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Union County Scientific Newsletter Summary
The latest newsletter from the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) is packed with important updates and research findings that are particularly relevant to residents of Union County. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the world of agriculture and education that might affect our community.
International Collaboration in Citrus Research
One of the standout stories in this newsletter is about a recent exchange program between agricultural graduate students from the University of Florida (UF) and their counterparts from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. This collaboration aims to share knowledge about citrus research and production practices. Dr. Ute Albrecht, a plant physiologist at SWFREC, traveled to Spain with some of her students to participate in this program. Such exchanges provide valuable insights that could enhance citrus farming techniques, which are vital for Florida’s economy.
Citrus Industry Conference Highlights
Additionally, two faculty members from SWFREC presented at the Citrus Industry Annual Conference held in Bonita Springs. This event focused on Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening, a disease that has significantly impacted citrus crops. Dr. Albrecht discussed how oxytetracycline (OTC) injections can help improve citrus yield and quality. Dr. Tara Wade also spoke about the adoption of these treatments and their outcomes. Their presentations highlight ongoing research efforts to combat this disease, which could benefit local citrus growers in Union County.
Research Recognition
The newsletter also notes that Dr. Albrecht’s work was featured in the May 2025 issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine. Her research on trunk injections has shown promising results in improving citrus tree performance. This recognition could inspire local farmers to consider similar treatments to enhance their own crops.
Upcoming Events
For those interested in learning more, the newsletter mentions several upcoming events. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will take place on August 20-21, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This is a great opportunity for local growers to gather information, network, and learn about the latest research and practices in the industry. Additionally, the 2025 UF/IFAS Florida Tomato Conference is scheduled for September 4, 2025, in Clewiston, which could also be beneficial for those involved in vegetable farming.
Community Involvement
Residents of Union County can benefit from the research and findings shared in this newsletter, especially those involved in agriculture. The knowledge gained from these studies and events can help local farmers improve their practices, potentially leading to better crop yields and a stronger agricultural community overall.
In conclusion, the SWFREC newsletter is a vital resource for those interested in agricultural advancements and community education. For a more in-depth look at these stories and additional information, you can view the full newsletter here.
References
Untitled. (n.d.). swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu. https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/docs/pdf/swfrec-update/25-06-18-SWFREC-eNews.pdf