MAX FACTS
growing tips, news and trivia
Stronger Tomatoes in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have
produced three new virus-resistant, breeding lines of tomatoes. The new tomatoes
are the results of a $2-million, 25-year research project. John Scott, professor of
horticultural sciences and tomato breeder at the institute’s Gulf Coast Research and
Education Center, says these new virus-resistant lines will eventually help farmers protect
their crop against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus, which is transmitted by whiteflies and
can cause total crop loss for farmers. “These tomatoes give breeders better options to
breed more durable resistance, which will make it harder for the virus to mutate against,” says
John. The researchers screened about 15,000 plants, taking tissue and DNA from each, to
produce the three lines. Samuel Hutton, who worked with Scott on the study, says that ideally,
farmers will use these breeding lines as parents to develop finished, marketable varieties.
(Source: alligator.org)
MAXFACTS
Growing tips, news and trivia
Students Learn About
Water Conservation
Students at the Highlands Career Institute at South Florida State
College are studying water conservation and have created a
hydroponic garden thanks to a $2,300 grant from the Southwest
Florida Water Management District. The program provides
teachers with funding to teach students about their
local watersheds, water conservation, quality
and supply. Cheryl Moffat, science instructor
at the school, says the goal is for students
to understand ways to minimize the negative
impacts gardening, landscaping and agriculture
have on Florida’s water supply and water
quality. “Our hydroponic garden will
help students understand how we
can live in a sustainable way and it
will show students we can still grow
food while conserving water,” she
says. Students have already planted
plenty of vegetable varieties
and are comparing the
water used in their
hydroponic garden to the
water typically used in
traditional gardening.
(Source: highlandstoday.com)
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Maximum Yield USA | January 2015
Herb Market Steadily Rising
The market for fresh herbs has consistently grown by about
10-12% a year during the last decade, and growers are
expecting the increase to continue. “Our markets have been
consistently growing over the years,” explains Sarah Yoder
of Shenandoah Growers Inc. “We anticipate the growth to
continually increase for a few more years before leveling
out.” Sarah believes the increase in demand originates
from consumers becoming more aware of the
benefits fresh herbs have to offer as a
natural and healthy alternative to
other food flavorings.
“Not only do herbs add
nutritional benefits to
food, but they also add
complementing flavors
to dishes without adding
salt, sugar or fat,” she
says. The use of herbs is
also trending in television
shows and magazines, allowing
unknown variants to become
more popular. “We encourage our
consumers to try different pairings to
achieve different flavors,” says Sarah.
(Source: shenandoahgrowers.com)