Researchers have generated a “chromosome-scale” sequencing of vanilla DNA.
The researchers believe their work is an essential tool that will be used to make growing vanilla a successful South Florida crop for commercial and home growers.
Researchers sequenced four vanilla species from a 300-plus collection established at the Homestead research facility. As a result, genetic information was revealed which lays the groundwork for desired genetic traits.
“This research unlocks all the potential for improving vanilla.”
“The vanilla genome reported in this study will enable accelerated breeding of vanilla pods with improved bean quality, plants with superior disease resilience and higher yields to support a new, domestic market,” says Alan Chambers, tropical plant geneticist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center.
UF/IFAS-developed blueberry app to help growers battle diseases and pests
A new University of Florida app will help the state’s blueberry growers identify and manage disease and insect injuries commonly encountered in Florida before their crop is ruined. Collectively, blueberries are a $60 million-per-year crop in Florida.
Patricio Munoz, the UF/IFAS blueberry breeder and an assistant professor of horticultural sciences, came up with the vision for, and supervised the development of, the UF/IFAS Blueberry Growers Guide phone app, released on December 1.
“Dr. Munoz saw the need for a field scouting guide for southern highbush blueberries that growers could use on their phones,” said Doug Phillips, statewide blueberry Extension coordinator. “Previously, the only blueberry scouting guide available was a paper guide for northern highbush blueberries, covering diseases and insects typically seen in more northern states.”