University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center

08/31/2026

Recently, Hernan Soto, Agricultural Assistant, applied different fertilizer treatments at varying levels to orange and Ruby Red grapefruit trees as part of an ongoing project at IRREC. This work will help researchers evaluate how different nutrient management strategies affect tree health, growth, fruit production, and overall performance, supporting science-based recommendations for Florida citrus growers.

08/25/2026

We are excited to welcome Victoria Ayala as a new graduate assistant at IRREC!

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Development Engineering from Zamorano in 2022. Most recently, she successfully defended a master's thesis in Entomology at Louisiana State University under the guidance of Dr. Rodrigo Diaz.

Bringing extensive experience in remote sensing and biotechnology, Victoria will join the Minteer Biological Control of Weeds Lab this fall to conduct research focused on the remote sensing of invasive aquatic plants and biological control. Her expertise and passion for innovative environmental research will help advance efforts to better understand and manage invasive species.

Please join us in welcoming Victoria to the IRREC community. We look forward to the contributions and discoveries ahead!

08/25/2026

A treatment for citrus greening using a natural spinach peptide. This research is in collaboration with TAMU, UF/IFAS CREC, and Southern Gardens Citrus in Clewiston.

08/24/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new graduate assistant, Re*****on Patykwich, to IRREC!

A Vero Beach native and recent University of Florida graduate with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Re*****on has begun a master's program in Entomology, where research will focus on the pasture mealybug. Her passion for insects, natural resources, and scientific discovery makes her a great addition to the IRREC community.

We're excited to have Re*****on on board and look forward to seeing the contributions she will make through research and outreach!

08/17/2026

The August 2026 edition of the UF/IFAS Citrus Magazine has been released.

The August 2026 issue of UF/IFAS Citrus Magazine provides fall citrus management recommendations and highlights new research on HLB-tolerant varieties, OTC trunk injections, plant defense inducers, sh

08/12/2026

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Zhenli He on 25 years of dedicated service to IRREC!

Over the past quarter century, Dr. He has made lasting contributions to environmental and agricultural science through innovative research, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing science-based solutions. His work has helped support sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources, and inspire students and colleagues alike.

08/10/2026

Our Postharvest Physiology Lab recently traveled to Dallas, Texas, to attend the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Conference, connecting with researchers and industry professionals from across the country.

The conference provided an opportunity to share research, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest advancements in horticultural science, postharvest technology, and crop quality. We're proud of our team for showcasing their work and contributing to conversations that help drive innovation in agriculture and horticulture.

08/05/2026

This summer, Cassidy Dalton gained valuable hands-on research experience at the Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory, working under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Quinn.

Through the internship, Cassidy contributed to research focused on biological control and invasive species management while developing practical skills and gaining firsthand insight into the scientific process. Experiences like these help prepare the next generation of researchers, scientists, and natural resource professionals.

Read our latest blog to learn more about Cassidy's internship journey and the impact of experiential learning at UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center.

Cassidy Dalton, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida studying environmental management, natural resources and agriculture, has spent her summer as an intern at the Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory, which is located at the University of Florida's Institu...

07/30/2026

Surplus Vehicle Auction Now Open!

Looking for a vehicle? Several UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center vehicles are currently available through the University of Florida's public auction.

Browse available vehicles and place your bids here:
🔗 https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/ufl,fl/list/current?orgid=1239

New to Public Surplus? Register as a buyer before participating:
📝 https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/register/user

Don't miss this opportunity to purchase surplus University of Florida vehicles through the online auction process. Visit the auction site for vehicle details, photos, and bidding information.

07/28/2026

Research out of IRREC by former Associate Professor, Lorenzo Rossi, and his lab.

🔥 Hot off the press! I am excited to share our new open-access publication: “Physiological Responses of Scion and Rootstock in Grafted Grapefruit Trees under Salinity Stress” This research was completed by Dr. Neus Alcón Bou, former Ph.D. student in my lab at the UF IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, based at the University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center. The paper is presented as a collaborative effort with the Texas A&M University Department of Horticultural Sciences, bringing together colleagues with expertise in citrus physiology, irrigation, and salinity management. Our findings show that salinity tolerance depends on selecting the right scion-rootstock combination, not simply the rootstock alone.

Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gMCni6Rq