Indian River Research and Education Center

IRREC Overview

The Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) in Fort Pierce is one of 14 UF/IFAS research and education centers. Research began on the site in 1947 with only one scientist and a small laboratory. Today, IRREC is known internationally for cutting-edge research, extension programs, and as a research source for graduate students.

In addition to serving graduate students, the Center provides regional leadership to agriculturalists, with research and extension programs. Those programs include biological, chemical and cultural pest management, utilizing entomology, virology, and plant pathology of citrus, ornamental and vegetable crops, and study to control invasive plants.

Strategic Positioning

IRREC Director Dr. Mark Kistler leads the IRREC Strategic Positioning program that commenced in late 2024. The effort includes national and state leaders, the IRREC Advisory Committee, faculty and staff, graduate students and local agricultural and natural resources industries members.

Please visit the Strategic Positioning Page by this link and make a difference by completing the survey.

IRREC Research

Specific research areas include: water and nutrient management for citrus and flatwoods soils; epidemiology and control of leaf and fruit diseases of citrus; evaluation of citrus and vegetable cultivars in Florida; utilization of soil amendments; micro-irrigation of horticultural crops in humid regions; leadership in citrus, vegetable and water management state extension programs on the east coast of Florida; economic production of agricultural products; post-harvest handling and packing of agricultural products; and biological control of invasive plants and aquaculture.

IRREC Facilities

Facilities at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center comprise of:

the 34,593 square-foot O.C. Minton Hall, with classrooms, student laboratories, a research wing, and accompanying research laboratories.
- the Norman C. Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Center, at 16,912 square feet
- 3,815 square feet of student dormitories
  nearly 11,000 greenhouse space
the nearly 11,000 square-foot Aquaculture Demonstration Site, including a 3,500 square foot Hatchery Facility and two growout ponds
the 3,208 square-foot Post Harvest Facility

Indian River Research and Education Center

Indian River Research and Education Center

IRREC Overview

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IRREC Research

IRREC Facilities

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