The Centers for Disease Control recently released the following information: "To better quantify the impact of foodborne diseases on health in the United States, we compiled and analyzed information from multiple surveillance systems and other sources. We estimate that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. Known pathogens account for an estimated 14 million illnesses, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths. Three pathogens, Salmonella, Listeria, and Toxoplasma, are responsible for 1,500 deaths each year, more than 75% of those caused by known pathogens, while unknown agents account for the remaining 62 million illnesses, 265,000 hospitalizations, and 3,200 deaths. Overall, foodborne diseases appear to cause more illnesses but fewer deaths than previously estimated." (Source: Food-Related Illness and Death in the United States. Paul S. Mead, Laurence Slutsker, Vance Dietz, Linda F. McCaig, Joseph S. Bresee, Craig Shapiro, Patricia M. Griffin, and Robert V. Tauxe. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.).
    Significantly, the incidence of foodborne disease attributed to fruits and vegetables is very small compared to the total numbers. However, unpasteurized juices and fresh sprouts have been implicated in recent outbreaks. In October, 1999 the FDA released two guidance publications on safe sprout handling and testing of irrigation water in sprout production (http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/sprougd1.html and /sprougd2.html, respectively). Ensuring that our fresh produce is as safe as possible involves close collaboration of everyone involved. Produce can become contaminated at any point, beginning in the field and continuing through packing, handling, shipping and retail.
   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) published the very useful "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" for growers, packers, and shippers about one year ago as part of the President’s Food Safety Initiative. The guide is available by contacting FDA or online at http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/prodguid.html. By identifying basic principles of microbial food safety within the realm of growing, harvesting, packing, and transporting fresh produce, users of this guide will be better prepared to recognize and address the principal elements known to give rise to microbial food safety concerns. Here are the highlights from the guide:

Water Quality

Wherever water comes into contact with fresh produce, its quality dictates the potential for pathogen contamination.

Water can be a carrier of many microorganisms including pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp., Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxiplasma gondii, and the Norwalk and hepatitis A viruses. If pathogens survive on the produce, they may cause foodborne illness. Even small amounts of contamination with some of these organisms can result in foodborne illness.

In general, the quality of water in direct contact with the edible portion of produce may need to be better than the quality of water in which contact with the edible portion of the plant is minimal.

Agricultural water quality will vary, particularly surface waters that may be subject to intermittent, temporary contamination, such as waste water discharge or polluted runoff from upstream livestock operations. Ground water that is influenced by surface water, such as older wells with cracked casings, may also be vulnerable to contamination.

Water quality should be adequate for its intended use. Where water quality is unknown or cannot be controlled, growers should use other good agricultural practices to minimize the risk of contamination.

Practices to help ensure adequate water quality may include ensuring that wells are properly constructed and protected, treating water to reduce microbial loads, or using alternative application methods that reduce or avoid water-to-produce contact.

Processing water should be of such quality that it does not contaminate produce.

Practices to Ensure and Maintain Water Quality. Perform periodic water sampling and microbial testing; Change water as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions; Clean and sanitize water contact surfaces, such as dump tanks, flumes, wash tanks, and hydrocoolers, as often as necessary to ensure the safety of produce; Install backflow devices and legal air gaps, as needed, to prevent contamination of clean water with potentially contaminated water (such as between potable water fill lines and dump tank drain lines; Routinely inspect and maintain equipment designed to assist in maintaining water quality, such as chlorine injectors, filtration systems, and backflow devices, to ensure efficient operation.

Prevention of contamination is preferred over application of antimicrobial chemicals after contamination occurs.

However, antimicrobial chemicals in processing water are useful in reducing microbial build-up in water and may reduce microbial load on the surface of produce. Washing fresh produce can reduce the overall potential for microbial food safety hazards. This is an important step since most microbial contamination is on the surface of fruits and vegetables. If pathogens are not removed, inactivated, or otherwise controlled, they can spread to surrounding produce, potentially contaminating a greater proportion of the produce. A number of post-harvest processes, such as hydrocooling, use of dump tanks, and flume transport, involve a high degree of water-to-produce contact. Packers should follow good manufacturing practices to maximize the potential for these processes to assist in cleaning produce.

Manure and Municipal Biosolids

Growers should follow good agricultural practices for handling animal manure or biosolids to minimize microbial hazards.

Properly treated manure or biosolids can be an effective and safe fertilizer. Untreated, improperly treated, or recontaminated manure or biosolids used as a fertilizer, used to improve soil structure, or that enters surface or ground waters through runoff, may contain pathogens of public health significance that can contaminate produce.

Good agricultural practices for the use of animal manure or biosolids include treatments to reduce pathogens and maximizing the time between application to production areas and harvest of the crops.

Growers purchasing manure should obtain a specification sheet from the manure supplier for each shipment of manure containing information about the method of treatment.

Animal feces is a known source of pathogens that can cause foodborne illness.

A particularly dangerous pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, is known to originate primarily from ruminants such as cattle, sheep and deer, which shed it through their feces. In addition, animal (and human) fecal matter are known to harbor Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and other pathogens. Domestic animals should be excluded from fresh produce fields, vineyards, and orchards during the growing season. In addition, high concentrations of wildlife (such as deer or waterfowl in a field) may increase the potential for microbial contamination.

Worker Health and Hygiene

Infected employees who work with fresh produce increase the risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses.

Be aware of existing state and Federal regulations regarding standards for worker health, hygiene and sanitation practices during the growing, packing, holding, and transport of human food. Train all employees to follow good hygienic practices.

Sanitary Facilities

Operations with poor management of human and other wastes in the field or packing facility can significantly increase the risk of contaminating produce.

Toilet facilities should be accessible. Toilet facilities should be properly located. Toilet facilities and handwashing stations should be well supplied. All facilities should be kept clean.

Field Sanitation

Poor management of human and other wastes in the field can significantly increase the risk of contaminating produce.

Microbial contamination or cross-contamination of fresh produce during pre-harvest and harvest activities may result from contact with soils, fertilizers, water, workers, and harvesting equipment. Any of these may be a source of pathogenic microorganisms. Clean harvest storage facilities prior to use. Discard damaged containers that are no longer cleanable. Clean containers or bins before using to transport fresh produce. Ensure that produce that is washed, cooled, or packaged in the field is not contaminated in the process. Remove as much dirt and mud as practicable from the produce before it leaves the field. Use harvesting and packing equipment appropriately and keep it as clean as practicable. Any equipment used to haul garbage, manure, or other debris should not be used to haul fresh produce. Keep harvest containers clean to prevent cross-contamination of fresh produce

Packing Facility Sanitation

It is important to maintain buildings, fixtures, and other physical facilities, and their grounds, in good condition to reduce the potential for microbial contamination of produce.

Operations with poor sanitation in the packing environment can significantly increase the risk of contaminating fresh produce and water used on produce. Pathogenic microorganisms may be found on the floors and in the drains in the packing facility and on the surfaces of sorting, grading, and packing equipment. Without good sanitary practices, any of these surfaces that come in contact with fresh produce could be a potential source of microbial contamination. Packers should employ good sanitation practices as a standard operating procedure to maintain control throughout the packing operation.

Transportation

The proper transport of fresh produce from farm to market will help reduce the potential for microbial contamination.

Transportation operations include transportation from the field to the cooler, packing facility, and on to distribution and wholesale terminal markets or retail centers. Microbial cross-contamination from other foods and nonfood sources and contaminated surfaces may occur during loading, unloading, storage, and transportation operations. Wherever produce is transported and handled, the sanitation conditions should be evaluated. Transporters should separate fresh produce from other food and nonfood sources of pathogens in order to prevent contamination of the produce during transport operations.

Workers involved in the loading and unloading of fresh produce during transport should practice good hygiene and sanitation practices. Product inspectors, buyers, and other visitors should comply with established hygienic practices, such as thoroughly washing their hands before inspecting produce. Inspect trucks or transport cartons for cleanliness, odors, obvious dirt or debris before beginning the loading process. Keep transportation vehicles clean to help reduce the risk of microbial contamination of fresh produce. Maintain proper temperatures to help ensure both the quality and safety of fresh produce. Load produce in trucks or transport cartons in a manner that will minimize damage.

Traceback

The ability to identify the source of a product can serve as an important complement to good agricultural and management practices intended to minimize liability and prevent the occurrence of food safety problems.

    Mr. Ping Qiao, a scientist with the Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, initiated several field trails during October 1998-September 1999 to conduct preliminary performance tests of 33 oriental vegetable cultivars on a calcareous gravelly soil at the Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead. The seeds of most cultivars were sowed in seedling plates and transplanted into field beds under plastic mulch when the seedlings had 3-5 true leaves. Some of them, like radish and amaranth, were sowed directly into the field beds. The bed height was about 8 inches and each bed was provided with 1 or 2 irrigation drip lines. The distance between beds was 6 feet. Some insecticides and nematicides were applied when making beds to control the pests in the soil. The Center’s farm manager was in charge of irrigation, fertilization and pest management. In spite of diligent pest control interventions some cultivars were damaged by thrips, mites or pickleworms. Doubtless these losses could be minimized though additional experience.
    The experimental results are summarized in the table. The following preliminary conclusions were reached:

    Cantaloupe varieties were evaluated at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton in the spring 1999 season. The trial included 27 entries.

Production Practices

    The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late February by incorporation of 0-0.8-0 lb N-P₂0₅-K₂0 per 100 linear bed feet (lbf). Beds were formed and fumigated with methylbromide: chloropicrin, 67:33 at 2.3 lb/100 lbf. Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 2.34-0-3.25 lb N-P₂0₅-K₂0/100 lbf after the beds were pressed and before the black polyethylene mulch was applied. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to 203-70-283 lb N-P₂0₅-K₂0/acre. The final beds were 32 in. wide and 8 in. high, and were spaced on 5 ft centers with six beds between seepage irrigation/drainage ditches which were on 41 ft centers.
    Twenty-seven cantaloupe hybrids were direct seeded on 12 March in holes 2 ft apart that were punched in the black polyethylene mulch. The 20 ft long plots contained 10 plants each. Fourteen of the entries were replicated four times in a randomized, complete block design. The remaining thirteen entries were planted in duplicate plots. Weed control in row middles was by cultivation and application of paraquat. Pesticides were applied as needed for control of silverleaf whitefly (endosulfan, abamectin, and paraffinic oil), downy mildew (chlorothalonil and azoxystrobin), and lepidopteris larvae (Bacillus thuringiensis and methomyl). Plant stand counts recorded just before the vines grew together showed no significant differences among plots.
    Cantaloupes were harvested ten times beginning on 20 May and ending on 11 June. Marketable fruit were separated from culls that included fruit weighing less than 1.5 lb or that were cracked, rotted, or poorly shaped. Observations were made on fruit shape, sutures, and netting. Soluble solids were determined with a hand-held digital refractometer on several fruit from each entry on several harvest dates.

Results

Replicated Trial. Early yields, as represented by the first three of ten harvests ranged from 0 for ‘Desert Queen’ to 177 cwt/acre for ‘Desert Princess’. Eight other entries had early yields similar to those of ‘Desert Queen’. Average fruit weight of early harvested cantaloupes ranged from 3.2 pounds for ‘Zodiac’ to 7.2 pounds for ‘Vienna’. Three other entries had fruit weight similar to ‘Vienna’. Soluble solids, a measure of sweetness, varied from 7.8% for ‘Zodiac’ to 12.2% for SME 7124. Very good internal quality is used to describe cantaloupes containing not less than 11% soluble solids. Using this criterion, only ‘Allstar’, ‘Athena’, ‘Cordele’, SME 7122 and SME 7124 would qualify for the very good internal quality designation.
    Total yield in the replicated trial varied from 346 cwt/acre for SMX 7204 to 688 cwt/acre for SMX 7119. Eight other entries had yields similar to those of SMX 7119. Average fruit weight ranged from 3.7 pounds for ‘Desert Queen’ to 6.8 pounds for ‘Vienna’. Soluble solids ranged from 9.0 for ‘Zodiac’ and ‘Cruiser’ to 10.8 for ‘Eclipse’. Cull fruit ranged from 30 cwt/acre for ‘Cruiser’ to 139 cwt/acre for SMX 7110. Stem-end cracks, fruit rots, and undersize fruit were the principal defects leading to cull fruit.

Observational Trial. Early yields varied from 0 in ‘Dallas’, HMX 7607, RML 6977, and WC 10 to 296 cwt/acre in RML 6971. Average fruit weight of those entries that were harvested ranged from 3.3 pounds for RML 5462 to 7.0 pounds for WC 11. Soluble solids varied from 9.8% for HMX 7604 to 15.3% for ‘Carole’.
    Total yield ranged from 231 cwt/acre for ‘Dallas’ to 677 cwt/acre for HMX 5587. Nine other entries had yields similar to those of HMX 5587. Average fruit weight varied from 2.9 pounds for ‘Super 45’ to 6.9 pounds for RML 6969. The range of soluble solids was from 9.3% for WC 11 to 11.9% for ‘Carole’. WC 10, RML 6976, ‘Carole’, ‘Super 45’, and ‘Dallas’ could claim the very good internal quality designation. Cull fruit varied from 18 to 128 cwt/acre because of stem-end cracks, fruit rots, and undersized fruit.
    Those readers needing more details should request Research Report BRA 1999-09 from the author.

(Maynard, Vegetarian 12-99)

Tomato Variety Evaluation, Spring 1999

    Tomato varieties were evaluated in the spring 1999 season at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. The trials included 27 replicated entries and 66 observational entries.

Production Practices

    The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February by incorporation of 0-0.8-0 lb. N-P₂0₅-K₂0 per 100 linear bed feet (lbf). Beds were formed and fumigated with methylbromide: chloropicrin, 67:33 at 2.3 lb/100 lbf. Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 2.34-0-3.25 lb N-P₂0₅-K₂0/100 lbf after the beds were pressed and before the black polyethylene mulch was applied. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to 203-70-283 lb N-P₂0₅-K₂0/A. The final beds were 32 in. wide and 8 in. high, and were spaced on 5 ft centers with six beds between seepage irrigation/drainage ditches which were on 41 ft centers.
    Transplants were set in the field on 23 February and spaced 18 in. apart in single rows down the center of each bed. Transplants were immediately drenched with water containing imidacloprid for silverleaf whitefly control. Four replications of 10 plants per entry were arranged in a randomized complete block design in the replicated trial and single 10-plant plots were used in the observational trial. Plants were staked and tied without pruning.
    Plants were scouted for pests throughout the season. Silverleaf whitefly, lepidopterous larvae, and leafminers were the primary insects found. Bacillus thuringiensis abamectin, methomyl, fenpropathrin, endosulfan, esfenvalerate, and paraffinic oil were used according to label instructions to control insect pest populations during the season. A preventative spray program using azoxystrobin and chlorothalonil was followed for control of plant pathogens. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus affected plants were removed and disposed of early in the season.
    Fruit of the replicated entries were harvested at or beyond the mature-green stage on 20 May and 2 June. Tomatoes were graded as cull or marketable by U.S. Standards for Grades and marketable fruit were sized by machine. Both cull and marketable fruit were counted and weighed. Subjective ratings of plant and fruit characteristics were made on the observational entries.

Results

    Total marketable yield from two harvests ranged from 1778 25-pound cartons/acre for ACR 8608 to 2878 cartons/acre for EX 10069. Fifteen other entries had yields similar to those of EX 10069. All entries produced yields well above the state average of 1525 cartons/acre for spring 1997-98. Total yields in spring 1999 were similar to those obtained in each of the previous five spring seasons at this location.
    Yields of extra large fruit varied from 1176 cartons/acre for Fla. 7859 to 2303 cartons/acre for BHN 399. Twelve other entries had extra large fruit yields similar to those of BHN 399. Large fruit yields ranged from 257 cartons/acre for ASX 202 to 696 cartons/acre for Fla. 7862. Eight other entries had large fruit yields similar to those of Fla. 7862. Average fruit weight ranged from 5.3 ounces for Fla. 7859 to 7.0 ounces for BHN 399. Fifteen other entries had average fruit weight similar to BHN 399. Cull fruit by weight varied from 12% for EX 10089 and ‘Floralina’ to 31% for ACR 8608. The predominant defects were large blossom-end scars, rough shoulders, and persistent green shoulders.
    Those readers needing more details on this trial should request Research Report BRA-1999-08 from the author.

(Maynard, Vegetarian 99-12)

    The ninth annual Postharvest Horticulture Institute & Industry Tour is designed for produce industry professionals, educators, researchers and students involved in such diverse areas as field and packinghouse management, wholesale and retail sales and import/export.
    The Postharvest Institute will be held on Monday, 6 March, in the facilities of McCarty Hall on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. This year’s topic is "Innovations in Fresh Produce Transportation" and will feature leading experts presenting the latest practical information for maintaining postharvest quality of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruit, vegetables and ornamental crops destined for domestic and export markets. A reference notebook and industry reference materials will also be available.
    The Postharvest Institute will also be held at three UF/IFAS research and educations via live, video-conferencing. The locations are: Tropical Research & Education Center (Homestead), Southwest Florida Research & Education Center (Immokalee) and Indian River Research & Education Center (Ft. Pierce).
    The Postharvest Industry Tour. The tour will provide an opportunity to experience first-hand the latest technologies for the harvest, handling and shipping of subtropical and tropical fruits, warm and cool season vegetables and ornamental crops. Dr. Steven Sargent, Extension Postharvest Specialist, will conduct the tour, with visits planned to the following areas: Dover/Plant City (strawberry), southwest coast (vegetable, citrus harvest, packing & cooling; protected vegetable production) and Tampa (port facilities, a regional produce distribution warehouse and a major supermarket produce department).
    The tour will depart from Gainesville on Tuesday morning, 7 March, and return to Gainesville on Friday evening, 10 March. Tour enrollment will be limited to 30 participants.
    For more information, contact Ms. Abbie Fox, Institute Facilitator at 352-392-1928, ext. 235 or by e-mail at  ajfox@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu   Periodic updated information is available on the homepage of the Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida at: www.hos.ufl.edu .
     This program is co-sponsored by the Horticultural Sciences Department and the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida; and by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Orlando.

    Halosulfuron (Sempra) has received labeling for use on sweet corn, field corn, field corn grown for seed, grain sorghum (milo), popcorn, sugarcane, fallow ground, rice, turf grass sod, seed farms, and tree nuts (almonds, beechnuts, Brazil nuts, butternuts, cashews, chestnuts, chinquapins, filberts, hickory nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts (black and English).
    For sweet corn used alone, Sempra may be applied over-the-top or with drop nozzles from the spike through layby stage of corn.
    Applications of b ounces by weight (0.032 pounds active ingredient) per acre broadcast over-the-top of corn or with drop nozzles may be made. If necessary a sequential treatment at b oz product may be applied only with drop nozzles semi-directed or directed to avoid application into the corn whorl. No more than 2 applications of Sempra may be made per year in sweet corn.
    Avoid cultivation for at least 7 days following applications. Sempra is extremely active in the control of yellow and purple nutsedges postemergence. Sempra will also control common cocklebur, pigweeds, ragweeds, smartweeds and other broadleaf weeds when applied preemergence to the weeds or when weeds are 1-9 inches tall. Consult the label for plant back restrictions and other guidelines.

    Pebulate (Tillam 6-E) has received supplemental labeling for use in transplanted tomatoes grown under polyethylene film mulch and in combination with Telone C-17 or C-35.
    Initial Tillam labeling prohibited hand transplanting tomatoes into treated soil. Among other provisions of this label is that plants may be set by hand if chemical resistant, Category A (waterproof) gloves are worn. Tillam may be applied as a broadcast application prior to bed formation or as a band application to pre-beds at 2 b to 4 quarts per acre.
    Do not apply Tillam 6-E in a band immediately in front of bedding discs or other bed forming equipment. Tillam 6-E must be mixed (incorporated) into the soil immediately after application. Inject Telone C-17 or C-35 into the bed immediately after Tillam 6-E application. Apply polyethylene mulch over the finished bed immediately after Tillam and Telone application.
    The supplemental label must be in the possession of the user at the time of pesticide application.

    Fourteen cabbage lines and varieties were evaluated for yield and other characteristics when grown in central Florida during winter production. Seeds were started in the greenhouse on October 6, 1998. Seedlings were transplanted to a Myakka fine sand soil on November 9, 1998. A randomized block design with four replications was used with single-row plots 25 feet long by 2.5 feet wide. In-row spacing was 9.5 inches giving 31 plants per replication. Growing conditions were excellent. Rainfall was below normal, 5.6 vs 12.6 inches, for November through February. Overhead irrigation was used when needed to maintain crop growth. Harvesting began on February 5 with the last harvest March 1, 1999. Each entry was harvested one time when it was judged to be market mature.
    Yield data and other characteristics rated in this trial are in Table 1. Green Cup is considered the standard cultivar in this trial and should be used to make comparison for desirable traits. Eight entries yielded as high as Green Cup. Only three were significantly lower in yield. Tropicana was the overall best looking and yielding entry, with Green Cup a close second.
    There were two red cabbage entries and both were excellent in yield, shape, color, and size. Super Red 80 was judged slightly more uniform in plant type and head shape than a new line, T-690 from American Takii. Overall, T-690 was more uniform and higher yielding than most red cabbage evaluated over the past 25 years.

Table 1. Replicated cabbage trial, Sanford, FL, 1998-99.

    Jim Stephens, State Specialist, Vegetables, was in Biloxi, MS, on a NJHA boat tour to Kings Island, when he heard about the program from Robert Wearne, Federal Extension Service, in a conversation on the boat in Oct, 1975. Upon return to Gainesville, Jim wrote a letter to Wearne asking for info on the Master Gardener program, so he could tell agents about it at agent training, Jan 21-22, 1976. (Has letter of Nov. 19, 1975.)
    In July, 1977, Stephens went with Bob Black and Julian Sauls to Washington State to review the Master Gardener program, and to Oregon.

1973
Dr. Bernie Wesenberg, WSU Hort Specialist, held his first classes for Puget Sound area.

1974
Susan Gray begins Sep. 16 in Vegetable Crops Dept with Jim Stephens (4H and gardening).  
Dr. App was Manatee Co Ext Dir – we held a FSGSA training meeting in Palmetto with him.

1975
Stephens hears about the MG program from Dr. Wearne, Federal Hort leader, in Biloxi while on NJHA tour boat in early November.
Dr. App becomes District Ext Director

1976
Stephens informs agents about program during Co Agent Training session in Tallahassee in January.
Dr. App now becomes Assistant Dean, is interested in the MG program for Florida.
Stephens and other IFAS specialists still conducting Seed and Garden Supply training.

1977
Dr. App sends Hort Specialists Jim Stephens, Bob Black, and Julian Sauls in July to Seattle, Washington and Eugene, Oregon to investigate the MG program.

1978
FSGSA meetings in Tallahassee and Palmetto. A home Hort Agents School was held in Gainesville.
Dr. Joe Vandermark, retired Illinois Extension specialist with MG experience, was hired to help us start our Fla MG program, and we had a 3-day planning meeting December 18-20.

1979
Florida MG Pilot Project began. Susan Gray, VC Extension Assistant, became first coordinator, with Vandermark consultant, and Home Hort Committee conducting.
Three counties selected in Pilot Project: Brevard, Dade, and Manatee.
Training by State Specialists: Sept. 4, 1979 (Stephens had week 3, Sept. 18) 3 classes: Brevard (22); Dade (15): Manatee (21) State total: 3 counties (58)

1980
3 new 1^st classes: Hillsborough (24); Polk (10); Volusia (17). More classes in Dade and Manatee. State total: 6 counties.

1981
3 new classes: Lake (17); Orange (15); Osceola (19). State total: 9 More classes in: Brevard, Dade, and Hillsborough - total 6 counties training.
Held 1^st Annual Advanced training in Gainesville.

1982
7 new 1^st classes: Alachua, Broward, Leon, Marion, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas.
Ann McDonald, grad student in Vegetable Crops, (2-82) became Florida state MG coordinator Lake Yale meeting where slide sets were presented by specialists to agents.
11 counties trained in 1982. (State total: 16 counties)

1983
10 new 1^st classes: Baker, Charlotte, Clay, Duval, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Putnam, St. Johns, and St. Lucie. (State total: 26 counties)

1984
7 new 1^st classes: Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Hernando, Highlands, Seminole. (State total: 33 counties.)
Kathleen Delate joined Vegetable Crops Dept as graduate student and state MG coordinator with Jim Stephens.
4^th Annual State MG Advanced Training, Aug 29-30, Reitz Union, Awards ceremony in Livestock Pavilion (the infamous "Fly-on-chicken" BBQ). Attended by 167 MGs from 22 counties.

1985
Monroe, Hendry, and Okeechobee (state total: 36 counties)

1986
Bradford (state total: 37 counties)
Kathleen Delate left IFAS with MS for Berkley.
MG program moved to Environmental Horticulture Department

1987
No new counties in 1987
Jim Stephens acted as state coordinator until Kathleen Ruppert came on.

1988
Bob Black and Kathleen Ruppert coordinated the program.

1988-1999
After 20 years there are about 45 counties with the program. Kathleen served until Joan Bradshaw, who left in 1999, then Sonja Skelly, and beginning December, 1999 Tom Wichman from Orange County Extension.

(Stephens, Vegetarian 99-11)

Extension Vegetable Crops Specialists

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