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ing science-based solutions to solve real commu- nity challenges. Research conducted by TREC also extends internationally to other tropical regions. Faculty contribute to the teaching mission through graduate student mentoring and formal instruc- tion of a graduate course in tropical fruit produc- tion taught at TREC, an orchid short course taught in Gainesville, and distance education courses in orchidology and academic communication
Presently, the core programs are divided into four main categories:
1. Tropical and subtropical fruit crops
2. Traditional and tropical vegetable crops 3. Ornamental, landscape and energy crops 4. Natural resource management
TREC has a long, rich tradition of contributing to Florida’s economy through its impressive body of work on research in tropical and subtropical ag- riculture. Below are some recent contributions. Our alternative crop breeding and management research programs provide producers better op- portunities to diversify their operations to remain profitable and productive. Our plant breeders and geneticists actively work on improving the produc- tivity for new and existing crops, including water- melon, Calabaza, Asian vegetables, strawberry, papaya, passionfruit, and vanilla. We are investi- gating citrus greening tolerant root-stocks for lime production in the hope of resuscitating this once vibrant industry in Florida and exploring research on industrial hemp as a renewable source for raw materials and nutraceuticals.
1.5 Key Challenges
Global trends and the rapidly changing circum- stances of agriculture and natural resources in south Florida present new challenges and opportu- nities for research. TREC is committed to develop- ing and disseminating science-based information about subtropical and tropical horticulture, agro- nomic, and natural resource sciences through ba- sic and applied research, extension, and teaching.
However, there are challenges to finding solutions to the many problems and issues that limit the performance and sustainability of the region’s ag- riculture, including increasing urbanization, com- petition from imports, limited land availability, high
labor costs, biotic and abiotic stresses, and prox- imity to sensitive natural areas. In addition, the es- calating introduction of exotic pests and diseases regularly threatens multiple agricultural produc- tion systems in the region.
At the same time, south Florida’s natural resourc- es continue to feel the pressure from development and environmental change. As people continue to migrate to south Florida, natural resources are threatened by excess fertilizer use, stream chan- nelization, and urbanization. Such changes cou- pled with increases in temperature and sea level will directly affect the benefits humans receive from natural resources with implications for in- come and human health. There is a growing need to understand how we can manage natural re- sources in a changing climate to sustain expected social and economic benefits.
Infrastructure Needs
TREC has made considerable strides in improve- ments and renovations to our facilities through funds provided by UF/IFAS leadership. Along with TREC’s expansion, there is an urgent need for the following:
• Additional laboratory space and office building.
• New greenhouses and shade houses.
• New student housing.
• New conference center, renovation of adminis-
trative building.
• Remodel laboratory/office facilities to upgrade
worn buildings.
• Miscellaneous buildings (fertilizer, chemical,
cold rooms, incubators, growth chambers).
• Classroom technology update.
Personnel Needs
TREC has benefited tremendously with the influx of eight new faculty and could benefit more with addi- tional faculty in vegetable/ornamental horticulture (extension/research), ornamental crops genetics and breeding (extension/research), and mechan- ical engineering. The expansion of faculty has led to taxing the limits of what the current office/fis- cal and support staff can accomplish. There is now an insufficient number of technicians, office, and field-shop staff to support the workload at TREC. In addition, the cost of living in south Florida is about 15% higher than in other areas of Florida, making it difficult to recruit staff at current salary levels.
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