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St. Lucie County’s Scientific Community Update: Key Highlights for Residents
The latest edition of the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) newsletter brings exciting updates that will interest residents of St. Lucie County, especially those involved in agriculture and education. Here’s a summary of the most relevant news.
International Collaboration in Citrus Research
A fascinating exchange program has taken place between agricultural graduate students from the University of Florida and their counterparts from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. This collaboration allows students to share insights on research projects and best practices in commodity production. Dr. Ute Albrecht, a plant physiologist at SWFREC, led a group of students to Spain in May, where they learned about advanced citrus research. This kind of international cooperation not only enhances research quality but also brings new ideas and methods back to our local farming community.
Tackling Citrus Greening
Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), continues to be a significant challenge for citrus growers in Florida. At the recent Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Dr. Albrecht presented findings on maximizing the benefits of oxytetracycline (OTC) trunk injections—a treatment aimed at improving the health and yield of affected citrus trees. Alongside her, Dr. Tara Wade discussed the adoption and outcomes of OTC treatments, providing crucial information to local growers on how to combat this persistent disease.
The insights shared at this conference are particularly relevant to St. Lucie County, which has a strong citrus farming presence. Learning about effective treatment strategies can help local farmers protect their crops and sustain their livelihoods.
SWFREC in the Spotlight
The newsletter also highlights a feature in Specialty Crop Grower magazine, where Dr. Albrecht’s work was spotlighted. She discussed two research trials that show how trunk-injection therapy can significantly improve citrus yield and quality. This type of research is vital for our local agricultural sector, as it provides practical solutions that can be implemented right here in St. Lucie County.
Additionally, the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute conference introduced hands-on educational stations, where experts demonstrated various agricultural practices. This interactive approach helps growers gain firsthand knowledge and skills that can directly benefit their farms.
Upcoming Events
Residents should mark their calendars for some exciting upcoming events:
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Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo: Scheduled for August 20-21, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This expo will feature seminars and exhibits focused on the latest trends in agriculture.
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2025 UF/IFAS Florida Tomato Conference: Taking place on September 4, 2025, at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston, this conference will provide valuable insights for local tomato growers.
As St. Lucie County continues to grow and develop, staying informed about agricultural advancements and research is essential for both residents and local farmers. These initiatives not only promote sustainable practices but also ensure the economic vitality of our community.
For more detailed information and updates, feel free to check out 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