowboy and casual hats • Columbia, Costa, Oakley, Hooey and more ball caps • Montana Silversmith western & fashion jewelry • Green Mountain pellet grilles • Garmin tracking collars • Purina, MoorMan and specialty feeds “We also offer Oakley sunglasses, making us one of the only retailers offering that brand in the Tampa Bay area,” said Pam. And while fashion forward is the emphasis on Southside clothing, the feed side of the business, managed by the Lopez’ son Michael, has also grown substantially over the last six years. Southside has a drive-thru barn for feed pick-up, the only one of its kind in the area and that’s especially helpful during inclement weather. “We are a Purina and specialty feed dealer with a very knowledgeable, pro-active and well-trained staff,” said Michael. “Both bagged and bulk feed sales have expanded here in Hillsborough County as well as Polk County. Three out of the last five years, Polk County in-county bred steer champions have been fed by Southside.” Many of Southside’s feed customers are 4-H and FFA members and competitors. Southside “gives back” 5 percent of those purchases each year with gift certificates redeemable at the store. “We have held a banquet each of the last five years for those exhibitors at which we give each a gift card they can redeem at our store,” said Tim. Attesting to the store’s growth is the fact that this annual event ran out of room at the store and is now held at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. “We appreciate the generosity of Paul Davis who made that facility available to us,” said Tim. “Overall, I think our long term staff members and their knowledge and strong commitment to meeting our customers’ needs has been instrumental in the growth we have experienced,” said Pam. Southside also offers a Sale Barn where items can be purchased for savings of “up to 50 percent or more.” The Lopez family has also recognized the changes taking place within the retail marketplace. In store visits have given way to online shopping. “Growing numbers of shoppers are spending more time online than in store and we’ve made a substantial commitment to build an online store appealing to those shoppers,” said Tim. “Working with Bayshore Solutions, we have a new state-of-the-art point of sale system that’s geared to the needs of both our growing traditional and online customer base.” We are still a ways off to where we are going with our e-commerce site, said Tim. Keep stopping by to see new products added daily. If you haven’t visited Southside lately, please do so as we aren’t that “Feed Store” anymore. “You’ll feel smart coming in, look smart going out.” “Chicks are in the back room, petting is allowed.” For more information about Southside, visit: https://southsidewesternwear.com. Or like us on Facebook at “SouthsideStores.” The name is close to the same, but a lot has changed.
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Greenbacks – Whitebait –Scaled Sardines Capt. Woody Gore
Probably the number one live bait used in the bay area is a scaled sardine. Anglers call them greenbacks, whitebait, or sardines, but there all the same and should not be confused with the Threadfin Herring also found in the bay. To begin we need to know what greenbacks are. They are a fast growing, short-lived fish that complete their life span in a little more than one year and are common in both off-shore and near-shore waters along both Florida coasts. Locating them on an early spring and summer morning, your best bet is structure, bridges and buoys, and most of Tampa Bay’s grass flats. On calm mornings you can see them twinkling like raindrops on the surface with an occasional flip out of the water. A question often asked is, what is the difference between a greenback and a threadfin? When you look at them side-by-side it is not hard to distinguish one from the other. The sardine has a slightly larger head and eye, predominately-sharper belly, no ray from a dorsal fin, olive to dark green back, silver sides and belly and a faint dark spot on the upper gill plate. Now that we understand what they are how do you catch them? The most common practice is learning to and throwing a cast net. Cast nets are not difficult to throw, but you will need some instruction and a little practice. I would suggest having two mesh sizes 1/4 and 3/8 inch and nothing less than an 8 footer or more than a 10 footer as they are easier to throw than the shorter nets. A good net will cost you somewhere around $100. A quality net runs around $250. I’ve owned them all from the cheapest to the most expensive and believe me when I say a wellmade net is much easier to throw and lasts longer than the bargain discounts. One last point about a cast net is proper care, maintaining your net is vital to its casting and opening ability. So, when you’re cleaning your boat and tackle after a trip, be certain to wash your net with fresh water and store it away from direct sunlight. If you’re planning on netting bait what do you use to attract them? Chum is the answer. Ask ten live bait anglers what they use and you’ll get ten different answers. Anglers are always inventing their own special formulas which often requires some pretty fancy mixing and a variety of ingredients. Some I’ve heard included oatmeal, rice, macaroni, dog food, cat food, fish oil, anise, soybeans, grits, cornmeal, bread the list is endless. Probably the number one ingredient for any chum is the oil. Not any oil, but the most stomach-turning stinky kind you will ever put your hands in and if you get it on your clothing, it never comes out, called Menhaden fish oil. Well, I’m going to keep it simple with a sure-fire mixture I and many other captains have used for years. It works every time and it’s a fish food and saltwater combination. When you add the water be sure not to get it too soupy because you want some to float on top of the water. The one I buy comes from Smelt’s feeds in Ybor City and is manufactured by Purina. It comes in a 40-pound bag, and is the 45 percent mixture, which means it already contains menhaden fish oil.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Ok, let’s go get some bait. Position yourself on a grass flat, preferably near that tinkling water we talked about, and begin tossing small amounts of chum in that direction. The mixture should disperse thorWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
oughly, sink slowly and create a fine oil slick on top of the water, this attracts bait into the chummed area near your boat. Keep a close eye on the chummed area, as soon as you see a flash (just before daylight, we call em’ flashlights) you’re ready to make your throw. A Point of Safety, always use caution when removing pinfish and especially catfish from your net. Pins usually shake out of your net, however, catfish have sharp, barbed fins that always get tangled. So, it’s best to use a pair of pliers to break the pectoral and dorsal fin tips, which untangles the fish so it can be released. Now you can remove the fins from the net by pulling them forward with the pliers. But whatever you do, never leave the fins in the net! If by chance you get stuck or wounded with one of these fins, make certain to treat it immediately with a good disinfectant and watch it for infection. If it becomes infected you should seek medical attention immediately. I found after you net your bait and clean up it’s a good idea to wash your hand in alcohol and disinfectant soap. Tampa Bay is known to have both Mycobacterium Marinum (my·co·bac·te·ri·um) https://emedicine.medscape.com/ article/1105126-overview and Vibrio Vulnificus (VIB-ree-o / vul-NIF-i-cus) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibrio_ vulnificus. So, you never know what you might contact from a pinfish fin or slimy catfish wound. And trust me, you certainly don’t want either of these. Look them up.
May 2019 Fishing Report Snook: The Tampa Bay Snook bite’s
been excellent. Greenbacks, shrimp, pinfish and artificial lures are working, especially topwater’s early in the morning.
Redfish: Redfish are popping up
around the bay and pushing into shallower water as the tide climbs. As always large schools of mullet are good places to look. They are either inside the school or behind it. Greenbacks, small pinfish, shrimp and, for those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves, you can expect some great action on high incoming tides.
Spotted Sea Trout: (Florida Fish and
Wildlife Commission Issued a News Release Stating That Effective Feb. 22May 10, recreational anglers will no longer be able to harvest spotted seatrout over 20 inches total length when fishing in state or federal waters from the Pasco-Hernando county line south to Gordon Pass in Collier County.) Some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides around deep water flats are producing fish to 20 inches. As always, live free-lined greenback or shrimp are the best baits for trout. Using topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerk baits and fishing broke bottom grass flats especially the grassy potholes can also offer artificial anglers some nice action.
Mackerel, Snapper, Sheepshead, Cobia: Mackerel are showing up
around the bay and will only get better as the water warms and the Threadfins begin schooling. We’ve been seeing a few Cobias around, most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Caimito has numerous common names including cainito, caimito, tar apple, star apple, purple star apple, golden leaf tree, abiaba, pomme de lait, estrella, milk fruit and aguay. Slugs have four noses In Cambodia, caimito is called “Plae Teuk Dos” which means milk fruit due to its milky juices inside. Sea otters hold each other’s paws when they sleep so they don’t drift apart. Beef fat, called tallow, is an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings, and chewing gum. An acre of land is about the same size as a football field. Raising beef cattle is the single largest segment of American agriculture. The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed 86 pounds, about the size of an average third-grader. One pound of wool can make 10 miles of yarn.
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“Mother Said” Most all of us can remember how our mother would always have an answer for any question we would ask. As a child I often questioned her answers, but the older I got the more I realized how smart she really was. I sometimes would miss school because of a cold, headache or some made up minor sickness. She could see through me like an open window. Usually I would start feeling better about the time school let out, and she would say, “If you’re too sick to go to school, you’re too sick to play outside.” Here are some of my mother’s favorite sayings; I don’t care what “everyone” is doing. I care what YOU are doing! I’m doing this for your own good! I’m going to skin you alive! I’m not going to ask you again. If it were a snake, it would have bitten you. If you could stay out last night, you can get up this morning. Over my dead body! Pick that up before somebody trips on it and breaks their neck! Pick up your feet. Put that down! You don’t know where it’s been! Say that again and I’ll wash your mouth out with soap.
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One of her funniest sayings was when she saw a person acting odd or wearing something outrageous was, “The sights you see when you haven’t got a gun.”
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How may of these have you heard before? A little soap & water never killed anybody. Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident. Answer me when I ask you a question. Are you going out dressed like that? Are your hands broken? Pick it up yourself! I’m not your maid. Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age. Clean up after yourself. Cupcakes are NOT a breakfast food. Did you clean your room? Did you flush the toilet? Do you live to annoy me? Do you think this is a hotel? You can’t just come here only to sleep. Don’t ask me WHY. The answer is NO. Don’t cross your eyes or they’ll freeze that way. Don’t EVER let me catch you doing that again! Don’t make me come in there. Don’t run with a lollipop in your mouth. Don’t stay up too late. Don’t use that tone with me. Don’t you have anything better to do? Go ask your father. Go to your room and think about what you did. How can you have nothing to wear? Your closet is FULL of clothes. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
How many times do I have to tell you? I can always tell when you’re lying. My mother said a lot a lot of things, but the one that I remember the most is; “Never look down on anyone, unless it is to offer your hand to help them up.” My mother had a way to keep me under control. When I was about six years old I went through a phase of flicking the lights in our house on and off continuously. This was in the early 40s during World War II, so Mom convinced me to stop by telling me that doing so would send a signal to the Germans to bomb our house. That did the trick. A friend of mine a few cabins down from me on Moon Ridge in Blairsville, GA is an interesting person. One afternoon we engaged in a conversation about our mothers. He said when he was a child his mother always turned the cold water tap on first thing each morning, and let it run for a minute or so. She said she did that to clear the pipes of the stale water from the night before. He said there were no copper pipes in those days, all lead, but she didn’t know that. She also cleaned her carpets by sprinkling tea leaves all over them, then brushing the carpet with a stiff brush. He said it was years before she ever got a vacuum cleaner. If he said he was hungry between meals she would give him a slice of bread and butter and a glass of water. He smiled and looked up at the sky and said, “One day she came over to visit me, and as she was leaving it started to rain. I gave her my umbrella to walk home with. About a week later I stopped in to see her. I was surprised to see my umbrella wide open in her living room by the window. She told me that she had been waiting for a rainy day to bring it back to me, as she couldn’t get the cockeyed thing closed! A guy shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped. Furthermore she kept staring at him. She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said, “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease; it’s just that you look so much like my late son.” He answered, “That’s okay.” “I know it’s silly, but if you’d call out ‘Goodbye, Mom’ as I leave the store, it would make me feel so happy.” She then went through the checkout ... and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out, “Goodbye, Mother.” The little old lady waved and smiled back at him. Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, he went to pay for his groceries. “That comes to $121.85,” said the clerk. “How come so much? I only bought five items.” The clerk replied, “Yeah, but your Mother said you’d pay for her things, too.” We all love our mothers. My mother taught me about STAMINA. “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
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UF Nutrition Education Program Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Floridians Eat Healthier By Samantha Grenrock
An EFNEP class in Palm Beach County. UF/IFAS photo by Camila Guillen March is National Nutrition Month, a reminder that we can all do better when it comes to eating right. But if resources are limited, it can be hard for individuals and families to access nutritious foods and practice other healthy habits, experts say. That’s why a nation-wide community nutrition education program has worked for the last 50 years to help low-income Americans improve their health through nutrition education. “Our goal is to help reduce the health disparities often associated with those who have limited financial resources,” said Karla Shelnutt, principal investigator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in the state of Florida. “To do that, we help participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to make better food and lifestyle choices, all while stretching their food dollars.” EFNEP serves six Florida counties—Escambia, Seminole, Hillsborough, Polk, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade—through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. In 1969, the U.S. Congress established EFNEP in all 50 states and U.S. territories, where it’s administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and implemented nationally by land grant universities such as UF. “Part of the land grant mission is to extend knowledge to all residents so they can improve their lives,” said Nick Place, dean of UF/IFAS Extension. “EFNEP has had remarkable success in this area. Those who complete the program experience measurable, positive changes in behavior. That ultimately leads to reduced healthcare costs and greater food security,” Place said. Here are some of the statewide impacts for 2018:
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• More than 3,700 adults and 6,200 youth graduated from EFNEP • 85 percent of adults and 95 percent of youth graduates improved food choices. Compare this to the 82 percent of
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Floridians who don’t eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. • 58 percent of adults and 20 percent of youth improved their food security. In Florida, 14 percent of the population is food insecure. • 86 percent of adults and 46 percent of youth improved food resource management practices, such as cooking more meals at home. • 88 percent of adults and 53 percent of youth improved food safety practices. • 86 percent of adults and 56 percent of youth increased physical activity. EFNEP is taught as a series of free classes where participants get hands-on experience selecting, preparing and sampling various nutritious ingredients and meals. Participants also learn how to be smarter grocery shoppers and how to practice food safety. “A big part of what makes EFNEP so effective is its strong ties to the communities it serves,” Shelnutt said. “One key to our success has been our dedicated peer educators, who come from the communities served by the program. They are able to develop meaningful relationships that help our participants learn and change behaviors. Our partnerships with local community organizations help us reach underserved residents, and we’re especially grateful for these collaborations over the last 50 years,” she said. EFNEP partners with a variety of organizations, from food pantries and farmers markets, to faith-based organizations and libraries. To learn about EFNEP in your area, visit efnep.ifas.ufl.edu. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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SIXTH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY PICKING CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY MONTE PACKAGE COMPANY
RAISES JUST OVER $90,000 FOR REDLANDS CHRISTIAN MIGRANT ASSOCIATION
The Strawberry Picking Challenge presented by Monte Package Company raised over $90,000. The annual charity event, now in its sixth year, raises funds that benefit the children of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). The event featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams competing in an exciting relay-style strawberry-picking race. Publix, International Paper, Farm Credit of Central Florida and Amalie Oil were just a few of the generous organizations that contributed to make the event an inspiring success. Local strawberry growers cheered on competitors and coached the corporate teams through the picking challenge. Local first responders even fielded teams. Two of the teams featured Hillsborough County Fire Rescue firefighters and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
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Ultimately, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), coached by Kane Hannaford from G&D Farms, was crowned 2019’s “Best Harvest Crew.” FFVA is the newest team to have its name inscribed on the “Strawberry Joe Trophy” which is
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held each year by the winners to celebrate their victory until they must pass it on to the next year’s champions. In addition to the sponsor brackets, local strawberry growers nominated their best harvesters to battle it out in a professional picking competition. A total of $800 was awarded to these master pickers. The day-long event began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a group of students from RCMA Wimauma Academy who also performed the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Grand Old Flag.” There was a charity u-pick open to the public and other family-friendly fun like a strawberry shortcake eating contest, balloon artists, games, music, and even a special appearance by the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court. The crowd was also treated to a performance by N.R.G., “Next Radical Generation,” a Plant City youth singing group. All proceeds from the Strawberry Picking Challenge benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a non-profit that opWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
erates child-care centers and charter schools serving Florida’s low-income, rural population, particularly the children of agricultural workers. Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA. Since the event began in 2014, the Strawberry Picking Challenge has donated a total of over $513,000 to the children of RCMA. “The turnout was our best yet with an estimated 2,500 attendees,” said Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms. “This event brings the community together to celebrate the Florida strawberry season and show our appreciation for the dedicated farmers and field workers. We are grateful to support RCMA and the important work they do for our industry.”
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University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center RESEARCHERS DETERMINE HEAT TREATMENT VIA STEAM AVIABLE, NON-CHEMICAL ALTERNATIVE FOR MANAGEMENT OF STRAWBERRY DISEASES
By Jim Frankowiak
It is called thermotherapy and it has proven to be an effective way to manage multiple diseases in strawberry nurseries, leading to cleaner plants and production fields in this area of the United States. That sums up the results of one of the studies of a five-year, $4 million grant involving researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), University of Florida, Clemson University, Cornell University and in Norway at NIBIO. “There were seven co-principal investigators and collaborators involved in the grant, but Bill Turechek from the USDA and Arne Stensvand from NIBIO were particularly involved in this study,” said Dr. Natalia Peres of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), the principal investigator.
completely different management,” said Dr. Peres. “However, growers receive infected plants despite precautions taken at the nurseries where the plants originate.” Those nurseries that provide plants to Florida strawberry fields are located mainly in North Carolina, California and Canada. “Nurseries use the same fungicides as fruit growers and that leads to plant resistance to multiple fungicides and pathogens manifest in diseases such as angular leaf spot, anthracnose, gray mold and powdery mildew,” she said. “Mixtures and alternation of fungicides recommended for resistance management is not working to prevent this problem.” This lead the research team to consider non-chemical alternatives for management of these strawberry diseases. Over the last five years, this international research initiative has focused on the use of heat treatment as a possible way to manage these diseases, and it has worked. A thermotherapy treatment device, referred to by the team as a “plant sauna,” has successfully helped control angular leaf spot and anthracnose at the nursery level. Plant trays with plants were placed in the “sauna” and treated for four hours at 111-degrees Fahrenheit (F). A pre-heat treatment step at 99 F for one hour helps to acclimate the plants to longer treatment at a higher temperature. These two-step heat treatments resulted in plants with low levels of disease to be shipped to growers. The “plant sauna” was initially developed in Norway and similar devices were built for research use domestically as part of this project.
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Funding for the five-year study came from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and its Specialty Crops Research Initiative. “Strawberry plants are propagated vegetatively far from where fruit are produced and under
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Given the success of this non-chemical option for managing strawberry diseases, the “next step is the development and manufacture of hardware that will enable plant nurseries to utilize thermotherapy as they grow strawberry plants before ultimate shipment to growers,” said Peres. Commercial “plant saunas” will have to be able to treat greater volumes of strawberry plants to meet strawberry grower plant demands. “We WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
believe that the thermotherapy treatment can break the epidemic cycles between disease in strawberry nurseries and fruit production fields so that catastrophic disease epidemics due to infected plants coming from nurseries can be avoided in Florida fields,� said Dr. Peres.
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Florida
Caimito By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
The caimito, or star apple, is a tropical fruit that is now in season in Florida. Also known as milk fruit, golden leaf tree, and purple star fruit, this fruit is a relative of the mamey sapote and the canistel. The fruit is round to oval in shape and about three inches in diameter. The outer peel may be purple or green in color and is smooth, glossy, and leathery. The inner pulp is white, soft, and milky surrounding 6 to 11 seeds. When cut open, the seeds appear in a star-shaped pattern. Neither the skin or the seeds are edible. The caimito is delicious eaten fresh out of hand, and is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This tropical fruit can also be made into smoothies, fruit salads, and sorbets.
Nutritional Profile Caimito is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one average size fruit (100 g) of star apple contains roughly 67 calories, 1 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat, 14 g of carbohydrate, and 3 g of fiber. It also provides significant amounts of vitamin C, niacin, iron, and phosphorus.
Vitamin C and immune system Fresh Florida star apples are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant which has many important functions in the body. Eating foods high in vitamin C significantly raises the amount of iron your body absorbs, which is a good way to prevent anemia. Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses, and may possibly shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.
Star apples contain phytonutrients, natural chemicals found in plants, which function in many beneficial ways. Some of these can help regulate blood sugar by slowing the speed and amount of breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Polyphenols also decrease how much sugar your body absorbs from the food eaten. Additionally, these compounds help muscles take up more sugar from the blood to use as fuel. The dietary fiber in star apples can also help prevent blood sugar spikes.
How to select and store Choose star apples that are slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure. Select fruit that is free of bruises or broken skin. Interestingly, this fruit does not fall from the tree when ripe, so it must be harvested by hand when mature. Star apples are ripe when the outer peel turns a dull purple or green color and is slightly wrinkled and soft.
How to enjoy Cut the fruit in half and spoon out the pulp. Discard the seeds, core, and peel. The pulp is sweet and delicious when chilled. Other ways to enjoy this tropical fruit are: • Blend the flesh with milk for a fruit shake • Blend frozen fruit into a sorbet • Use the pulp for ice cream • Slice and add to fruit salad or platter • Chop and add to cereal or yogurt Enjoy delicious, nutritious star apple during Florida’s peak season today.
Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/
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Fiber and regulating blood sugar
Protecting innovation to protect farmers By Jack Payne
Producers in Peru, Mexico, Spain, and other nations pay for much of the science that supports the blueberry industry in Hillsborough and Polk counties. Among the ways the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences uses its income from abroad is dedicating Extension coordinator Doug Phillips exclusively to blueberries. In consultation with the industry, we put him where we felt he could be of most service to the industry -- at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. International licenses issued by Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., a subsidiary of the UF/IFAS and essentially the state’s public seed bank, bring in most of the money needed to fund what I and many consider the finest blueberry breeding program in the world. We know local growers don’t get enough protection from unfair global competition. International trade rules have created an uneven playing field, already tilted toward international producers who enjoy low labor costs and government subsidies. UF/IFAS doesn’t make government policy. With international licensing, though, we can exert some control over who uses UF/IFAS blueberries and when they can export them. Our most recent licenses even prohibit the export of UF/IFAS blueberries to the U.S. during the Florida production season. International producers pay far more than Florida farmers for the right to use UF/IFAS-developed blueberry varieties. Nearly 90 percent of blueberry royalty money comes from overseas. If we didn’t license our blueberries globally, international competitors would take them for free. Blueberry imports from Mexico, where we have licenses, have been particularly difficult to compete with. But only 1.63 percent of the berries we import from Mexico are UF/IFAS varieties.
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A far greater percentage of those Mexican imports are the Biloxi variety developed by USDA. They were never licensed. So Mexico pays the U.S. nothing for growing them and shipping millions of pounds of them back to the U.S.
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Other UF/IFAS licensees never were competitors. FFSP’s largest blueberry licensee, a company in Spain, doesn’t sell to the U.S. Its market is Europe. We don’t compete there. It’s not an export market for Florida blueberry fruit. Meanwhile, we put most of the royalty money back into building better berries for Florida farmers. Dr. Patricio Muñoz turns royalty funding into discovery -- advances in machine harvestability, disease resistance, timing of production, berries that taste good to people but not to gall midges, and yield. Unfortunately, international licensing has been portrayed in some circles as harmful to Florida farmers. I get asked about it by growers, as I did at a forum in at Gulf Coast REC a year and a half ago. I told him as I tell anyone who asks, that licensing is done with the Florida farmer in mind. When FFSP updated its licensing rules five years ago, we asked Florida’s agricultural leaders for input. They signed off on our international licensing strategy. Brittany Lee, president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, and Kenneth Parker, the Hillsborough Countybased executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, both support our international berry licensing policies. We develop blueberries for Florida’s soil and conditions, not for Mexico’s or Peru’s. Florida farmers get first access to new UF/IFAS cultivars. And every licensee in a foreign country gives us a partner who shares our interest in protecting our intellectual property from theft by others in that country. The licensing revenue is the fuel for the innovation that created the Florida blueberry industry and will keep it profitable in Hillsborough and Polk counties for decades to come. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Recycled 2019 Yard Art Contest at the Hillsborough County Fair As you probably know by now, twice a year, we sponsor a Recycled Yard Art Contest, one at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair. The purpose of the Recycled Yard Art Contest was to increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse/recycling of materials into yard art. The competition involved two and three dimensional art created from items already used for their original purpose. During the twelve days of the 2019 Florida State Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice award on one of the 17 entries submitted. The votes have been tallied, all 10,801, and the winner is: Andy Hamilton for the “Dragon” created with chains, car parts and tools. Andy also won first place as determined by total vote count for the “Dragon.”
Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
James Shull received the third place award for his mini chopper created with old tools, wrenches and sockets. Unfortunately, we did not receive any entries from Elementary, Middle or High School students. We did receive some interesting and creative entries again this year. Each of us would probably be surprised at how creative we can be. This is a great time to put on your thinking caps for a Recycled Yard Art project you have been considering creating…and create it. We will have Recycled Yard Art competition in 2019 at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair in 2020. Hope you will participate. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repeating!
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The second place award went to Andy Hamilton for “Trixie” made with a dress from, car parts and tools.
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Center Combines Scientists, Industry to Manage Insects More Efficiently By Brad Buck
Dr. Emiliano Canton in a lab at the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department. Dr. Canton is a post-doctoral research associate in the department and part of the research team. Photo courtesy Bryony Bonning, UF/IFAS.
When she joined the University of Florida as an eminent scholar in entomology and nematology two years ago, Bryony Bonning brought an insect and nematode research center with her. That center works with researchers and industry to help manage insects and nematodes that harm crops and humans. Bonning started the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies while conducting entomology research at Iowa State University. There, she joined forces with Reddy Palli, professor and entomology department chair with the University of Kentucky. Now, five years after the initial funding, the National Science Foundation has renewed the center’s grant funding at $150,000 per year for each of the next five years. CAMTech, as the center is known, is a collaboration among researchers at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the University of Kentucky and private partners. In addition to NSF funding that supports center operations, industry partners provide financial support through center memberships for research that’s pertinent to the private sector, said Bonning, a professor of entomology and nematology at UF/IFAS. “CAMTech is the only center of its kind that deals with management of insect and nematode pests,” Bonning said. “Importantly, the center bridges the gap between research conducted at federal and academic institutions and the needs of industry.” “In order to provide adequate food for the increasing global population and to protect human health, new and more effective methods for pest management and to prevent insecttransmitted diseases to plants and humans are essential,” Bonning said.
Current center research addresses pests of global importance as well as those that impact Florida and other regions of the United States. These pests include the fall armyworm -- a voracious pest of field, vegetable and fruit crops, stink bugs that feed on a similarly wide range of plants, the corn rootworm known as the “billion dollar pest,” and mosquitoes that transmit diseases including dengue and West Nile viruses, which are of particular concern in Florida, Bonning said. Five UF/IFAS entomology department faculty members are conducting research projects through the center: • A team from the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, led by Associate Professor Chelsea Smartt, is working on mosquito resistance to repellents that are used to deter mosquitoes from entering houses or patios. This work will ultimately help with management of disease transmission by mosquitoes. • Assistant Professor Peter DiGennaro is working on a method to quickly identify types of nematodes that feed on the roots of crops. This will provide growers with valuable information to inform crop rotation and pest management decisions. • Professor Jeffrey Bloomquist is developing a technique to assess how effectively an insecticide will penetrate the hard exterior of an insect so that companies can improve the penetration of their chemical sprays. • Professor and department chair Blair Siegfried is leading an effort to develop a tool to help with research on the biology of stink bugs. This tool could also potentially be used to manage these pests. • Bonning is working with an international team to develop an online resource that will provide information about insecticidal toxins, identified from bacterial species. This web site will be the go-to site for researchers, industry and federal regulatory agencies for information on such toxins that have proven value in both traditional and organic agriculture.
Global travel and trade have inadvertently resulted in increased movement of pests and diseases across continents, resulting in major problems associated with invasive pests, insects in particular, she said.
More information on the Center for Arthropod Management Technologies can be found on the center’s website, www. iucrc-camtech.org.
“Research within the center will help deliver improved and safer insect and nematode management technologies toward overcoming these challenges,” Bonning said.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
Scientists at the center focus on areas with potential for significant commercial benefits, including: • New management approaches to address resistance to current insecticides and control strategies. • Analysis of genome sequences including for identification of particularly damaging nematode strains in soybean fields. • Development of new methods and research tools such as a PAGE
new website with information about insecticidal toxins identified from bacteria.
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Spring Has Sprung (Sort of!)
by John Dicks
It’s Springtime! The sun is shining. Flowers are blooming. Bees are buzzing. Birds are singing. Not too hot. Not too cold. What a great time of year. As Goldilocks famously quipped, “It’s just right!” By adding the word “time” to “spring” extends things for a whole season. Springtime arrives early for us Floridians and fortunately lasts for several weeks, enabling a love for life to enjoy, all before the sweltering of summer and the unwelcome arrival of hurricane season. Technically, though, spring sneaks in at a precise moment in time. It’s marked on the calendar as the vernal equinox, when the sun’s shadow crosses our earth’s equator on its path heading north. Because of the tilted orbit we travel, riding our earth’s rotation and revolving around the sun each year, twice during the journey we reach a spot where our north and south poles are equally the same distance from the sun. This equality lends to sunshine and daylight lasting equally as long as night. Hence it gets the name of equinox, meaning equal night, as in all things are equal. All of that Daylight Saving Time stuff comes later when humans attempt to tinker with celestial events! Twice each year the equinox happens. Once for spring, titled the vernal equinox, and the other in the fall, known as the autumnal equinox. Of course these equinoxes make their presence known some six months apart. The vernal one celebrates equality about March 20, and the autumnal shines about September 20. It’s “about” the 20th of those months only because our earth’s race in its revolution around the sun takes slightly more than the 365 days in our calendar
year. Precisely (or not so), it’s about six hours longer than the calendar year would provide. That’s how we get a leap year. Those six extra hours each year are sort of stored up for four years in a row. Then they get “used” in a leap year, on February 29, every four years. Coincidentally (or not), that makes every Presidential year a Leap Year. Next year, 2020, will be one, as was 2016. Personally, I think it was all planned to give TV stations an extra day each Leap Year to air ever more political ads, reaping that much more money in profits from the negative campaigning! Well, maybe not; but it certainly seems so. Regardless of the storing up of six extra hours each year to make for an extra day each Leap Year just to straighten things out, it should be noted that scientists pay no attention to such shenanigans and are determined to predict the precise moment in time the Equinox(es) will occur in a given year. Mathematically, the spring equinox will always fall between March 19 and March 21. This year, it’s predicted that we will hit the precise 1/4 spot of our journey around the sun on March 20 at 5:58 pm EDT. So precise are their measurements that we also now know that spring will have sprung in 2020 exactly at 11:49 pm EDT on March 19. Mind you, it means that at nearly midnight next year, in the middle of the night, our earth will have moved to a spot in its orbit that the next day will be as long as its next night! It’s enough to make your head spin! Incidentally, this year’s equinox is considered to be extra special because it coincides with the same date as the peaking of March’s full moon. That rarely happens, and further, it’s also a supermoon, meaning that it’s at its closest to earth in its orbit around us, appearing bigger and brighter in the sky. It all means that Spring this year makes for a very busy day (and night)!
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his law degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Dinosaur Style Fish:
Atlantic Sturgeon
By Ginny Mink Everyone is gearing up for a great season of fishing, so it seemed prudent to advise you about a fish that is endangered in our waters. The Atlantic Sturgeon is Federally Endangered and thereby equally endangered here. So, while you might be thrilled to catch a rather large version of this fish, it is definitely one of those you must throw back. Sorry, anglers! According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Atlantic sturgeon is just one of seven types of sturgeons found in North America. Sturgeons, in case you didn’t know, are a prehistoric fish. The way they look is incredibly unique as they have cartilage-based skeletons like sharks and rays, but instead of scales or denticles, they have scutes (which are basically body armor). They don’t have teeth, and kind of like catfish they have barbels beneath their snouts. And, their mouths are similar to what you find on sucker fish.¹
Overharvesting has been the key threat to the existence of the Atlantic sturgeon in the past, but since the inception of this fish on the endangered species list, new problems have been noted. Dams are potentially dangerous to prolonged existence for sturgeon as they prevent them from reaching the rivers of their births. Of course, there is also the threat of habitat destruction because sturgeon particularly appreciate those river areas that are at risk for being dredged. Dredging can both destroy and suffocate sturgeon eggs, which adhere to objects near the bottom of these rivers.¹
In January of 2012, the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), published an article by Brad Sewell, suggesting that Atlantic sturgeon was making a slow but definitive comeback. He describes them as armor-plated fish with the ability to grow to 14 feet in length while potentially weighing in at more than 800 pounds. He reveals that the NRDC filed a petition in the fall of 2009 to have the Atlantic sturgeon listed on the Endangered Species Act but they were not added to the list until 2012. Historically, he adds, in the 1800s there were vast numbers swimming in the rivers between Florida and Maine. Unfortunately, as of 2012, there were only two rivers that were home to at least 300 sexually mature Atlantic sturgeon.²
Keep in mind that sturgeon are also vulnerable to being caught accidentally, what is known as bycatch. Gill nets that are placed near the ocean floor can entrap and suffocate them. But there are other issues that are less obvious. Low dissolved oxygen levels caused by high levels of pollutants like phosphorous and nitrogen put them at extreme risk. The algal blooms that result in the midst of eutrophication, when the pollutants are high, leech the necessary oxygen from the water creating a damaging barrier to their spawning journeys. These areas are called hypoxic zones, and though invisible to us, they are a serious factor in the decline of this prehistoric species.²
Washington Post writer, Juliet Eilperin, says that a big factor in the decline of the sturgeon has been due to humans’ desire to target them for caviar. Over-fishing caused the numbers of these creatures to be severely depleted as far back as the late 1800s. All the more troublesome is the fact that by the 1970s, sturgeon previously located in the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers had been deemed extinct. Thankfully, with serious effort from the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, more than 115,000 have been reintroduced to those areas.³
We understand the value of God’s creatures and when we consider the fact that a fish who once swam with the dinosaurs, and even outlived them, is in danger due to our own carelessness, it’s time to rethink our positions as stewards of this planet. Let’s ensure that our children have the ability to appreciate a fish that has outlived their favorite dinosaurs.
Sturgeon are bottom feeders. Their diets are mostly made up of marine worms, grass shrimp, brachiopods, crabs, and lancets. They generally gorge themselves between fall and spring while they are living in salt and brackish waters. When they move on to fresh water, it appears they fast. While they are in the freshwater, typically the rivers in which they were born, they will spawn. This is usually during the Spring because pH, temperature, and water flow are at optimum levels for procreation. However, if they return to the rivers and things are not at that optimum level, they will skip the spawning process all together.¹ Sturgeon take a really long time to reach reproductive maturity. They are like salmon in that they are anadramous, meaning that they migrate upstream, fighting against the natural flow of the rivers of their birth. They remain at sea until they are prepared to spawn, this takes females an average of 15 years. PAGE
And, these females do not reproduce each year, in fact they do so in intervals of two to five years. Considering the fact that Atlantic sturgeon can live to be 60 years old, there’s three decades that pass before a female has been able to reach half her procreative potential.²
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Resources: ¹Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus). https://myfwc. com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/freshwater/atlantic-sturgeon/ ²Sewell, B. (2012). Officially Listed as Endangered, Sturgeon Are on the Slow Way Back. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/ experts/brad-sewell/officially-listed-endangered-sturgeonare-slow-way-back ³Eilperin, J. (2012). Atlantic Sturgeon listed as endangered species. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/atlantic-sturgeon-listedas-endangered-species/2012/02/01/gIQARbAmiQ_story. html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6fa7d7e47b6b Photo Credits: USFWS Fish and Aquatics Conservation. (2012). Atlantic Sturgeon Broodfish. (Flickr) https://flic.kr/p/hSBahp Virginia State Parks. (2012). Making a comeback. (Flickr) https:// flic.kr/p/dAjm7u WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Helping Tomorrow’s Farmers Get a Head Start Feeding the world is a big job, but thanks to youth agricultural programs like 4H and FFA, the future of farming is in good hands. Mosaic is proud to support organizations like these—and the young people they serve—at county fairs, local livestock shows and more. // Learn more at MosaicCo.com/Florida
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s e p i c e R
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Shrimp Boil with Sweet Corn and New Potatoes
DIRECTIONS
q Ingredients q
Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat. Fill with water until about 2/3 full and add 3/4 cup seafood seasoning. Add sausage and potatoes, bring to a slight boil and cook for 8-10 minutes. Next add corn and simmer for 5 minutes. Lastly add shrimp and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain the liquid and pour shrimp boil onto a large platter. Lightly season with the remaining seafood seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish the shrimp boil platter with the diced tomato and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, melted butter and hot sauce, if desired.
1 ½ pounds large Florida shrimp (peeled and deveined, if desired) 5 ears Florida sweet corn, husked and cut in half 1 large Florida tomato, diced small 1 pound Florida potatoes (peeled, if desired) 1 pound cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup seafood boil seasoning mix 3 lemons, cut into wedges 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Florida Strawberry Smoothie q Ingredients q 2 cups fresh Florida strawberries 1 cup low-fat milk
2 cups vanilla frozen low-fat yogurt 8 ice cubes
DIRECTIONS
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Wash and hull strawberries. Place strawberries in a blender with half of milk. Make sure lid is on tight. Blend on high speed until smooth. Add frozen yogurt, remaining milk and ice cubes and continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour any leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use.
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Part 54 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Welcome back to the Literary Time Machine where we venture back to 1926 for ornamental gardening advice from Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson. This month, we will focus on what he has deemed Exotic Vines and Creepers. Perhaps we will discover some unique vines to decorate our borders and trellises, or maybe we’ll find out when some of the invasive species we battle today made their way into our great state. Regardless, we can rest assured that as we travel back in time, we will learn something new! His list for exotic vines and creepers begins with Abrus precatorius, otherwise known as Crab’s eye vine. He writes, “A tall growing vine with delicately beautiful, soft, pinnate leaves and inconspicuous flowers which are followed by small pods containing rounded beans. The pods open and twist out when the seeds are ripe and they are a brilliant red with a black eyevery pretty. Although so delicate the vine is a rampant grower and it soon covers the trees over which it climbs with a beautiful sheet of soft, rich green.”¹ We read that description and immediately are concerned about this vine’s potentially invasive nature. So, it is no surprise that he continues, “Yet I have no hesitation in pronouncing this innocent looking thing one of nature’s masterpieces in the way of nuisances. The roots, which have a tremendous hold on the soil, rob it and the mantle of the soft foliage smothers the tree over which it climbs. When it has reached a very moderate height it blooms and seeds, displaying its lovely beans and asking every bird to come and eat them and the invitation is very generally accepted. The birds usually carry a few away in their beaks and as they are smooth and the mouth is filled with saliva one or more is sure to drop out as they fly and fall to the ground- to establish the vine in new quarters- a most cunning trick on the part of the vine.”¹ We’re not sure if birds actually have saliva that makes them drop things from their mouths, but the imagery is quite amusing. And, his personification of the vine, labeling it cunning, made us chuckle. Given his final summation of the plant, we are forced to think it is indeed a pest and nuisance as he writes, “As a result of this I have been making an almost hopeless fight for ten years to rid myself of this “Old Man of the Sea” that has taken possession of the land.”¹ A quick search shows that according to USF, this is indeed an invasive species here. So, Mr. Simpson was right to call it a nuisance.
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However, we also noted, via the search, that there are some pieces of medicinal value associated with the Crab’s eye vine. Though the seeds are labeled as extremely poisonous, they are used, along with the leaves, to treat a variety of physical ailments. In fact, they have been used for ulcers, dysentery, alopecia, headaches, and nervous disorders. This is because they possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabet-
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ic properties, among other things. Medicinal uses for this plant are applied in: Africa, Cambodia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Haiti, India, Guam, Jamaica, Taiwan, and Pakistan, along with many other countries.² Moving on from one negative vine to another is what we find as we read about Agdestes clematida. Mr. Simpson pens, “A rapid growing and very pretty vine…Late in the summer it is covered with an immense quantity of small, pure white, rather fragrant flowers, and is, at that time, a wonderful object. But I am not sure but it should be classed with the crab’s eye as a nuisance. The whole plant, aside from the flowers, has an evil, oniony smell so that it is unfit for porch decoration. When established it forms tubers filled with this unpleasant smell as large as a bushel basket and these divide and set off new ones without limit. If the vines touch ground they at once root and develop tubers and these make more vines until in a short time the plant has taken possession of everything and only a bitter and long continued fight will rid one of it. It is all right planted somewhere where it cannot spread and inflict its disagreeable smell on the passer-by.”¹ After a little digging, it is obvious that this introduced species is just as, if not more so, invasive as the crab’s eye vine. It is known to initiate ecosystem change while altering the habitat in which is resides. Due to that, it reduces our native biodiversity and is a threat to native species. It grows rapidly, potentially reaching up to 50 feet each year. In Cuba it is considered one of 100 most noxious plants due to the extremely unpleasant odor. With regards to its prevalence in Florida, 1985 marks the year that it was reported as having escaped from cultivation.³ Though we wish this trip could have been more pleasant, it does help us to know what plants to avoid. Fight the good fight of eliminating invasive species. Until next time, happy gardening! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 178-180). ²Health Benefits Times. Crab’s eye- Abrus precatorius. https:// www.healthbenefitstimes.com/crabs-eye/nggallery/pid-crabs-eye-10/ ³CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Agdestis clematidea (rockroot). https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/119791 Photo Credit: Donald, Margaret. (2018). PC050027. Cayratia clematidea. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/2dn5oAi (Note: this is the closest image to the Agdestis clematidea we could find) Worthingon, Len. (2013). Abrus precatorius Crab’s Eye. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/qJRnnf WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Celebrating a most fruitful relationship
between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
1996
2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Dean Fultz (901) 355-5197 or Jim Johnson (813) 205-0355
2001
2003
Present
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©2018 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Leaf Skeleton
Since our featured insect this month looks like a leaf, we thought it would be cool to do a leaf project. Leaf skeletons can be used in several crafts. They can be added to the epoxy mold project we recently featured or framed against an illustration or alone. Leaf skeletons can be colored with food dye, varnished onto wood, or stone and even be added to a clear candle holder. The possibilities are vast. There are several ways to create a leaf skeleton, most of which take a good deal of time (weeks) before you have completed the leaf. I typically do not have weeks for projects so I did a little research and found a method that I really like and would like to share with you. It starts with finding a good leaf to use. Every source I have found suggests using thick waxy leaves such as Magnolia, Gardenia, and Hydrangea or the sturdy leaves of Oak and Maple.
Materials: Leaves Water Large Pot Washing Soda Bleach (optional)
Food Dye (optional) Tongs Terry Towel
Production:
• In pot, mix about 1 part washing soda to 4 parts water • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil • Lower the heat to simmer and add the leaves • Simmer 2-3 hrs (leaf cells should be soft enough to rub off … just as a test, don’t rub them off yet.) • Pour the murky water out and fill with just enough clean water to cover the leaves • Add bleach (if desired) to speed the process up Note: bleach will weaken the leaf veins if used for too long • Allow bleach to remove the leaf color (30 – 60 minutes) • Gently remove the skin of the leaf by either brushing with a soft brush or carefully rinsing under running water. • It helps to support the leaf in your hand to help prevent it from tearing while removing the skin
• Coloring (optional): Fill a shallow dish with water and food coloring. • Let the leaf soak in the food dye mixture until the veins absorb the desired tone. • Gently remove the leaf from the dye mixture with tongs • Place the leaf on a terry cloth towel for complete drying (the leaf skeleton should be stiff.)
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Once your leaf is dry, it can be used as a component for other crafts as mentioned above or a work of art itself.
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Giant Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana)
The sounds of Spring are approaching. Soon our nights will be filled with a chorus of wildlife that is characteristic of the Deep South. Kicking it off is a large insect commonly known as the Giant Katydid. This insect is the largest katydid in the United States measuring over 2 ½ inches with wings at rest. The Giant Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana) is more closely related to crickets than grasshoppers and is a member of the genus phaneropterine (false katydids). This month we will take a closer look at the Giant Katydid, a somewhat rare treat found only in the Isle of Pines in Cuba and as far north as Gainesville in Florida (Entomological News, Mar 2017). This species was first described by George Marcgraf from a Brazilian specimen in 1648. Most species are found in the tropical neotropics, which roughly begins just south of Bradenton and extends through south Florida and into the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Grenada, Trinidad, and Jamaica. The Giant Katydid is the one species that can be found in the Nearctic region of Florida as far north as Gainesville. Illustrations as early as 1725 (Sloane) and 1800 (Shaw) indicate that it was first known as the Bay Leaf Locust. We know of over 250 species of katydid in North America, nearly half of which are in the Tettigoniinae (shieldbacks) family and among the shieldbacks, there are 15 species of Stilpnochlora, but none as large as the Giant Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana). This insect, though imposing, is harmless to human beings; in fact, it has become a popular pet and classroom addition. One of the fascinating characteristics of this insect is its ability to avoid becoming food for potential predators by fooling them. In evolutionary biology, some species evolve to resemble (mimic) another organism or object. The Giant Katydid mimics spiders in its earliest stages of life (instars) and when finally becoming an adult, the Giant Katydid looks like a large leaf. Katydids are active at night; during the day they rest high up in the crowns of host trees such as oak, bramble, or hazel but can occasionally be found foraging in shrubs of hypericum, butterfly bush (Buddleja), apple, rose and hawthorn. Beginning at dusk and continuing to the morning, males create their
The giant katydid is among the largest of all insects and are often kept as pets. There are some species of katydid that are carnivorous and vicious predators, those that are carnivores can be recognized the by the spikes on their legs which are used for capturing prey. The Giant Katydid, however, is a strict herbivore feeding only on a variety of trees and shrubs and is quite harmless to human beings. It’s no surprise that this insect has become a popular pet and is sometimes kept in the classroom for students to observe. The average lifespan of the giant katydid is about one year from birth through adult. In our tropical Florida environment this species is capable of producing offspring twice a year. These insects are easy to rear and will breed readily so long as they are kept in a habitat of about 10 square inches per insect. The humidity will have to be kept high to mimic a tropical environment if they are kept indoors with air-conditioning. They will need fresh leaf cuttings every day for food and a rough substrate, preferably bark from one of its host trees on which the females can lay eggs. Keep in mind, these insects are excellent jumpers, you will need a lid on its habitat, especially if there are other animals, or potential predators that could become problematic if the katydid jumped out of the enclosure. These insects will become more abundant beginning this month. We hope you have a chance to take a closer look this month. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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songs by stimulation (friction). Their wings have a scraper and file that when rubbed together create various tones for their song, like scraping a stick across a washboard. Their threesyllable song sounds like” kay-ti-did” and is responsible for their common name. Typically, all the males in the area will synchronize their song in ranges from 3 kHz to over 20 kHz. The collective songs of these insects can get loud enough to drown out most other sounds. You will hear these nocturnal insects long before you see them and can easily differentiate them from grasshoppers by their song alone. When you do see one however, the long antennae are a dead giveaway that they are not grasshoppers. Katydid have antennae that are as long or longer than their body, grasshoppers have short antennae.
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Spring Gardening in Hillsborough County Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
March is ready, set…garden month in Hillsborough County. We’re past the last chance of frost, local area gardening festivals are occurring and we can recycle and redesign our landscape beds. Maybe you’ve already completed most of your pruning. If you haven’t, it’s a good time to shape and reduce the size of landscape plants. Don’t prune Gardenias and Azaleas until after they have bloomed. For ornamental grasses, cut the stems to 4-12 inches above the ground, depending on the size of the clump. Recycle your landscape clippings in your compost bin. If you’re raking oak leaves, compost or use them as mulch in a landscape bed. To learn about the do’s and don’ts of composting, sign-up for a composting workshop offered one Saturday a month at the UF IFAS Extension Hillsborough County from February through November. View our Calendar of Events and register at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/ upcoming-events/. It’s a great time to mulch! Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to your landscape beds and pull the mulch away from the stems of your plants. Mulch is a great landscape addition because it adds nutrients to the soil when it decomposes, retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weed growth and is much prettier than sand. Consider taking a soil sample to determine the pH in the area you want to plant. For more information about soil testing, please see: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss494, Soil Sampling and Testing for the Home Landscape or Vegetable Garden. Soil testing for pH only is done at our office for $3.00 per sample.
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You may want to plant vegetables, herbs, spices and bulbs. Beans, corn, southern peas, winter squash, tomatoes, water-
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melon, cantaloupe, pumpkin and much more can be planted in March. If you like to grow your own herbs and spices, consider basil, chives, ginger, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. Bulbs provide color, form and texture. Some bulb beauties are African lily, Amaryllis, Blackberry lily, Caladium, Crinum, Rain lilies, Shell gingers and Walking iris. Fertilize vegetables, perennials and palms. Check the Central Florida Gardening Calendar, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450, which provides information on what to plant and what to do month by month. Also, view the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021, which provides information about the site, plan, soil preparation, adjusting the soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation and drainage, pest management, no-pesticide approaches, using pesticides wisely and lists the months during which vegetables can be planted. Watch for Lubber grasshoppers, aphids and mites. Lubbers can be ‘pruned’ in half, picked off the plant or thrown to the ground and stepped on. Who knew gardening was this dangerous…at least for Lubbers?! Insecticidal soap sprays control aphids and mites if their natural predators (Lady beetles, for one) don’t. Roses should be sprayed with a fungicide to control black spot and powdery mildew diseases. Let’s get outside and dirty our hands so our gardens can return to their former beauty. Be sure to take time for a nice glass of iced tea and a good book (gardening, of course) on your front porch or lanai. Enjoy! Life’s too short not to garden. For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. More gardening information is available at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/ and http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Florida Fresh Strawberries
By Alison Grooms, MPH, CPH, CHES® Nutrition & Health Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
What do you think of when you hear the word strawberry? Do you picture yourself biting into that juicy, ruby red fruit? Do you think of the waves of green rows speckled in red as you pass by a strawberry field? Maybe you think of their fragrant, aromatic scent. I am sure you are no stranger to the hometown fruit that has become the unofficial logo of all things Plant City. After all, this is the winter strawberry capital of the world! This little fruit sparks many different meanings, feelings, and memories to the locals of Plant City but its impact is big and felt throughout the world. While a day spent visiting Plant City will surely turn any visitor into a strawberry lover, the locals really know why this specialty crop is truly so special. Second to California, Florida – more specifically Plant City – is the second largest producer of strawberries in the United States. This precious crop brings economic value to our area in more ways than one. Local U-Picks, and of course the Florida Strawberry Festival, draws in visitors from around the world to our little strawberry town annually. This delightful fruit has also provided Plant City with a community unity for the love of the industry and those sweet, succulent strawberries. Here’s some fun facts about the fruit that puts Plant City on the map: Did you know that strawberries technically aren’t a berry at all? The seeds of berries are located inside the fruit, while those of a strawberry are on its exterior. This puts strawberries in a class all its own. Strawberry seeds can be used to produce new strawberries but most
In Florida, farmers begin planting strawberry plants during the months of September and October, with the first pick of the season beginning around November. The peak is usually during the month of March with April signaling the end. Different varieties, however, will produce at different points throughout the season. The weather plays a large part in the start and end for commercial production. The perfect temperature for strawberries to grow is between 55° and 78° Fahrenheit, which also explains why Florida is the winter strawberry capital of the world. The fragrant scent you inhale from a strawberry may come as no surprise when you discover that strawberries are actually a part of the rose family. And while we’ve come to love that beautiful, red strawberry color, like roses, not all varieties are red – some are white when fully ripe. If the color and smell aren’t enough to make you a strawberry lover, taking a bite will surely have you convinced. Not only do strawberries taste delicious with their sweet, juicy, flavor, they are also extremely nutritious and are filled with healthful nutrients like antioxidants and vitamin C. One serving, (about 8 large strawberries), contains more vitamin C than an orange and provides 160 percent of vitamin C needed daily. Strawberries are also a good source
of manganese, folate, and potassium, which may help to lower blood pressure. Additionally, they are low in calories, (a one cup serving contains about 50 calories), which can help to maintain a healthy weight. Strawberries are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, meaning they may be helpful in lowering cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Strawberries contain anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidant responsible for the red color of the berry, and have been shown to be beneficial in heart health. Antioxidants have also discovered to be beneficial in protecting against cancer. Made of 91 percent water, strawberries are one of the best fruits to consume to stay hydrated on a hot day. When selecting your berries be sure to pick those that are fully ripe. Unlike other fruits, strawberries do not ripen after picking. If picking them yourself, place the berries in the container gently to avoid bruising and remove them out of the heat or sun as quickly as possible. Do not wash your strawberries until you are ready to eat them. Strawberries are meant to be eaten a.s.a.p. but when stored under proper refrigeration, can last for about 3 to 7 days, so store them in the refrigerator in their original containers until ready. Strawberries make the perfect on-thego healthy snack, dessert, or addition to any dish. They can be added to savory dishes in a sauce, sweet dishes, like jam, or eaten in their whole, raw, natural form. With so many ways to eat strawberries the possibilities are endless. Choose your favorite and enjoy! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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new fruit comes from the runners of the strawberry plants. For commercial production, farmers purchase strawberry plants grown in a nursery that are then planted into raised beds down the rows of the field.
A ‘GOOD’ YEAR
FOR FLORIDA STRAWBERRIES
This season was a “good” one for Florida strawberry growers, according to Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) Executive Director Kenneth Parker. “An ideal season would be marked by average weather, but that was not the case this year.” Consequently, the season was “good,” but not “great.” The season began with higher than normal temperatures followed by an extended cold period. “These inconsistencies in temperature are not beneficial,” said Parker. “Production was light early in the season and remained low until Valentine’s Day. The season could carry through until Easter, but that will depend upon price. There has been a high volume of fruit available since Valentine Day and that has led to a downward pressure on price, but we are hopeful the season will continue.” Parker noted that pricing early in the season was very favorable “since there was a low volume of strawberries available from Florida growers as well as growers in southern California and Mexico.”
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This season, as in the recent past, Florida strawberries were grown on approximately 10,000 acres and about 15 percent of that was comprised of a new variety, Brilliance, “that is consistently well-shaped with great flavor, size and shelf life,” said Parker. “It is also available early in the season and always
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has that buy me look.” This was the first year Brilliance was commercially available and Parker estimates that more than 60 percent of Florida strawberries will be of the Brilliance variety in the future. Brilliance was developed by strawberry breeders at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. That work is supported by the FSGA through funding derived from the sale of strawberry varieties developed at the GCREC and sold globally through licensed plant breeders. “This partnership has been very beneficial to our growers,” said Parker. “We are pleased to support the breeding program. Brilliance appears to have not only met, but exceeded our expectations.” Parker noted that weather is not the only challenge strawberry growers in Florida face each season. “The lack of a domestic supply of field workers is another, and the Department of Labor’s H2-A seasonal worker program is not a valid long term solution to this need.” One option that has been under development for the past several years by Harvest Croo Robotics, is a mechanical WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
strawberry harvester that works with current grower practices, reduces uncertainty in acquiring and maintaining harvest capabilities, while reducing costs and labor issues. It also strengthens food safety and quality controls. It should be noted that the company’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner is Gary Wishnatzki, a third generation berry grower and shipper. Additionally more than half of the strawberry growers in the U.S. are investors in Harvest Croo. ”Growers look forward to the results of Harvest Croo’s efforts potentially resolving the challenge of harvesting,” said Parker. Other strawberry grower challenges are also under study on a continuing basis by scientists at the GCREC. “They support all aspects of our growers’ efforts to help assure our competitiveness in the global marketplace for our berries,” said Parker. Another important aspect of the FSGA’s support of its grower members is the ongoing marketing of Florida strawberries, not just “in season,” but throughout the year. “We work throughout the year to develop the Florida strawberry habit among consumers of all ages,” said Sue Harrell, the FSGA’s Director of Marketing who is also known as Strawberry Sue. “Keeping Florida strawberries top of mind during our season is especially important.” FSGA marketing activities take full advantage of social media opportunities that cover everything from the availability of Florida strawberries in season, to recipes that use berries and partnerships that help bring focus to the industry, benefits of consuming berries and the FSGA’s community support. “We are active supporters of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ‘Fresh from Florida” program that helps us through advertising, broad-based retail couponing and much more,” said Harrell.
Strawberry Sue’s recent marketing activities included the development and implementation of Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week, a highly successful opportunity for Tampa Bay area restaurants to partner with the FSGA by showcasing their special berry menu offerings. “The impact of that two-week program was substantial,” said Harrell. “So much so, that we are expanding both the market and period from two-weeks to a full month.” Participating restaurants were “burger joints and bars to very high end restaurants.” Harrell also takes to the road in season to bring attention to recipes that use Florida strawberries on television stations and other media outlets throughout the market area for berries. Such visits “only use Florida grown strawberries when those berries are available to viewers,” she said. Developing the “Florida strawberry habit” has an educational component, as well. “Strawberries grown in Florida have a rich history,” said Harrell. “In addition, we help tell consumers of all ages about the nutritional values gained from consuming strawberries, as well as how they are grown and ways to grow Florida strawberries at home.” For more information about Florida strawberries, visit: www. flastrawberry.com.
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The FSGA and Harrell enlist the help of Jammer, the friendly character who represents Florida strawberries at a wide range of special events from classroom and trade show visits to participating in marathons and other opportunities to help keep Florida berries top of mind. Those trade shows are in the U.S. and Canada with industry attendees and major produce buyers.
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
New State FSA Executive Director Named Sherry McCorkle is the new State Executive Directive for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Florida/U.S. Virgin Islands Farm Service Agency (FSA). McCorkle most recently served as the deputy district director for Congressman Thomas J. Rooney and Representative Gregory Steube where she was involved in all aspects of legislative, public and community relations. The FSA serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective and efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs, as well as providing credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers.
“Field to the Hill” Advocacy Trip Set for May 14-16 Florida Farm Bureau’s annual “Field to the Hill” advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for May 14-16. The trip permits Florida’s strong ‘Voice of Agriculture’ to be heard in the halls of Congress. Attendees are responsible for airfare, lodging and other related trip costs. The cost share application and deadline for county Farm Bureaus will soon be available.
Biosolids Committee Makes Recommendations to FDEP Florida Farm Bureau represented agriculture on the sevenmember Biosolids Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) formed last year by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to address various aspects of the management of biosolids use in the Florida TAC met five times since last September and was focused on options for biosolids management; improving biosolids management to ensure environmental protection and determining what research is needed to improve biosolids management. TAC deliberations and public comments led to a series of recommendations now under FDEP consideration.
lination Best Practices in Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida. This publication discusses the various blueberry pollinators in Florida, issues that can lead to poor pollination and some practices for increasing pollination effectiveness. It can be access at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN123700.pdf.
Flavors of Florida April 11 The 6th Annual Flavors of Florida event is set for April 11 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. The event, which benefits the Field & Fork Program, provides the opportunity for attendees to be among the first to taste the new Florida crops, varieties and products. Additional information and registration are available at: https// fieldandfork.ufl.edu.
Fancy Farms Wins 4R Advocate Award Fancy Farms strawberry farm is one of five national winners of the Fertilizer Institute’s 4R Advocate Award for 2019. The honor recognizes the Grooms’ family for implementing fertilizer management practices that increase production while reducing environmental impact. 4R stands for right source, right rate, right time and right place.
Farm Bureau Asks for Support of the New Clean Water Rule Farm Bureau is asking for your support of the revised definition of “waters of the United States,” which would clarify regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act, meaning there would be no need for a lawyer or consultant to help you know what is and what is not regulated. Comment via www.epa.gov.
Hillsborough County Extension Hosting Cool Season Forage Field Day March 29 UF/IFAS Extension is hosting a Cool Season Forage Field Day March 29 at the Hillsborough County Fair Grounds, 215 Sydney6 Washer Road in Dover. Topics include Cool Season Forage Biology, Forage Options, Forage Economics, Weed Management and more. Registration, which costs $15 and includes lunch and materials, may be made by calling: 813-7545519 or on the web at https://bit.ly/2FQcAPZ.
NEW UF EDIS PUBLICATION COVERS POLLINATION BEST PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN HIGH BUSH BLUEBERRY
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The University of Florida Electronic Data Information Service (UF EDIS) has announced release of a new publication, Pol-
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UF Researchers Develop Model to Help Keep Crop Seeds Healthy By Brad Buck
Working with international researchers, University of Florida scientists have developed a model that will help protect good seeds, which are necessary to plant healthy crops and determine what areas are at higher risk for unhealthy seeds. In many parts of the world, people lack adequate access to nutritious food because there aren’t enough quality seeds for food production, said Karen Garrett, a plant pathology professor at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “We model where the disease is likely to move next and the management strategies that are likely to be most helpful,” said Garrett, a co-author of a new study on how good and bad seeds get from one place to another. In the newly published research, Garrett and one of her doctoral students, Kelsey Andersen -- the lead author on the study -- led a team of UF/IFAS researchers and colleagues in Uganda and the United Kingdom. The research team studied seed systems in Africa. Seed systems are composed of people and businesses that make seed available, and farmers who use that seed. As a result of the research, scientists developed a model that will help them find seed-borne pathogens and provides recommendations for how to stop the pathogens from spreading.
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“Good seed systems provide high-quality, disease-free seeds of good crop varieties, but good seed systems do not exist in many countries,” said Garrett, a faculty member in the UF/ IFAS Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. “Seed systems are critical for making new, improved crop varieties available to farmers, but also can serve as major conduits for the spread of seed-borne pathogens if pathogens are not controlled.” For the study, researchers investigated the seed system for several varieties of sweet potatoes in Uganda, where sweet potatoes are a reliable staple food and can be an important source of Vitamin A.
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Just as people evaluate the web pages that are most-often linked in the Internet, researchers evaluated the most important sellers and farms in the Gulu region of Uganda, in terms of their potential for both spreading disease and distributing seed of improved varieties. Highly linked sellers and farms are particularly important for detecting and managing diseases in seed systems, Garrett said. Using these models, the researchers identified the locations in the seed system that are likely to be most important for surveillance and for management of pathogens introduced to the seed system. They also compared and found methods that worked best for identifying these key locations. When there are future epidemics in this region, this study provides strategies for dealing with them effectively. This framework for seed system analysis can be applied to provide recommendations for a wide variety of seed systems. “One important case that we are addressing now is the new introduction and spread of cassava mosaic disease that currently threatens cassava production in Southeast Asia,” Garrett said. The newly published study is part of the dissertation work of Andersen, a plant pathology Ph.D. student in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Andersen won first place for her presentation about the research at a regional American Phytopathological Society meeting in 2017, Garrett said. Andersen has also presented this work at project team meetings in Nairobi and Kigali. The work is supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The research is published in the journal Phytopathology. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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In The Field Classifieds ANIMALS & NEEDS
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Tel: 813.759.6909
2012 MAHINDRA 4025-4
Low hours with 6ft rotary cutter. Ready to get to work! Call Alvie for Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & additional information. $11,500 exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire 813-759-8722 by roll or foot. (813)752-2230. Call Don TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Plow - good condition. $1750.00 July 14, 2019, Nov. 24, 2019 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
BUILDING SUPPLIES
JOHN DEERE
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
ALUMINUM
FMC 352
METAL ROOFING
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
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We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. FARM EQUIPMENT Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
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MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
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HUSTLER RAPTOR 54
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Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
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RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
24 HOUR SERVICE
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
FOR RENT
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
South Tampa Lawn Maintenance Co. is For Sale. In business for 35 years. Call Gary 813-601-0511
2013 MAHINDRA 5010 TRACTOR 4X4 Cab with 7ft rotary cutter. Low hours. $18,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PERFECTA II
8ft scratcher cultivator. Very good condition. $1,750 Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
MASSEY FERGUSON 431 TRACTOR
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42 actual hours. In very good condition. Call us and come take a look. $7,500 Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
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