UF IFAS MREC

The @UF_IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center provides solutions through research, teaching and Extension.

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Professor Jianjun Chen and MREC emeritus professor Richard Henny patented two new pothos cultivars.

⚠️ Reminder: Pothos are a category II species in Florida – keep it potted indoors to protect native ecosystems.

Learn more 🔗 https://t.co/Y0HZHwvlkA

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

It's Hurricane Preparedness Week! Our friends at @ColoradoStateU predict above-average activity this year.

Visit https://t.co/v4crOUwoj4 for resources to help prepare you, your loved ones (including your animals), and your property.

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

Most Florida homeowners do not understand the two critical functions of stormwater ponds, even though they rely on them every day.

Why that knowledge gap matters for flooding, water quality, and neighborhood maintenance 🔗 https://t.co/8MRURX88Kc

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Congratulations to Dr. Hayk Khachatryan, professor @UF_IFAS_FRED, on graduating from LEAD21!

LEAD21 is a program designed to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners to connect research, academics, and Extension.

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Missed the 11th Annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference last week? Industry leaders shared insights on ag policy & the future of Florida agriculture.

Read more from the @ApopkaChiefNews 🔗 https://t.co/7b2cirZ09g

[FLORIDA @UF]

The University of Florida is recognized again on the #ForbesNewIvies list of public institutions — highlighting UF’s leadership in preparing students for an AI-driven workforce. ➡️ https://t.co/TFAXxDj53x

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

A three-year USDA-funded study finds papaya banker plants help sustain beneficial beetles that attack whiteflies, offering growers a powerful tool beyond traditional insecticides.

Read more here🔗 https://t.co/6EpbGpv8fV

#UFIFASResearch

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Happy #AgWeek! Celebrating the growers behind it all, from the plants in our landscapes to the food that nourishes our communities.

[FL Master Gardener Volunteer Program @FloridaMGs]

It’s National #AgWeek, time to celebrate Florida agriculture! We're especially grateful for our farmers producing ornamental and edible plants. Learn more about Florida's agriculture and food system at the @UF_IFAS Fast Facts website: https://t.co/SlfuVm25qC @AgIsAmerica

[FL Master Gardener Volunteer Program @FloridaMGs]

Spring is in the air! March is a great month for planting flowers. There are dozens to choose from, no matter which region you live in. For text and printable versions of this infographic, visit @UF_IFAS Gardening Solutions: https://t.co/SdBOpzxoXC

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

📬 Hot off the press – MREC’s year-end newsletter is here!

Read all about it 👇https://t.co/FuLRDisQnb

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

#StandUpAndHoller for plants and the science behind them! 🌱

Your gift to the MREC fund helps drive research and education that support Florida’s green industry and strengthen communities across the state.

Support MREC today 👉 https://t.co/yKbpQqEkin

#AllForTheGators

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Curious about how to stay ahead of spider mites? 🕷️

Find out in a new episode of the Blooms and Beyond podcast featuring our entomologist Dr. Lance Osborne.

Listen here 🎧 https://t.co/DAjv2HO4kT

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

We need your input! @UF_IFAS_FRED researchers are studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from freeze events between late December 2025 and early February 2026.

Use the link below to share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation. #FloridaAgriculture

📋 https://t.co/aue5rPn2vZ

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Happy Holidays from everyone at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center! 🌲Wishing you a plant-iful holiday season and a new year filled with health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Our center will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2 as we celebrate the season.

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Did someone say top 💯? Three MREC faculty publications made the 2025 Top AskIFAS publications list:

💜 Butterfly Pea Flower Extract as a Natural Colorant 🔗 https://t.co/T2TvUrxEu8

🌱 Begonia Guide 🔗 https://t.co/gvnk7uagJP

🔬 Anthurium Diseases 🔗 https://t.co/BeeEmXC7Vv

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

Big news from the Gator Nation! 🐊 We are excited to announce that we have achieved top national rankings. We’re proud to lead the future of agriculture, natural resources, and innovation.

[UF/IFAS @UF_IFAS]

Meet new @ufhorticulture faculty Dr. Uttara Samarakoon, the newest horticultural scientist at @UFMREC, advancing sustainable controlled-environment agriculture in Florida.

She’s driving impact through:
➡️ Research on sustainable crop + nutrient management
➡️ Training programs for protected culture growers
➡️ Nearly $430K in USDA-funded research

Learn more 🔗 https://t.co/Tw7uVZY3WF

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Grad student Rachel Stone, under Dr. Jianjun Chen, received a travel grant to attend the 15th Annual Plant Science Symposium at @uwmadison. She presented her #vanilla research on improving tissue culture techniques and breeding fungus-resistant cultivars.

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center 🦃

May your #Thanksgiving be filled with plants and plenty of Florida-grown goodies! 🍠🌽

[UF IFAS MREC @UFMREC]

With support from the @FNGLA Endowed Research Fund, Dr. Jianjun Chen will explore nitrogen-fixing bacteria that could enhance #PlantProduction. This research could help growers reduce fertilizer use, cut costs, and lessen environmental impact.