IFAS Connection
The University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Science) has provided the Florida bamboo industry with a team of researchers led by Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni to support our needs.
The team has been developed and consists of
Associate Professor, Citrus REC
Davie Kadyampakeni is an Associate Professor at CREC UF/IFAS whose research focuses on nutrient management and water quality of citrus, vegetables, blueberry, macadamia and bamboo.
Professor, Range Cattle REC
Dr. Joao Vendramini received his BS and MS degree in agronomy from the University of Sao Paulo and PhD in forage management at the University of Florida in 2005.
Assistant Professor, West Florida REC
Hardeep Singh is an Assistant Professor, Cropping System Specialist at West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida.
Associate Professor, Everglades REC
Dr. Hardev Sandhu is an Associate Professor in the Agronomy Department of the University of Florida, stationed at the Everglades REC, Belle Glade, Florida.
SUSTAINABLE AG AND FOOD SYSTEMS EXTENSION AGENT AND INTERIM COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR, MANATEE COUNTY
Lisa Hickey is a Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Extension Agent and Interim County Extension Director for the University of Florida, Manatee County Extension Services.
PROFESSOR, HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
Dr. Steven A. Sargent received his B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture, and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering Technology from Michigan State University.
Current Projects
One of the tasks of the team is to raise funding, initially through Seedit. This program is outlined on this attached doc: SEEDIT Geographical Distribution Flyer
We’re excited that the team has been awarded Seedit funding of $75,000 for our bamboo-related projects. Further fundraising will be done with applications for grants.
Bamboo Projects
What production can be expected?
Project Description
Goal: Determine bamboo production potential for Florida conditions.
Project steps
- Tag plants of interest.
- Measure culm/shoot growth over time and document growth per month, year etc.
- Developing graphical analyses and summaries and develop a predictive model for growth.
- Present results at FBGA Annual Meeting and other conferences.
- Conduct field day at the end of year 1 of project.
- Repeat cycle in years 2, 3, and continuing years for multi-year data analyses.
Progress
Mapping of potential sites to use in Sweetwater 100 and Sebring farm. (May)
- Soil samples being taken (May)
- Determination of blocks to use (May)
Develop Nutrition Program
Project Description
Goal: Determine optimal fertilization rates for Florida bamboo.
Applying variable nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium rates weekly/monthly/quarterly/half-yearly depending on fertilizer type and source.
Project steps
- Quarterly leaf and soil sampling at selected farms in Frostproof, Wauchula and Zolfo Springs.
- Developing graphical analyses and summaries.
- Present results at FBGA Annual Meeting and other conferences.
- Conduct field day at the end of year 1 of project.
- Repeat cycle in years 2, 3, and continuing years for multi-year data analyses.
Progress
Mapping of potential sites to use in Sweetwater 100 and Sebring farm. (May)
- Soil samples being taken (May)
- Determination of blocks to use (May)
How to use Soil Moisture sensors to conserve water and cost?
Project Description
Goal: Determine optimal irrigation rates for Florida bamboo.
Project steps
- Identify blocks for evaluating irrigation in Lake Alfred, Frostproof and Sebring.
- Install varying irrigation emitters.
- Install soil moisture sensors at varying depths e.g. 6-, 12, and 18-inches and record data.
- Track daily irrigation and weather data at selected farms.
- Identify optimal irrigation set points for bamboo in winter, summer and spring months.
- Developing graphical analyses and summaries and develop a predictive model for growth.
- Present results at FBGA Annual Meeting and other conferences.
- Conduct field day once a year to show how to use soil moisture data for irrigation management.
- Repeat cycle in years 2, 3, and continuing years for multi-year data analyses.
What are considerations in defining best setting and plants/acre?
Project Description
Goal: Determine the optimal planting density for Florida bamboo production.
Tag plants for varying plant spacing and row spacing patterns at selected farms in Lake Alfred, Frostproof and Zolfo Springs.
Project steps
- Characterize soil chemical and physical characteristics for all farms.
- Track monthly growth and shoot production in year 1 and subsequent years.
- Track fertilizer and water inputs for all farms.
- Work with economists to determine optimal fertilization for high profit.
- Develop database, graphical displays and information within 3 years of study.
- Present results at FBGA Annual Meeting and other conferences.
Bamboo Shoots Shelf Life
Project Description
Info coming
Project Steps
Info coming
Progress
Met with Wes Grainger on 5/5/23 to discuss current post harvest procedures and potential to advise during harvest season.
FGT – Florida Bamboo Inventory System
Project Description
Develop model of Asper growth to enable predictable crops.
Project Steps
- Document bamboo biomass – this involves selection of 4 farms for flagging, measurements and monitoring. Fieldwork is scheduled for June.
- Determine most efficient plot size and sample size.
- Provide framework for modelling Asper bamboo growth.
Progress
- Farms for sampling identified (May)
- Fieldwork plans are established for June 8-11 (May)
- Agreement reached to have IFAS assist in fieldwork (May)
Bamboo Production Quantification Methods and Overview: Annual Meeting – Rockwood Handout1
Quantifying and Forecasting Asper Bamboo Production in Florida: Annual Meeting – Rockwood Handout2
Culm Inventory Summary: Annual Meeting – Rockwood Summary
