FOR A FEW YEARS, University of Florida plant pathologist Natalia Peres has used an ultraviolet light system to thwart strawberry pathogens. Peres even published a study this year that showed the system helps control powdery mildew.
Two fellow researchers with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have now used the same robotic UVC applicator to show that it works well to slow the spread of one strawberry pest, but not a second.
The three scientists, Peres and others at UF/IFAS are trying to tamp down pests and diseases for Florida’s $300 million-a-year strawberry industry.
Joseph Dean Montemayor — working under the supervision of entomology assistant professor Sriyanka Lahiri — focused on whether a system that uses UVC radiation can control mites and thrips.
This story is from the August 2021 edition of Central Florida Ag News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2021 edition of Central Florida Ag News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Agri NEWS
Study Gives Strawberry Growers Hope in Pest Battle
Florida Roots
New Florida Cattlemen President Cliff Coddington: ‘Let’s Ride Together’
Home-Grown Taste
Weeki Wachee Distillery Offers Tours, Tastings, Outdoor Fun
Recipe Spotlight
Stir Things Up With a Taste of Wild Game
Hitting the Mark
4-H Shooting Clubs Help Keep Life Goals On Target
Challenging Conventional Wisdom Uncovers Deeper Truths
ONE OF THE JOBS of UF/IFAS scientists is to challenge conventional wisdom. You don’t want to bet the ranch on something that only seems true. Facts, empirical evidence and data are a more solid foundation for the truth you need to make decisions about your herd, farm or grove.
Impact of Antler Point Regulations in Florida
Florida ag-rec update
SIGNS of the SEASON
Florida Taps Into the Tropics With Guava
The Right Way To See Florida
Great Climate, Crops Mean Opportunities for Agritourism Abound
What's the Buzz About Backyard Beekeeping?
In the Heartland Highlands County