UF/IFAS news digest for the week of Aug. 25: Citrus greening research; Seaweed aquaculture; Workshops for first-time homebuyers

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For the week beginning Aug. 25, 2025

TIMELY NEWS Ahead of the Florida Gators' football game this Saturday against Long Island University, get your refrigerator ready for prime time with these tips and tricks to making the most delicious Florida-friendly tailgate seen this side of the Florida-Georgia line -- from steaks to hamburgers to side dishes of Florida-grown produce. Need an expert? Contact us.

Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email.

Who knew a middle-school elective could lead to a passion for agriculture for high school student? In March, Shelby Langford was accepted into the Florida 4-H “Hog & Ham” program, part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Hog & Ham takes selected participants through the process of pork production and teaches food security. Contact >

Educational workshop empowers first-time homebuyers across Florida In a housing market facing rising prices and economic uncertainty, the University of Florida’s First-Time Homebuyer Program offers information and tools for buyers to make informed decisions on this milestone investment. Contact >

RELATED RESOURCE: First-Time Homebuyer Program class schedule.

UF ag engineering grad and seasoned professor named ABE chair; seeks to expand on achievements of prior leaders As interim chair, Greg Kiker wasn’t just steering agricultural and biological engineering (ABE) – he was accelerating it. Backed by the experience of working with powerhouse predecessors, he knew how to build on their legacies of progress. Kiker – a 20-year veteran faculty member — is the new permanent ABE chair. Contact >

AI could help strawberry growers find, remove ‘runners,’ reducing labor and saving time With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), farmers may soon find it easier to remove strawberry runners, which could save time and labor, new University of Florida research shows. Contact >

Is seaweed aquaculture the next big crop for Florida? Florida’s coastline may one day host more than oysters, clams, fish and shrimp. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Florida Sea Grant are asking whether seaweed could be the state’s next big sustainable crop. Contact >

Better mangoes, papayas and other tropical fruit: Breeding fruits consumers love, growers need Florida has long held a special place in America’s fruit bowl. With its subtropical climate, the state remains one of the few parts of the continental United States where exotic fruits — from mangoes and avocados to papayas and dragon fruit — can flourish year-round, supporting an industry valued at over $137 million annually. Contact >

Researchers enlist Florida residents in the fight against citrus greening Most people know Florida’s citrus industry is struggling with citrus greening. The threat, however, doesn’t exist in a silo, and residential trees – where the plant disease was first detected in the state – can serve as reservoirs for Asian citrus psyllids, the insects responsible for its spread, if they’re not properly managed. Contact >

Nuevo contenido en español para esta semana. Tenemos una variedad de publicaciones de UF/IFAS que ahora se traducen al español para darle un mejor servicio a nuestras comunidades de habla hispana. A continuación encontrarás nuestras publicaciones e infográficos más recientes.

Taller educativo prepara a quienes compran vivienda por primera vez en Florida En un mercado inmobiliario marcado por el aumento de precios y la incertidumbre económica, un taller educativo de University of Florida brinda información y herramientas clave para que quienes compran vivienda por primera vez puedan tomar decisiones informadas sobre esta importante inversión. Contacto >

From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network.

Training for Impact: 2025’s Energy Upgrade Program Evolves In addition to workshops and educational events, a grant-funded partnership with the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) began in 2018. With the support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the SHA, we began in-residence “Energy Sweeps” to install efficiency upgrades, share educational resources, and provide in-person support and advice.

A Guide to Student Success From a 2025 Graduate Throughout my four years at UF, I learned so many lessons and pieces of advice that helped improve my undergraduate experience and prepared me for future success. I wanted to provide other students with some words of encouragement and guidance. So, here are some of the most important things I think other students should know to help them on their own journey at UF.

Reviving Elms: Lessons from Dutch Elm Disease and Strategies for Healthy Urban Forests The introduction of Dutch elm disease in the 1930s marked a turning point in American urban forestry. Millions of the once iconic elm trees across the U.S. were lost. The disease originated in Asia, where native elm species show some natural resistance, but it was first identified outside the region in the Netherlands, giving rise to its name. Unfortunately, most elm varieties outside Asia lacked immunity, making them highly vulnerable.

Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications.

Our blogs share knowledge: Weekly “What is it?”: Fall webworms Have you ever noticed the big knots of webbing in some trees this time of year? What you’re seeing actually is a cocoon of sorts—a big shared one created by hundreds of larval fall webworms (Hyphantria cunea). This common name is a bit of a misnomer. The webbing—often referred to as a tent—is built in late summer, not fall, and these are caterpillars, not worms.

Video stories: Nutrient Management Research: Satsuma Oranges in North Florida Muhammed Shahid leads the Fruit Physiology Lab team at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center conducting a study on the best nutrient management strategies for Satsuma citrus. The research aim to save money on nutrient applications and lessen water costs for growers in Northwest Florida.

RELATED ASK IFAS PUBLICATION: The Satsuma mandarin.

Visual learning: Wild game: Packaging and storage How to seal, store and thaw the meat from wild game safely at home. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Carne de caza: Empacado y almacenamiento > Contacto >

Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom.

UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

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