Griffin Blog
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Boost Biological Controls in Your Grove
See the steps Florida citrus growers can take to boost biological controls in their citrus groves to target Asian citrus psyllids. “As summer takes hold in June, Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations are often high coinciding with availability of new flush,” shared a recent UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It’s also the time that…
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Pasture Considerations Heading Into Summer, Part 2
See the next pasture considerations Florida beef producers should be attending to in June, concerning water and reseeding. In our last blog, we shared the tasks Florida beef producers should be doing to get their pastures ready now that June is here, specifically soil sampling and weed control. The recommendations come from a UF/IFAS blog.…
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Considerations for June Pastures, Part 1
See the first things Florida beef producers should be doing in their June pastures, starting with a soil sample and weed control. “With recent rainfall across our area, many pastures finally have the moisture needed to make pasture management investments pay off,” advised a UF/IFAS blog. It added that “June is the time to evaluate…
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Q&A on Florida Agricultural Inspection Stations
Find answers to common questions concerning Florida Agricultural Inspection Stations run by the Florida Department of Agriculture. “FDACS’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) has the primary responsibility to enforce laws involving livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and other animals and animal products; farms and farm equipment; citrus, horticultural and other agricultural goods,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article. Two…
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Sign Up Now for Limpograss Planting Material Distribution Day on July 14th
Cattle ranchers and others can sign up to participate in Limpograss Planting Material Distribution Day in July. “Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) has a longer season of growth than Bahiagrass or Bermudagrass, so it can help cattle ranchers and dairy farmers bridge the gap between summer perennial grasses and winter annual forages,” shared a UF/IFAS blog. It…
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Research Into Plant Defense Inducers for Citrus Canker
See the results of UF/IFAS research into the use of plant defense inducers to target citrus canker in Florida citrus groves. “Citrus canker continues to impact Florida citrus, increasing premature fruit drop and decreasing yield and fruit quality,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It added that While copper sprays have long been…
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Preparing for Hurricane Season and the Impact Assessment Process
See tips for preparing for hurricane season and the impact assessment process for those in the Florida agriculture industry. The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1st, and though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a below-average hurricane season, it does not mean Florida ag operators can relax. “Even one storm can have…
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Managing Weeds in Citrus During Drought
UF/IFAS has tips for Florida citrus growers managing weeds in their citrus groves during times of drought in The Sunshine State. “Heat and dry spells do not stop weeds. They change them, and those changes can make your weed management program a lot more complicated if you are not paying attention.” That’s the sentiment of…
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Tips for a Resilient Insecticide Spray Program
Find tips for citrus growers from UF/IFAS on building a resilient insecticide spray program for your Florida citrus groves. “Long-term disease pressure has pushed many operations toward frequent insecticide use,” shared a recent UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, and it maintained that targeting the Asian citrus psyllid is mainly to blame. However, the article…
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Research Shows Soil Amendments Can Aid Citrus During Drought
See the details of a UF/IFAS field trial that tested whether soil amendments could help citrus trees improve water use. “Florida is currently experiencing one of the most severe droughts in the past 25 years,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article; the article added that the drought is “putting HLB-affected trees under intense…
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Attend the Herd Health Seminar on Calf Management
The South Florida Beef Forage Program’s Herd Health Seminar is May 26th, and it will focus on “Calf Management Practices that Pay” The South Florida Beef Forage Program is putting on a Herd Health Seminar in May that focuses on calf management. It’s an educational program that will include strategies, practices, experts, and a steak…
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Q&A on Algal Spot Treatment
Read a Q&A on algal spot treatment with an associate professor at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. “Algal spot is rarely a top concern for growers until it seems to be suddenly everywhere,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article on algal spot treatment; the article shared answers to common questions; it…
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Tips for Nutrient Budgeting, Especially Irrigation, Part 2
Find tips from UF/IFAS on the continuing process of nutrient budgeting, especially the essential role of irrigation. “Nutrient budgeting is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process,” shared a UF/IFAS blog. We shared the steps for nutrient budgeting from that blog in our own, and now we’re sharing tips from UF/IFAS, especially where water is…
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Agricultural Water Assessment Questions
UF/IFAS has put together questions to help Florida citrus growers to put together an agricultural water assessment for pre-harvest water. In May of 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made changes to its Produce Safety Rule (PSR), requiring “growers to have an agricultural water assessment (AgWa) for production (i.e., pre-harvest) water,” according to a…
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Steps for Nutrient Budgeting, Part 1
Utilizing nutrient budgeting will allow Florida farmers to apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right time, two of the 4Rs. “Water is key to nutrient uptake. It is also the limiting factor when it is absent since nutrient movement cannot happen from the soil to the root,” shared a UF/IFAS blog. This is…
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Tips for Pasture Weed Application Timing, Part 3
The “when” is important when it comes to pasture weed application timing, according to the experts from UF/IFAS. We have shared advice from UF/IFAS on pasture weed management in our past blogs, like identifying weeds, choosing the right product and rate, calibration, and using additives. The UF/IFAS blog article that shared the advice had one…
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Tips for Pasture Weed Management, Part 1
See the considerations that Florida beef ranchers should bear in mind when formulating a pasture weed management plan. “There is a lot to consider when formulating a weed management plan,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article. It shared considerations for pasture weed management in The Sunshine State; see the recommendations from UF/IFAS below. Pasture Weed Management…
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The Importance of Equipment Calibration, Part 1
See how performing equipment calibration can help to protect yield, save on inputs, and head off problems down the road. Equipment calibration “remains one of the cheapest and most effective ways to protect yield, stretch input dollars, and avoid problems later in the season,” shared a UF/IFAS blog. Essentially, calibration is checking that your sprayers,…
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Integrated Citrus Pest Management and Natural Enemies
See the natural enemies that should be a part of your integrate citrus pest management as they target the organisms that target your citrus grove. “The decades-long role of natural enemies in managing citrus pests in Florida is critical to the development of integrated and sustainable pest management,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week…
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Advice for Spring Pasture Management
See advice from UF/IFAS on spring pasture management for Florida beef producers looking to start off on the right foot. Spring is in full swing, and it’s awfully easy to want to just turn your herd out to the pasture and move on to other things, but that’s not what should happen, according to a…
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Recommendations for Citrus Irrigation
See recommendations from UF/IFAS on improving citrus irrigation during the spring flush for trees affected by freezing temperatures. “We are in this drought, but at the same time, we are seeing a lot of new growth happening … And there is a lot of fruit set or flowering happening … We should be thinking about…
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Tips on Micronutrient Management
Get tips from the experts at UF/IFAS on micronutrient management for optimal tree management in Florida citrus. “In the era of huanglongbing (HLB), micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) have become very critical for optimal tree management,” advised a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It shared…
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Integrated Nutrient Management Part 3: Orange Peel Powder
See the highlights of UF/IFAS research for integrated nutrient management through the use of orange peel powder. In our blog series on integrated nutrient management, from a recent Citrus Industry article, we shared the details of two citrus studies: one into controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) and another into the use of nitrogen and phosphorus; these studies…
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Integrated Nutrient Management Part 2: Nitrogen and Phosphorus
See the details of UF/IFAS research for integrated nutrient management through the use of nitrogen and phosphorus. In our last blog, we shared the details of a study into controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) for citrus; it’s part of integrated nutrient management and aimed at improving citrus production. The information came from a recent Citrus Industry article…
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Integrated Nutrient Management Part 1: Controlled-Release Fertilizer (CRF)
Explore the details of UF/IFAS research for integrated nutrient management through the use of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). “Integrated nutrient management is critical for improved and sustainable citrus production,” advised a recent Citrus Industry article authored by UF/IFAS researchers out of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred. The article shared that…
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Recommendations for Spring Weed Management
See recommendations from UF/IFAS for getting your spring weed management program off on the right foot. Spring’s “warmer temperatures and increasing soil moisture create ideal conditions for weeds,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. “If not managed early, these weeds can compete with citrus trees for water and nutrients and can also interfere…
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Recovery Strategies for Postfreeze Citrus
Explore recommendations from UF/IFAS experts for recovery strategies for postfreeze citrus for Florida citrus growers. “Postfreeze citrus tree management requires patience and careful observation rather than immediate intervention,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. This is because “Damage to the vascular system (cambium, xylem and phloem) may take months to fully appear,” according…
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Sign Up for the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute April 14th
The Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute, organized by the UF/IFAS Statewide Citrus Team, is coming April 14th to Avon Park. “The 2026 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute is an opportunity for Florida citrus growers to come together to learn about effective management of HLB and other challenging pests and diseases affecting the industry;” that’s the message shared…
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Phytophthora Management Tips
Florida citrus growers should start phytophthora management efforts soon to combat the pathogen and protect citrus trees. “The spring 2026 root flush will be very important to sustain for long-term tree health and future flush, flowering, and fruit,” advised a UF/IFAS Tips of the Week article. It explained that Florida citrus trees had a tough…
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Spray Schedules for Watermelon, Part 3
Florida watermelon growers can read about the recommended spray schedules for watermelon from the experts at UF/IFAS. We have been sharing the details from UF/IFAS’s “UF AgriGator Spray Program: Watermelon” publication in our previous blogs. First, we shared management considerations for Florida watermelon growers that can help combat diseases, and then we shared the most…
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Common Diseases in Watermelon, Part 2
See the common diseases in watermelon, and their treatments, that UF/IFAS researchers put in their latest publication. In our last blog, we shared management considerations for Florida watermelon growers looking to combat common diseases; the information is from UF/IFAS’s “UF AgriGator Spray Program: Watermelon” publication. In this blog, we’ll share the common diseases in watermelon,…
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Combating Watermelon Diseases, Part 1
Explore management recommendations for Florida watermelon growers from UF/IFAS for combating watermelon diseases. UF/IFAS put together the “UF AgriGator Spray Program: Watermelon” publication. It’s a resource aimed at Extension agents and Florida Watermelon growers, focusing on an array of topics concerning managing watermelon diseases. The information comes from research, such as pesticide efficacy trials, as…
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Viewing the Bulletins Live! Two Website a New Step Before Spraying
See why pesticide applicators must take a new step before spraying and visit the Bulletins Live! Two website. “A new step before spraying is required from now on. It’s not particularly difficult, but it is going to add to your pre-spray paperwork and planning,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It shared the background…
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Highlights of the UF/IFAS South Florida Turfgrass – Landscape Research Field Day and Expo
The UF/IFAS South Florida Turfgrass – Landscape Research Field Day and Expo is set for March 26th; see why you should attend! The UF/IFAS South Florida Turfgrass – Landscape Research Field Day and Expo is scheduled for March 26th on the grounds of the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) in Davie, Florida. A UF/IFAS…
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Get the Pasture Prepped for Spring, Part 2
Explore what Florida beef producers should be doing with fertilization and weed control to get the pasture prepped for spring. In our last blog, we shared UF/IFAS recommendations for getting the soil of Florida pastures ready for spring. Once soil samples are taken and results are returned, and any pH issues have been amended, it’s…
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Spring Pasture To-Do Checklist, Part 1
See the steps Florida beef producers should be taking in the spring pasture to get ready for warmer weather and plan for success. “As temperatures rise, it’s time to begin preparing your pasture for spring green-up. Taking a few proactive steps now can improve forage production, reduce weed pressure, and set your grazing system up…
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Asian Citrus Psyllid Management in March Postfreeze
UF/IFAS scientists advise “Don’t give ACP a “free pass” in March;” see recommended steps for Asian citrus psyllid management. “This winter’s hard freeze may have knocked back visible Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) activity, but research shows the pest is not reliably eliminated by the cold,” advised a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, citing research…
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Q&A on The Importance of The Purity of OTC Injections
Read a Q&A with the owner of the company that manufactures ReMedium TI®, on the importance of the purity of OTC injections. Florida citrus growers are utilizing OTC injections to combat the effects of citrus greening, and the importance of the purity of OTC injections is an important point according to Tom Johnson, the owner…
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Results for the Citrus State of the Industry Survey, Part 2
See more results from the Citrus State of the Industry Survey, which asked growers about planting and variety and rootstock selections. In a past blog, we shared the first round of results from the Citrus State of the Industry Survey, which was conducted by AgNet Media and published in a series of Citrus Industry articles.…
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Going to the Florida Citrus Show
The Florida Citrus Show is coming up fast; make sure you preregister before Sunday, March 8th to skip the onsite registration. “The Florida Citrus Show brings together growers, researchers, and industry partners for a high-energy day of education and networking in a relaxed, tailgate-style setting,” according to the event’s website. The event is a can’t…
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Fertilization and Irrigation of Citrus After The Freeze
Explore advice for Florida citrus growers on fertilization and irrigation of citrus postfreeze from UF/IFAS experts. “Irrigation and fertilizer applications are important management tools for Florida citrus growers following the recent freeze event in late January/early February,” advised a Citrus Industry article. The article shared advise for Florida citrus growers concerning fertilization and irrigation of…
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Latest Recommendations for Snail Management
Find out the most recent recommendations for snail management in Florida citrus based on ongoing research by UF/IFAS. “Many citrus growers in Florida have been impacted by Bulimulus bonariensis …” and “…UF/IFAS has been developing knowledge to provide management recommendations for this pest,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. These snails are attracted to…
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Strategies for Low Forage Quality and Nutrition Due to Freeze, Part 2
See the options recommended by UF/IFAS for dealing with low forage quality and nutrition due to the recent freeze event. In our last blog, we shared information from a UF/IFAS blog article about how freezing temperatures like those seen at the end of January affect forage quality and nutrition. In short, the blog advised that…
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Extreme Cold and Forages, Part 1
Beef producers can find out what happens when extreme cold and forages meet, such as with January’s freezing temperatures. “Peak lactation is in full swing as these calves require more volume to deal with high growth demand as well as to offset the effects of the cold mornings,” shared a UF/IFAS blog article. The article…
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Other Citrus Diseases to Watch For Due to Freeze
UF/IFAS shared citrus diseases that should be on Florida citrus growers’ radars due to the freeze event in late January. In our last blog, we shared UF/IFAS alerts about melanose, a fungal disease that will likely take advantage of dead vegetation left after the freeze. In a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, researchers also…
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Be on The Lookout for Melanose in Citrus
UF/IFAS experts maintain that Florida citrus growers will likely see melanose in citrus due to the freezing conditions earlier in the year. “The recent freeze events of the last few weeks have scrambled the plans of citrus growers,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, adding that melanose is “one disease that is highly…
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How and When to Use Silicon for Citrus Recovery
Find out how and when to use silicon for citrus recovery from the citrus experts at UF/IFAS. With all the damage caused by the cold and freeze conditions in Florida at the end of January, “Silicon (Si) is getting a lot of attention from citrus growers as a tool to help trees handle stress,” says…
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Continuing Recommendations for Citrus Recovery
Experts from UF/IFAS shared continuing recommendations for citrus recovery for Florida citrus growers dealing with freeze damage. Florida citrus growers are looking to expert advise from UF/IFAS for dealing with the aftermath of the recent freeze event in The Sunshine State. We recently shared immediate recommendations for what growers should be doing—and not doing—in regards…