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Winter 2016
UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, 18710 SW 288th Street, Homestead, FL 33030-2309 http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu 305-248-3311
Letter from the Director Teresa Olczyk County Extension Director
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Helping Florida Families Take Small Steps Leading to Healthier Lives ……………………… 2 In Memoriam: Dr. John McLaughlin ………….. 3
Dear Friends of Extension,
Comings and Goings ……………………………..4 Finger Lime: A New Alternative with Crop
As we are getting closer to the New Year, I would
Potential for South Florida ………………...…… 5
like to thank all of you and all of our UF/IFAS
What’s New…………………………………………. 7
Extension Miami-Dade County faculty, staff, and
Contact Us………………………………………….. 8
volunteers for your dedication, commitment, and many contributions made this past year to residents and businesses of our county. If you are not familiar with Extension, I would like to provide some background information. Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. UF/IFAS Extension includes thousands of Extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers who are working to improve the lives of Florida’s residents. There are Extension offices located in all 67 counties in Florida. Miami-Dade County Extension is one of the largest offices with 40 faculty and staff positions. We have 5 office locations throughout the Miami-Dade County working to serve our 2.7 million residents. As 2016 comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the challenges faced by Miami-Dade agricultural and horticultural industries. The year began with lower yields and in some cases destroyed crops due to the excessive rains and flooding we experienced in December of 2015 and January 2016. Our avocado growers continue to face ongoing challenges fighting the deadly disease known as laurel wilt. Avocado growers are looking
to UF/IFAS research and Extension for help in combating this disease spread by several ambrosia beetles. This year, also saw the end of the Oriental fruit fly quarantine. UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County faculty played an important role in providing education and training to farmers, produce packers, and shippers in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to eradicate this destructive exotic pest. Our Extension staff earned a National Association of Counties (NACO) Achievement Award and the Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension professional association team award for their work in helping to eradicate the Oriental fruit fly. Several changes were made in 2016 related to our Extension staff. We said goodbye to the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Extension Agent Sandra Canales who retired after 33 years of service. We also said goodbye to Donna Lowe, Extension’s Senior Executive Secretary who retired after 34 years of service. Additionally, our 4-H/Youth Development Extension Agent Cassandra Weston– Hainsworth accepted a new position with the University of Georgia Extension Service as their 4-H Agent.
The last change of staff in 2016 was with Dr. Lisa
wishes to you and your family for a restful and
Krimsky our Sea Grant Extension Agent, who
enjoyable holiday season, and a very happy,
became the UF/IFAS Extension Water Resources
healthy and, prosperous New Year.
Regional Specialized Agent (page 4). She will work with 12 counties in South East Florida on water
Sincerely,
quality and quantity issues. We have also added several new positions to our Family and Nutrition Program (FNP) led by Evelyn Muñiz-Rodriguez to expand nutrition education to low-income residents. I would like to stress that this educational program is totally funded by UF with the original funding coming from the USDA Farm Bill, and is at no cost to the County. In addition to FNP our EFNEP is also totally funded by UF from through a USDA grant also at no cost to the county. These programs currently employ 21 positions providing nutrition and health education
Helping Florida Families Take Small Steps Leading to
to low income families, children and seniors.
Healthier Lives
Recently there were several changes in the
Krystal Gopaul, Public Health Coordinator
organization of the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) which is our
The University of Florida IFAS Extension Family
home department on the County side. Extension
Nutrition Program (FNP) provides free nutrition
is now part of the newly created Extension
education for low income Floridians participating
Education, Conservation and Outreach (ECO)
in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Division of PROS. This transfer will allow for a
(SNAP). Formally known as Food Stamps, SNAP is a
better synergy and collaboration within the PROS
federal aid program which gives low income
Department. We are looking forward to expanding
individuals money to purchase food.
our educational outreach and programming for the urban population by using county parks as
FNP educates SNAP eligible Floridians using
additional outreach locations.
evidence based approaches about healthier eating and being active while on a budget. The staff teach
Finally, I would like to express my deep
classes to groups of all ages which are at least 51%
appreciation and pride for all our Extension
or more SNAP eligible and serve Miami-Dade
programs and thank our staff and volunteers for
County with free programs for limited resource
their commitment, dedication, and
individuals and families.
professionalism in making a positive difference for Miami-Dade County residents through
In addition to education, FNP also provides
Extension programming. I send my warmest
complementary community based environmental approaches to increase food access and encourage healthier food choices.
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These initiatives include: establishing school and community gardens, advising on school and community wellness committees, encouraging farmers’ markets to accept SNAP and much more. Community partnerships are also vital to the FNP program and benefit everyone involved. Local organizations provide venues, resources and connections, allowing FNP to bring nutrition and physical activity education to SNAP eligible participants in the community. Potential partners include: Head Start programs, WIC, schools, grocery stores, churches etc. For more information or to become a community partner contact Evelyn MunizRodriguez, Miami-Dade FNP Extension Program Manager at 305-234-2159 or
[email protected].
FNP Program Assistant, Solina Rulfs, educating the community on the importance of healthy eating. Photo credit: Barbara Marquez.
In Memoriam: Dr. John McLaughlin 1944-2016 Dr. John McLaughlin was our Urban Horticulture
was an Associate Professor in the Department of
Program Specialist for the last 17 years and helped
Microbiology and Immunology at the University of
countless people become better gardeners as well
Miami and was the author of more than 35 scientific
as spur their passion for plants. He loved to teach
articles in refereed publications.
others about the joy of nature and did so fervently. Dr. John McLaughlin will be sorely missed by each There was no question a visitor or staff member
and every member of the Extension team.
could ask that John could not find the answer to. Extension leaned on his wealth of knowledge and lengthy, thoughtful answers to help us find solutions to the most difficult queries. John was an excellent and prolific writer and would often come to the office during the weekend to spend the day writing. While working at Extension, John authored or co-authored over 100 articles and publications. We first met John in 1994 when he took the Master Gardener course. Afterwards, he faithfully volunteered at the Extension office answering homeowner gardening questions and assisting clients. We were fortunate enough to be able to hire John in 1999 to help homeowners with their questions big and small. Dr. John McLaughlin. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS.
Before coming to work with Extension, John worked 3
Comings and Goings Farewell and Best Wishes to Lisa Krimsky We would like to congratulate Dr. Lisa Krimsky, one of five new Water Resources Regional Specialized Agents hired by UF/IFAS Extension to address statewide water resources issues. As a team, the group will identify and develop educational programs aimed at the protection and conservation of Florida’s most important resource. Each faculty member has a unique area of expertise which supports a cohesive and comprehensive statewide team. Lisa was formerly our Sea Grant Extension agent, and will use her experience with us to fine tune her focus on coastal water quality and quantity issues in South Florida. Located at the Indian River Research and Education Center, Lisa will work with county extension agents and develop partnerships with community leaders, stakeholders, and local, state and federal agencies to identify research and educational gaps and implement regional and statewide educational programs. Lisa Krimsky. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS.
Thanks Lisa, we will miss you!
A Warm Welcome Aboard to Krystal Gopaul UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County would like to welcome Krystal Gopaul to our staff. Krystal is the new Public Health Coordinator with our Miami-Dade Family Nutrition Program (FNP). Krystal is a proud Canadian, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Western Ontario prior to moving to Miami to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Miami. Krystal is ecstatic about joining the FNP team and having the opportunity to uniquely combine both of her Krystal Gopaul. Photo credit: FNP.
skill sets and give back to some of Miami’s most in need and impoverished communities.
Krystal loves to travel and would visit a new country every weekend if she could! She speaks English, French and Spanish and has lived in four countries throughout her life: Canada, America, Colombia and Guatemala. Krystal is also obsessed with anything and everything French and would love to live in France someday! Welcome to the team Krystal! We are glad you are here. 4
TREC Feature Finger Lime: A New Alternative Crop with Great Potential for South Florida Aditya Singh and Dr. Edward A. Evans, UF/IFAS, TREC
The Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) is native to the rainforests in the coastal boarder regions of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. Described as having a refreshing citrus flavor, finger limes can also be substituted for
Nutritional chart for finger lime. Calories
20
Sodium
1 mg
Total Fat
0g
Potassium
0 mg
Saturated
0g
Total Carbs
7g
Polyunsatu-
0g
Dietary Fiber
2g
0g
Sugars
1g
Protein
0g
rated
lemons or other lime varieties.
Monoun-
The fleshy pulped, cylindrical fruit grow up to
Trans-fats
0g
about three inches in length. Inside this finger-
Cholesterol
0 mg
shaped relative to the citrus family are hundreds of
Vitamin A
1%
Calcium
2%
Vitamin C
32%
Iron
2%
tiny, tangy juice vesicles, which some refer to as citrus caviar due to the shape of the vesicles.
saturated
Demand for finger limes have grown steadily over the past decade, mainly as a result of its unique
Horticulture
caviar-like pulp and attractive color range.
Ideally, planting sites should be frost-free and trees protected from prevailing hot or cold winds.
Introduction to the United States
Commercial finger lime groves do well planted in full
The United States Department of Agriculture
sun. Finger limes are reported to require a lot less
(USDA) first imported finger lime seeds and
fertilizer than other commercial citrus varieties partly
cuttings more than a century ago, where it has
due to less nutrient demand. Growers use only about
remained at the research level into the twenty-first
25–30% of the total annual amount of NPK fertilizer
century. Research has been ongoing at the
applied to other commercial citrus varieties. Yields
University of California-Riverside since 1965 from
vary with cultivar, but well managed 5-year-old trees
material originally imported from Australia. As part
can produce up to 44 pounds of fruit annually. Finger
of the UC-Riverside Citrus Variety Collection, finger
limes are also reported to be highly resistant to
lime trees have primarily been used for rootstock
Phytophthora citrophthora, root rot that affects most
trials and hybridization research. Only recently
citrus. Preliminary studies indicate that finger lime is
have UC scientists released material for California
also HLB-tolerant. HLB, also known as citrus greening,
nurseries to use to propagate trees. California is
is doing major damage to Florida’s citrus industry.
the only US state that grows finger lime on a commercial basis. Other subtropical states such as Florida are beginning to show interest in finger lime as an alternative crop. Finger limes have few calories and a high vitamin content.
Points to Consider Like all citrus varieties, finger lime requires welldrained soils. Highly susceptible to wind and sunburn, windbreaks should be established prior to planting. Finger lime is very delicate and susceptible to skin damage. Around 50% of the harvest ends up as second
5
grade or processed fruit due to injury caused by its own thorns during harvesting. Not all varieties are suitable for commercial production. Economics, Use, and Marketing Government data estimates total production of finger limes in Australia at around 10 metric tons, with about half of the fruit exported to Europe and Asia. International wholesale prices range between $35 and $40 per kilogram and domestic wholesale prices are $20 to $25 per kilogram.
difficult to find in the marketplace. The main distribution is in large metropolitan areas, where it is sold primarily to high-end retail markets and upscale hotels/bars/restaurants. Mixologists use them in drinks. Chefs use them primarily in seafood and Asian Fusion recipes or as a caviartype garnish. Currently, both domestic and export market prices are very good, largely because volumes are still small and demand outweighs supply. Around 50% of Australian finger lime production is currently exported to markets in Europe and Asia. The finger lime is one of the most expensive fruit varieties available in the United States, where it is sold by the ounce. California growers sell the fruit in 3-oz and 1-oz containers, with the smaller package selling for $8. Popularity of the fruit variety is increasing, but at a very slow rate. Lowering the cost will be a main factor in increasing consumption. There is an opportunity for Florida growers to consider this distant citrus relative as an alternative planting option because it presents both climatic suitability and financial feasibility. Demand for this exotic HLB-tolerant cultivar is increasing, which should make it attractive to Florida growers.
Finger Lime. Photo Source: USDA.
Once harvested, finger limes have a four-week shelf-life if stored in a cool environment. The fruit retains its shape and flavor when frozen, making it available year-round. Commercially, finger limes are used in a wide-range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The number of finger lime growers is still limited at less than a dozen. California’s Central Valley between Visalia and Bakersfield is the main growing area for finger lime, with about 300 trees. This fruit which has yet to be tested in Florida, is a crop worthy of further consideration. Due to small-scale production, finger limes are
HLB, or citrus greening, identified by irregular yellowing on the leaves. Photo Credit: Jeff Wasielewski.
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What is UF/IFAS Extension?
Get Social With Us!
The UF/IFAS Extension Service is the liaison between
Follow us on our various social media outlets.
research conducted at the University of Florida and other universities and end users in Miami-Dade County. Our clientele includes growers (agricultural and horticultural), homeowners, youth, people interested in family issues or food and nutrition, and marine
Like our FB Page: UF IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County
industries. The UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County receives
Check out our various in-
direct funding from the University of Florida's Institute
formative videos on our
of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and Miami-
YouTube channel: UF/IFAS
Dade County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Extension Miami-Dade
Department, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the third partner in this cooperative agreement. The Miami-Dade County offices are part of a nationwide system of information, outreach, and education offered by county governments and land-grant educational institutions in each state.
Tweet with our agents and programs on Twitter: @MorganH2O @sflhort @MiamiUCU @miamidade4h
What’s New at Miami-Dade Extension To access our Extension Calendar, please visit our website http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu and scroll through the calendar. There, you will find all event information including how to register.
This newsletter is edited by Morgan Hopkins and Jeff Wasielewski. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at
[email protected] or
[email protected]. 7
Administration, Commercial Agriculture,
Elizabeth Luna
Horticulture, and Florida Yards and
Office Support Specialist II
Neighborhoods 18710 SW 288 Street Homestead, FL 33030 Phone: 305-248-3311 Fax: 305-246-2932 Teresa Olczyk County Extension Director Ext. 232
Adrian Hunsberger
Ext. 242
Patty Viera Office Support Specialist II Ext. 225
Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) 300 East 1 Avenue, Suite 113 Hialeah, FL 33010 Phone: 786-391-0539
Urban Horticulture Extension Agent
Monica Dawkins
Ext. 236
EFNEP Supervisor & Extension Agent
E. Vanessa Campoverde
Family Nutrition Program (FNP)
Commercial Ag/Ornamentals Extension Agent
14707 South Dixie Highway, PH Suite 402
Ext. 241
Palmetto Bay, FL 33176
Henrique ‘Henry’ Mayer Commercial Urban Horticulture Extension Agent Ext. 231
Jeff Wasielewski Commercial Tropical Fruit Extension Agent Ext. 227
Qingren Wang Commercial Vegetable Extension Agent & Pesticide Trainer
Phone: 305-234-2159 Evelyn Muniz-Rodriguez Miami-Dade FNP Extension Program Manager
4-H & Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) Amelia Earhart Park 401 East 65th Street Hialeah, FL 33013 Phone: 305-769-4050 Fax: 305-769-4052
Ext. 234
Morgan Hopkins
Jacquelyn Gibson
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Extension Agent
FCS Extension Agent- Food, Nutrition & Family Finance
Ext. 223
Ext. 4#
Jesus Lomeli
Jeramy Smith
Urban Horticulture Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development Extension Agent
Ext. 246
Ext. 2#
Barbara McAdam
Shirley Bender
Urban Horticulture Program Specialist
Support Specialist
Ext. 245
Ext. 1#
Laura Vasquez
SEA GRANT
Urban Horticulture Program Specialist
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Ext. 239
Miami, FL 33149
Andres Varela
Phone: 305-421-4017
Administrative Secretary Ext. 240 The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity – Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A. & M. UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING For sign language interpreters or materials in accessible format or other ADA Accommodations please call our office at least five days in advance.
