Weed Science at University of Florida is diverse!

Weed Science at the University of Florida is one of the most diverse programs anywhere in the country and the world.

Why is the Weed Science program so diverse?

The state of Florida spans over 500 miles from north to south and ranges from a temperate climate in the north to tropical in the south. This translates into a wide range of cropping systems throughout the state, with each cropping system having it's own unique weed management issues.

How does this translate into Weed Science programs?

There are over 17 faculty with major or total responsibilities in weed science. While applied weed management is a primary focus for many of the weed science faculty, studies in weed/crop ecology, natural areas ecology, herbicide physiology, biocontrol and weed biology are also conducted. From aquatics to citrus, peanuts to pasture and ferns to mangos there are very few programs that can provide the challenges like the Weed Science program at the University of Florida.

Weed Science Involvement:

• Fruits, Vegetables, Row-Crops

While traditional agronomic crops dominate the north-central and panhandle region, sugarcane, rice and tropical fruit abound in the south Florida. There are also numerous pockets of unique agriculture such as 7000 acres of strawberries, over 4000 acres of blueberries, 6000 acres of avacodos, mangos, papaya and other tropical fruits, 814,000 acres of citrus and the largest fern and foliage industry in the country. Vegetable production is common throughout the state and occurs on a year-round basis.

• Turf

Florida also boasts the largest number of golf courses in the country, with over 350 courses in Palm Beach county alone. This, coupled with 4 million acres of residential turf and sod farms, makes Florida and the University of Florida a leader in turfgrass science.

• Pasture

Beef cattle is also a thriving industry with over 15 million acres of pasture and rangeland throughout the state.

• Aquatic and Invasive species

Aquatic, wetland and upland invasive species are major issues throughout the state and threaten the bio-diversity that makes Florida unique.