EDIS
https://journals.flvc.org/edis
<p>The EDIS journal provides permanent academic access to current and past published versions of numbered, online Extension publications from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). An active collection of EDIS publications deemed current, up-to-date, and relevant to Florida audiences is maintained on a <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">separate public site</a>. </p>University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciencesen-USEDIS2576-0009<p>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)</a> license.</p>Integrated pest management goes hand-in-hand with safety
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/134443
<p style="font-weight: 400;">This publication is geared toward pest management specialists, certified pesticide applicators, and homeowners who are managing indoor and outdoor pests. It provides a broad definition of a pest and describes integrated pest management (IPM) and pest management strategies. As opposed to other EDIS which are specific to management areas (ex: landscape, turf, vegetable) this publication can be used as a basis for all sectors of pest management. The publication also emphasizes using IPM to reduce the development of pesticide resistance and emphasizes how each aspect of IPM contributes to personal and environmental safety.</p>Emily C. Kraus
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-122024-03-122024210.32473/edis-pi297-2024Linking Waterbody Acidification and Aquatic Plant Metabolism: A Lesson Plan for Middle School Students
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133084
<p><!--StartFragment --></p> <p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Ocean acidification, the lowering of seawater pH due to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is an emerging environmental challenge associated with climate change. This publication is intended for Florida grade eight educators and other environmental educators of middle school students. We designed a lesson plan to reinforce fundamental concepts in acid-base chemistry, including the pH scale, and to introduce students to waterbody acidification, its negative effects on shell-forming organisms, and the potential role of aquatic plant metabolism (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration) in mitigating these effects. The goal of the lesson plan is to encourage students to link water chemistry and biological processes while learning about the challenges and potential solutions to acidification within a local context. This lesson plan will contribute to state learning standards while generating appreciation for the complexity of the natural environment. </span><!--EndFragment --><!--EndFragment --></p>Alexandra L. BijakLaura K. ReynoldsAshley R. Smyth
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-052024-03-052024210.32473/edis-ss725-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 2—Do People Believe Water Science?
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133425
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">It is not enough for the public to know the water science that affects their lives; it is also important that they believe it. People are more apt to use water science information if they accept it as true. Moreover, when water science is rejected, policy discourse can devolve into a debate over water facts instead of weighing alternative management strategies. A 2020 study suggests that belief in regional water science is influenced by political orientation. As a result, some individuals do not believe what they understand to be the consensus of water scientists on topics pertaining to the Floridan Aquifer. Equipped with this information, water communicators can take proactive steps, prior to a potential water policy introduction, to increase the likelihood that the public will accept water science.</p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc442-2024School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 3—Resources and Regulations
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133304
<p>"Resources and Regulations" discusses where to find test prep and study materials to better prepare students for industry certification testing. This article also discusses a few important rules and reminders to follow while preparing for and distributing industry certification tests. </p>Devon E. MorrisonDebra BarryCarla Jaggar
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-142024-03-142024210.32473/edis-wc436-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 5—Increasing Collaboration Between Producers and Environmentalists on Water Challenges
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133429
<p><!--StartFragment --></p> <p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">In the Floridan Aquifer region, agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers) and environmentalists are essential water stakeholders, yet they are often perceived to be in conflict over water management. This perceived conflict could be a major impediment to future water policy action. Recent research examined whether there are areas of agreement that could unite producers and environmentalists in support of mutually beneficial water management strategies. A 2017–2018 study found substantial similarities of water priorities between producers and environmentalists despite some areas of disagreement. Capitalizing on shared interests could provide water communicators with a strong basis for developing partnerships and addressing areas of dispute. </span><!--EndFragment --></p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc449-2024School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 1—Introduction to Industry Certifications
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133302
<p>"Introduction to Industry Certifications" briefly discusses the history of agricultural education and the Smith-Hughes Act. It also provides an explanation as to what industry certifications are, as well as recognizes the organizations and the different types of certifications available to students within the Agriculture and Natural Resources pathway.</p>Devon E. MorrisonDebra M. BarryCarla B. Jagger
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-142024-03-142024210.32473/edis-wc437-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 3— How the Right Messages and Messengers Can Increase Bipartisan Support for Water Policy
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133426
<p>When water policies are introduced, they may not be universally supported. One stakeholder group or political party may be “for” the policy and contend that the public should vote “yes.” They may argue that the policy is fair to the parties involved or that it shows loyalty to affected communities. These are moral arguments used to sway public support. An opposing stakeholder group or political party may also issue moral arguments “against” the policy. They may argue that the public should vote “no” because the policy is not fair or is disloyal to impacted communities. In competitive policy scenarios like these, at least two factors affect public support for the policy – moral arguments and the identities of the communicators. Understanding how each of these factors influences policy preferences is key to creating a communication that is conducive to broad public support. </p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc439-2024Using the Four-Frame Leadership Approach to Mobilize Strategic Science Communication Efforts
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/134433
<p>This publication outlines some organizational strategies to consider when participating in science communication through the lens of Bolman and Deal’s four-frame leadership approach. Written by Christine Krebs, Matthew Sowcik, and Jamie Loizzo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, March 2024.</p>Christine KrebsMatthew SowcikJamie Loizzo
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-142024-03-142024210.32473/edis-wc452-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 1—What Do People Know About Water Science?
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133424
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">Meaningful engagement by the public in the water decisions that affect their lives requires basic scientific knowledge, such as where their water comes from, the factors that affect quality and availability, and the challenges that influence water supply. A 2020 study suggests that Florida and Georgia residents lack fundamental knowledge about their water resources, including regional water processes, including its challenges, and policies. This is the base information that would enable a person to competently participate in water discussions and make citizen-level voting decisions on topics related to the Floridan aquifer. The knowledge deficits identified in the study are areas on which water communicators can build the public’s water science comprehension and, thereby, support increased public engagement. The findings also suggest the level of water science complexity that the public is equipped to understand. </p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc447-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 6—Stakeholders’ Mental Models of Regional Water Challenges
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133431
<p><!--StartFragment --><span class="cf0">If we could look into the minds of agricultural producers and environmentalists to see how they think about regional water challenges, we may be better able to help stakeholders understand each other’s perspectives and resolve perceived conflicts. A 2017–2018 study provides visual maps of producers’ and environmentalists’ conceptions of the relationship between water and the regional economy. The maps reveal that the groups think about the topic in fundamentally different ways. While surveyed producers possess an agricultural, operational-level view of the water-economic system that includes the protective actions taken by individual farmers and ranchers, environmentalists possess a watershed-level view of the water-economic system that highlights the detrimental collective impacts of the agricultural industry as a whole. The findings suggest steps that water communicators can take to reduce perceived conflict between the groups. </span><!--EndFragment --></p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc446-2024School-Based Agricultural Education Industry Certifications: Part 2—Getting Started
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133303
<p>"Getting Started" discusses how to get involved with industry certification testing organizations and entities. It also explains the registration process for many different testing organizations and entities to better prepare students for test day. </p>Devon E. MorrisonDebra M. BarryCarla B. Jagger
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-142024-03-142024210.32473/edis-wc438-2024Communicating About Water in the Floridan Aquifer Region: Part 4—The Media’s Role in Water Perceptions
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133427
<p>Local and regional news media often have a major impact on public awareness of and interest in water challenges. It is not simply what the media report that affects public perceptions, but also <em>how</em> they report it. A study of nine years of water reporting from six newspapers in the Floridan Aquifer region revealed a hierarchy of frames used to relate water conditions to human interests. The dominant reasons provided for readers to care about water conditions were economics, human health, and ecosystem impacts (in that order). Ecosystem impacts receive comparatively little journalistic attention, and this may have unintended effects. For example, public interest in water issues may not be as high as it would be if ecosystem impacts were robustly covered. Water news framing can also impact the objectives of water policy. If ecosystem impacts are not emphasized in the media, they may not be adequately attended to in governance. </p>Sadie HundemerShenara Ramadan
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2024-03-012024-03-012024210.32473/edis-wc443-2024Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/133508
<p>Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.</p>Kevin M. FoltaDustin HuffAli Sarkhosh
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2024-03-052024-03-052024210.32473/edis-HS1477-2024Evaluating Pomegranate Cultivars for Resistance to Anthracnose Fruit Rot, a Severe Fungal Disease in Florida and Southeast United States
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/134789
<p><!--StartFragment --></p> <p class="pf0"><span class="cf0">Pomegranate (</span><em><span class="cf1">Punica granatum</span></em><span class="cf0"> L.) has primarily been cultivated at home in Florida and other southeastern states. Over the past 15 years, growers, nurseries, researchers, and Extension agents have explored the potential of pomegranate as an alternative fruit crop. Early field trials revealed that pomegranates are highly susceptible to </span><em><span class="cf1">Colletotrichum gloeosporioide</span></em><span class="cf0"><em>s</em>, causing severe anthracnose fruit rot and premature fruit drop. The development and use of disease-resistant cultivars are considered some of the best methods to manage this disease. This publication presents our findings from evaluating 35 pomegranate cultivars under natural disease pressure in central Florida and by artificial inoculation. The susceptibility of such pomegranate cultivars varied widely, with six exhibiting resistance to anthracnose fruit rot. More comprehensive research is warranted to further develop anthracnose-resistant cultivars and to enhance our understanding of disease resistance in this crop. </span><!--EndFragment --></p>Alexander SchallerZhanao DengGary E. ValladJohn M. Chater
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2024-03-052024-03-052024210.32473/edis-ep643-2024The American Sand Wasp
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/130372
<p>This article describes the identification, biology, and importance of the American sand wasps (<em>Bembix americana </em>Fabricius), which are a subspecies-complex of large, robust wasps in the subfamily Bembicinae. They nest gregariously in bare soil and provision their nests with flies (order Diptera). The females are progressive provisioners, meaning they continue to provide their developing larvae with prey until the larvae pupate. Males participate in a distinctive mating behavior called a “sun dance” in which groups of males fly low over nesting areas waiting for females to emerge so they can be the first to mate with them. Adults feed on flower nectar and can often be found visiting a variety of wildflowers. This species has a broad ecological range and can be found nesting in a variety of soil types and habitats.</p>Marirose P. KuhlmanAdam G. Dale
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2024-03-112024-03-112024210.32473/edis-IN1424-2024Centipedegrass for Florida Lawns
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/134548
<p>Centipedegrass is a commonly grown, low input turfgrass used in landscapes throughout the state of Florida. This factsheet provide science based information on the culture and management of centipedegrass including mowing, irrigation, pest control, and cultural practices.</p>J. B. UnruhA. J. LindseyM. Schiavon
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-052024-03-052024210.32473/edis-lh009-20244-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Starting 4-H Clubs in After-School Programs
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/132851
<p>This resource guide is designed to be used by Extension/4-H professionals and after-school providers to deliver well-formed, positive youth development programs in after-school sites. It includes information on initiating the development of 4-H clubs at after-school sites, volunteer training resources and exercises, how to sustain the clubs, and connections to the community and beyond. The original educational material was edited and revised for this edition by the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals Afterschool Working Group, led by Vanessa Spero. Published by the 4-H Youth Development Department, UF/IFAS Extension, March 2024.</p>Sharon K. JungeVanessa SperoNiki CrawsonJ. R. DavisTara DornBeth Rasa EdwardsStacy HallKaren HenryHeather JanneyBeth KerrAndrea LazzariAbby MorganKristie PopaCindy SmalleyMelinda SouersKatelin StenroosLaura ValenciaTravis WestTracy WintersMary-Louise Wood
Copyright (c) 2024 UF/IFAS
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2024-03-122024-03-122024210.32473/edis-4H439-2024AgroClimate Indicators Web-Based Monitoring Tool
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/134685
<p>This guide introduces users to a recently developed web-based tool on AgroClimate.org that was designed to systematically monitor climate indicators and detect anomalies with the potential to affect the agricultural industry in Florida and elsewhere in the continental United States. Written by Clyde W. Fraisse, Mauricio A. Z. Karrei, and Margaret Walsh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2024.</p>Clyde FraisseMauricio A. Z. KarreiMargaret Walsh
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2024-03-132024-03-132024210.32473/edis-ae595-2024Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Eastern Indigo Snake
https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/113443
<p>Learn more about Eastern Indigo Snakes!</p> <p>The Wildlife of Florida Factsheet series was created to provide the public with a quick accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive. We hope these factsheets inspire people to investigate wildlife in their own backyard and communities and understand the amazing biodiversity of wildlife in the state of Florida.</p>Charles Tyler BuckleyRaoul K. Boughton
Copyright (c) 2020 UF/IFAS
2020-12-032020-12-03202422210.32473/edis-uw475-2020