UF/IFAS News: July is National Blueberry Month, Pasture Mealybug in Florida and much more

A message from UF/IFAS Communications | Reply For the week beginning July 6, 2026 TIMELY NEWS It’s National Blueberry Month!  July is a great time to celebrate Florida blueberries and explore helpful resources from UF/IFAS experts. From home gardening tips and blueberry breeding research to Ask IFAS guides and related blog posts, there’s something for growers, gardeners, and blueberry fans alike. 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. New invasive pest threatens Florida pastures and sugarcane The invasive pasture mealybug has spread to 15 Florida counties, threatening pastures, hayfields and sugarcane. UF/IFAS researchers are working to contain the pest and encouraging growers to report suspected infestations. Contact > National survey examines persistent roach infestations in apartments A national study led by UF, University of Kentucky, and Louisiana State University researchers suggests cockroach infestations in multi-family apartments persist because multiple barriers make these pests difficult to eliminate, not because residents aren’t trying. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Encuesta nacional examina infestaciones persistentes de cucarachas en apartamentos. Contacto > Scientists try to limit tomato disease from spreading via grower spraying Research focuses on bacterial spot disease in tomatoes, a fast-spreading pathogen that thrives in warm, humid conditions. The study also examines how traditional spraying methods may unintentionally spread the bacteria across fields. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Los científicos buscan frenar la propagación de una grave enfermedad del tomate durante la fumigación. Contacto > New Research Explores Scientists’ Role in Public Policy Conversations A new UF/IFAS study explores how land-grant university scientists approach public engagement, from remaining neutral to advocating for the public good. Most agreed that scientists need more training and should engage more with the public. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Nueva investigación de la UF explora el papel de los científicos en las conversaciones sobre políticas públicas: de la neutralidad a la defensa. Contacto > UF/IFAS research opens path to even healthier broccoli, cabbage and kale Researchers identified a way to increase health-boosting compounds in broccoli, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and related vegetables, a discovery that could help enhance the nutritional value of staple vegetables. Contact > From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network. Preparing Farmworker Communities for Hurricane Season Join SCCAHS on July 23 for a webinar on preparing farmworker communities for hurricane season. The session will cover preparedness, safety and resilience strategies for agricultural workers, who often face greater risks during extreme weather events. How to Manage Ticks in Your Florida Yard Florida’s warm climate supports outdoor living, but it also creates ideal conditions for ticks. Good landscaping, wildlife management and targeted pest control can help reduce tick populations and keep yards safer for people and pets. Pickleball Recycling Comes to Twin Lakes Park UF/IFAS Extension’s Waste Reduction program and Sarasota County have launched a local pilot to recycle used pickleballs as part of a “Beyond the Bin” recycling initiative to divert non-traditional, hard-to-recycle items. Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications. Publication highlight: Living Shorelines for Florida: A Nature-Based Solution for Coastal Resilience Florida’s coastline is beautiful, busy and increasingly vulnerable. Living Shorelines for Florida offers practical, nature-based solutions to help protect coastal areas from rising seas, stronger storms and growing development pressures. RELATED VIDEO: How Plant Diversity Strengthens Living Shorelines Video stories: Florida Watermelons! Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Extension agent at NFREC–Suwannee Valley, shares what makes Florida watermelons special, from where they’re grown to why Florida is among the first states to harvest fresh watermelons each year. RELATED RESOURCES: Watermelon. Contact > Visual learning: Florida Irrigation Calibration Not sure how much water your irrigation system is putting out? A simple “catch can” test can help calibrate each zone, improve coverage and avoid overwatering. UF/IFAS resources help residents water more efficiently and keep landscapes healthy. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact > 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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