Robert (Bob) Hochmuth

Multi County Extension Agent - Vegetables

Current Projects

Alternative Vegetable Crops

Farmers in the Suwannee Valley area of north Florida have been diversifying enterprises continuously for the past 10 to 15 years. Traditional dependable enterprises such as tobacco, grain crops, swine, and others have all declined in north Florida. A stable and dependable income from a crop like tobacco is difficult to replace. Alternative crops have been successfully adopted by many growers while others have been unsuccessful.  More...

Hydroponic Greenhouse

Florida is the leading state for field production of vegetables, including sweet corn, cucumbers, and snap beans, and second for tomato, pepper, watermelon, and strawberry. The Sunshine State also is a leading producer of greenhouse-grown vegetables, including herbs and specialty crops. While some might be surprised to find Florida among the top greenhouse states, there are several reasons for the success of the the greenhouse industry.  More...

Methyl Bromide Alternatives

Plasticulture is important to the success of the vegetable industry in Florida. Soil fumigation using methyl bromide and chloropicrin has been a standard component for the plasticulture system. The EPA has legislated the phase-out of methyl bromide by 2005 and this has resulted in increased costs and reduced supplies. Effective alternatives to methyl bromide are needed to maintain profitability in vegetable production using plasticulture.  More...

Variety Evaluations

Florida ranks second among the states in fresh market vegetable production on the basis of area under cultivation (10%), production (9%) and value (13%) of the crops grown. In 2000-2001, vegetables harvested from 281,000 acres had a farm value exceeding 1.7 billion dollars. More than 40 different crops are grown commercially and 12 of these have a farm value exceeding 10 million dollars. Commercial vegetable production occurs in almost every county in the state, but is most concentrated in the peninsula, particularly the southern half.  More...

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