The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS IRREC) will hold an open house Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Numerous activities are planned for the facility at 2199 S. Rock Road in Fort Pierce.
UF/IFAS IRREC and its next-door neighbor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL), will display new citrus and avocado varieties at the open house. The varieties display was originally scheduled as part of a since-canceled Dec. 6 open house and field day at the A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm.
“Dr. Flavia Zambon from the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center, along with Dr. Matthew Mattia and Dr. Anne Plotto from the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, will display new citrus and avocado varieties,” said Scott Adkins, USHRL lab director. “Citrus selections from Dr. Mattia focus on HLB resilience and fruit quality, and highlight rootstocks developed by Dr. Kim Bowman, also from the USDA. Avocado selections from Dr. Plotto emphasize environmental adaptation while considering flavor and consumer appeal. These cutting-edge varieties underscore the USDA-ARS commitment to supporting the agricultural industry by addressing key challenges such as disease resistance, consumer preferences and cold tolerance.”
The USDA-developed varieties are part of collaborative testing at the UF/IFAS IRREC. The testing includes the Millennium Block field trial, led by Zambon.
Other open house activities include:
- A walking tour of UF/IFAS IRREC laboratories with hands-on demonstrations
- Interactive workshops on do-it-yourself sensors, bio-control of invasive pests, and handling fruits and vegetables at home
- A field trolley will take attendees to the UF/IFAS IRREC aquaculture facility.
- Seminars will address water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and in Florida citrus production.
- There will be a scavenger hunt with chances to win prizes, along with free orange juice and other giveaways.
Sources: New Varieties Development & Management Corp. and UF/IFAS
Share this Post
Sponsored Content