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Written by Jan Kennema
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Monday, 21 February 2005 |
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Today we explored the diversity of the University of Florida’s agricultural program. Researchers are using biotechnology to design colourful and fragrant flowers. For example, they’re enhancing the genes responsible for scent in petunias, to prolong the flowers’ fragrance. Researchers believe these sweet-smelling flowers will increase producers’ profits and customer satisfaction. Another researcher is testing the durability of flowers such as the Kalanchoe. By identifying varieties that are resistant to ethylene – a compound that causes flower decay – the researcher can help breeders choose varieties that will have a longer shelf life. Recent hurricanes swept through Florida, devastating crops and forests. Using a modified airboat, an arborist at the University of Florida is researching how pruning techniques affect tree strength in hurricane-force winds. Other studies include ways to meet palm trees’ nutrient requirements, such as potassium, and why trees up-root sidewalks. Animal agriculture is also an important part of Florida farming. Although Florida holds a small percentage of the U.S.’s beef cattle, it contains some of the largest beef ranches in the country. The first, second and fourth largest beef ranches operate out of the state of Florida. The day concluded with a meet-and-greet reception with the University of Florida’s agricultural communications faculty and the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. 
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 November 2006 )
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