Orange County Florida Master Gardener Jerry Carris has been recognized for his 20 years of volunteer service and named FLORIDA MASTER GARDENER OF THE YEAR at the 30th Annual Florida Master Gardener Conference in Ocala, Florida.
Since 1989, Master Gardner Jerry Carris has donated in excess of 20,000 hours (valued at over $347,600 in-kind services) to Orange County as a volunteer. His service to the citizens of Orange County have included the creation of a Demonstration Garden at Orange County Extension office, a Demonstration Organic Vegetable Garden at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, landscaping enhancement projects at the Orange County Extension Service Office, establishment of a Plant Clinic at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center for citizens on the west side of Orange County. He has also conducted numerous Neighborhood Walks to help citizens improve their landscapes, participated in the Orange County Adopt-A-Tree Program, developed several Elementary School Gardens, and currently serves as Community Garden Advisor to the newly formed 110-member Winter Garden Community Garden. Read the full press released here.
Find out more about the Winter Garden Community Garden in these articles from the WEST ORANGE TIMEShere and here.
Geomatics Program OPEN HOUSE
October 2009
Geomatics Program OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, November 3rd
6 – 9 pm
2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703
Interested in an exciting career utilizing your computer skills and knowledge in math and science? Please join us for a
Geomatics Program OPEN HOUSE
to learn more about this academic and professional career and your local options.
Refreshments/dinner will be served. Kindly RSVP by October 30, 2009 to:
Diane Mealo
(407) 884-2034 ext. 129 or via email at dwm@ufl.edu
The most recent issue of Texture, a publication of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, contains an article about MREC “WATER WARRIORS HOW AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY PIONEERED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA IS “GREENING UP” THE WORLD.
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an organization that helps business and is dedicated to meeting the needs of today's industries and creating a competitive economic climate where businesses can thrive.
Texture, is an EDC publication focused on the technology companies, personalities and innovations that are “putting imagination to work” throughout Metro Orlando. The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau is their publishing partner.
SAF’s 2009 Alex Laurie Award
September 2009
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Sept. 16, 2009 – The Society of American Florists (SAF) will present the 2009 Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education to Lance Osborne, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology/Nematology at the University of Florida, on Sept. 24 during SAF’s 125th Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
An internationally recognized scientist, Osborne is active both in teaching and in research on
managing insects in ornamental and vegetable crops. In addition to important work on
avoiding chemical resistance development in target pests, Osborne has worked tirelessly to
advance new biological control methods in greenhouses and nurseries — and in working with growers to help them adopt those new methods. Read more...
‘Southern Jewel’ is a new muscadine grape cultivar being released by the University of Florida that is a high-yielding, disease resistant large black-fruited variety. It has the unique characteristic of producing fruit in bunches of 6 – 12 berries that strongly adhere to the stem. It has excellent taste and a crunchy texture, with a palatable skin, making it well-suited for fresh fruit consumption. Read more...
University of Florida scientists say they've developed a new muscadine grape cultivar called Delicious that ripens early and is disease-resistant.
Professor Dennis Gray, who led the research, said the black fruit features exceptional taste and texture with an edible skin, making it well-suited for fresh fruit consumption and the potential for wine production. The name Delicious was selected based on the comments of vineyard visitors who sampled the fruit. Read more...
Dr. Rose gives birth...
August 2009
Renee and Eric Rose are proud to announce the arrival of Peyton Mackenna Rose on 8/17/09 at 1:15pm. She weighs 7lb, 6oz and is 20in long.
Bob Stamps: First place photos...
August 2009
Dr. Bob Stamps, University of Florida Professor of Environmental Horticulture located at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, won three awards in the Pi Alpha Xi (PAX) Photography Contest held in St. Louis, Missouri at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. He won first places in both the Flower and Plant categories and a second place in the Landscape category. The three images were of Belamcanda chinensis, Cycas taitungensis, and the poinsettia display at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, respectively. PAX is the National Honor Society for Horticulture and the proceeds from the photography contest help fund the Society’s Scholarship Matching program.
Plant Breeding News...
June 2009
Dr. Jake Henny received approval for a new Pothos hybrid ‘Pearls and Jade’ when he attended the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12, 2008. Click here for more info...
Dr. Jake Henny and Dr. Jianjun Chen received approval for a new MREC Aglaonema hybrid release at the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12, 2008. Find out more about the ‘Leprechaun’ hybrid here...
Dr. Jake Henny received approval for a new MREC Aglaonema hybrid when he attended the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12, 2008. Find out more about the ‘Key Lime’ hybrid here...
Dr. Jake Henny received approval for a new Pothos hybrid when he attended the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12, 2008. Find out more about the ‘Green Genie’ hybrid here...
Dr. Jake Henny received approval for a new Philodendron hybrid ‘Frilly Philly’ when he attended the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12,2008. Click here for more info...
MREC reduces electrical costs by 22%
May 2009
"The goal of their Apopka Efficiency Project was to reduce the overall energy consumption in the facility while maintaining the required indoor air quality environment for the laboratory facilities. The intent was to add to the existing Siemens Building Automation System and replace the non-functioning Honeywell system in 22 existing lab areas with fume hoods. The system was converted from Constant Volume to Variable Volume and from a 24 hour a day seven day a week operation to a scheduled night set back system with occupied system override only. This was a co-developed prototype modification of the Venturi valves."
Jerry Carris, a well known Master Gardener and landscape consultant, is helping start a ‘community garden’ in Winter Garden, FL. Because of his status and knowledge as a Master Gardener, Jerry helps conduct the homeowner plant clinic that is held at the University of Florida’s Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) every Tuesday morning. Jerry is less well known for his status as a Master Researcher, a program initiated in October, 1992 at the University of Florida’s Research and Education Center located in Apopka. Jerry found another ‘home’ here after completing his training course and research project, which he conducted in the Cut Foliage Program of Professor Bob Stamps.
He has volunteered his efforts continuously with Stamps’ program since that time. He is seldom found without his harmonica and, if he finds out that it is your birthday, you could be the recipient of a happy birthday wish, via the harmonica. Thanks, Jerry, for all your help as Master Gardener and Master Researcher and for putting a smile on so many people’s faces over these many years at MREC.
Find out more about the Winter Garden Community Garden in these articles from the WEST ORANGE TIMEShere and here.
Grow your own salad...
January 2009
Our own ProfessorLance Osborne sits down with Orange country extension agent Liz Felter to talk about how homeowners can grow pesticide free vegetables with limited space and budget. For more information visit: http://ocextension.ifas.ufl.edu
Click below to play video clip...
A new Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ hybrid for commercial foliage growers.
November 2008
Professors Jake Henny and Jianjun Chen announce the release of a new Aglaonema hybrid for commercial foliage growers. Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ is an interspecific hybrid developed in the Foliage Plant Breeding Program at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) – Apopka, Florida.
Figure 1. Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ in a 6-inch container grown for 9 months from a single rooted cutting.
Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ is a selection from a cross of A. commutatum Treubii with A. nitidum Curtissii. Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ was selected because of its high level of basal shoot branching, smaller narrow leaves, arching plant form and attractive foliar variegation pattern.
Results of MREC growth tests demonstrated that Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’, grown from a single rooted cutting, would reach marketable size in a 6-inch (1.6L) container in 9 months. Plants were well-branched, averaging more than 8 basal shoots per plant. Plant quality averaged good to excellent at all nutritional levels tested. After 3 months of evaluation under interior conditions, all plants maintained a visual quality rating of excellent.
Aglaonema ‘Mondo Bay’ is intended for commercial producers growing finished plants in 1.6 or 3.9 L containers. A patent application has been submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and plant patent rights have been assigned to the Florida Foundation Seed Producers. Propagation and production licenses are currently available for Florida foliage growers. Inquiries regarding licensing may be sent to Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., P.O. Box 110200, Gainesville, FL 32611.
MREC Research Field Day
September 2008
Save the Date! October 30, 2008:
Research Field Day at UF/IFAS/Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka
We are pleased to announce that The University of Florida/IFAS/Mid - Florida Research and Education Center will host its 2008 Research Field Day on Thursday October 30th at its facility located at 2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, 32703.
The Field Day is for industry professionals who are interested in learning more about the most current research being conducted locally on agricultural practices pertaining to foliage production, landscape plants, and viticulture. For a complete listing of topics to be covered at the upcoming UF/IFAS/MREC Research Field Day, visit our website at http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/fieldday. A final program outline including presenters and session times will be available after October 1st.
The program format will include information sessions, facility tours, and research poster displays.
Pre-registration costs $10.00 and will increase to $15 after October 24th; all are encouraged to register early. The registration fee covers tours, sessions, and lunch.
To register, please call (407) 884-2034 ext. 113. Payment in personal/agency check should be made payable to University of Florida and sent to UF/IFAS/MREC Field Day, 2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703. No credit cards can be accepted for this event.
Termite Training Faclity now offering three new classes!
July 2008
NEW OFFERING! GHP BASICS, COST: $150, Checks payable to the University of Florida Date: Aug. 13
Are you interested in greening your company? Do you need tips on how to better inspect? Can you tell the difference between cockroach and mouse droppings? Is your technician ready for a DACS inspection? The UF/IFAS Pest Management University is pleased to offer General Household Pest Management Basics.
Classes will be held at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. Classes will begin at 8:00 AM. . Please see the FAQ page for dress code, smoking policy and hotel information.
NEW OFFERING! WDO Inspections and Form 13645, Cost: $195, Checks payable to the University of Florida Date: Oct 2-3, 2008
Interested in avoiding a DACS citation for a faulty WDO? Want to avoid costly litigation because form 13645 was improperly completed? Want to learn about the newly accepted WDO baseline standards inspections for the pest management industry in Florida and more? Want your questions on these issues and more answered by DACS, a leading industry attorney and IFAS personnel, then come to the WDO Inspections and Form 13645 class!
Minimal pre-work – Attendees are expected to read the Baselines, review DACS form 13645, and read Chapter 482 sections that apply to WDO inspections
Class will be held at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. Classes will begin at 8:00 AM. Please see the FAQ page for dress code, smoking policy and hotel information.
NEW OFFERING! MASTER OF TERMITE MANAGEMENT, COST $299—TAKE THIS CLASS BEFORE PRICES INCREASE! Checks payable to the University of Florida Date: Oct. 15-17
Once you have completed the Foundations of Termite Management Class, you are eligible to attend the Master Termite Class. The Master Termite Class will include an extensive three day training at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. During the training, we will cover the laws and regulations regarding record keeping, and the duties of the CPO in charge. We will discuss the selection of termiticides and safe and proper use of those chemicals. We will discuss WDO inspections and will analyze construction elements that are prone to WDO infestation.
Classes will be held at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. Classes will begin at 8:00 AM. . Please see the FAQ page for dress code, smoking policy and hotel information.
TERMITE BASICS, COST: $150, Checks payable to the University of Florida Date: Aug 12
Would you like a more efficient sales staff? Would you like your office personnel to be able to answer questions about termites? Do you have new technicians that with some experience could be great technicians? If so, then read on.
The University of Florida Pest Management University is pleased to offer an extensive one day hands-on training in Termite Basics. We will conduct a vehicle inspection, review the sections of a termiticide label, discuss safety and signal words, learn to distinguish between termites and ants; take a look at termite damage, calculate chemical usage, and explore ten common construction elements that allow for termite entry. Your customers can find information about termites on the internet, but do you have the facts?
Termite Basics is a great introduction to termites for new technicians, sales staff, and front office personnel. Classes will be taught by UF/IFAS, DACS, and leaders in the pest management industry who understand that increased professionalism and skill level leads to increased profits and reduced customer conflict.
Classes will be held at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. Classes will begin at 8:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM. Please see the FAQ page for dress code, smoking policy and hotel information.
FOUNDATIONS OF TERMITE MANAGEMENT, COST: $299—TAKE THIS CLASS BEFORE PRICES INCREASE! Checks payable to the University of Florida Dates: July 16-18; Sept. 17-19
Foundations of Termite Management consists of three interactive, web-based modules (Regulations and Laws 101; Labels and Safety 102, and Termite Biology and Behavior 103) and an intensive two and a half day, hands-on portion to be held at the termite training facility (Demonstrating Your Knowledge 104).
We recommend registering a minimum of 5 days prior to the class to allow for completion of the pre-work, course modules 101-103 (approximately 6 hours of work). CD training will be interactive with quizzes at the end of each module and a pre and post test. This class is limited to 20 participants.
For more details, see our website: http://pmu.ifas.ufl.edu/
Classes will be held at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Orkin Termite Training Facility. Classes will begin at 8:00 AM. . Please see the FAQ page for dress code, smoking policy and hotel information.
Water Quality Day - March 29th, 2008
March 2008
You are invited to join State Rep. Bryan Nelson, SeaWorld, St. Johns River Water Mgmt. District, the Friends Of Lake Apopka, and Friends of The Wekiva River, to a Waterwise Day on Saturday, March 29th, 2008, from 10am-5pm at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and Magnolia Park, located at 2725 Binion Rd., Apopka, Fl., 32703.
For any who are interested in honey bees there will be a honey bee college at our facility March 13 - 16. Check out the home page below for registation information. You must be registered to participate and it is limited to the first 150 registrants.
Commercial Plant Diagnostic Clinic results now on-line
January 2008
If you want to see photographs of what has been coming into the commercial plant clinic and what the diagnoses were, or if you want to check on the status of your own sample, go to:
Samples are identified by number from the submission form and include the plant species provided on the form.
Termite Training Center
Holds First Class
January 2008
Norm Smith writes in the CPCO Advantage (Certified Pest Control Operators Associaton of Florida) magazine a review of MREC's new Orkin Termite Training Facility (TTF).
..."This is a great program. It lifts attendees out of their 'comfort zones' by exposing them to situations and treatment options they haven't encountered before. Everyone left with something new to help them practice the art of termite treatment and control; I know I did, even after 36 years in the business!"...
