Nov 8, 2019

Research demos, including drones, on tap at SW Florida open house

WHO: Southwest Florida farmers and the public will see and hear about the latest scientific discoveries and ongoing research at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center.

WHAT: Come to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center and learn about the latest research at the facility, including how scientists are helping farmers grow more citrus and vegetables, while helping to conserve natural resources.

You can take trolley tours of the center’s vegetable fields and citrus groves, during which you’ll learn best production practices for these commodities.

Scientists at the center are studying ways to save water, improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce the impact of pesticides and nutrients on the environment. Researchers are also looking into ways to combat greening, among other citrus diseases. Those include different citrus rootstocks to improve its resistance or tolerance to pests and diseases.

Participants also will see a demonstration of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which can be used to gather data to help farmers grow more crops.

In addition, graduate students and center staff will demonstrate their research and show you what they’re doing though hands-on activities.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 14, 2019.

WHERE: Southwest Florida Research and Education Center,  2685 State Road 29, Immokalee, Florida.

For more information, contact Kelly Morgan.

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life.

With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.