IRREC Current Research Overview
The UF Indian River Research and Education Center, or IRREC in Fort Pierce, is one of the 14 IFAS research and education centers. Research began on the site in 1947 with only one scientist and a small laboratory.
aerial view of the IRREC facility | UF/IFAS-IRREC Photo
Today, the IRREC is known internationally for cutting-edge research and a high quality educational program which offers graduate students a location to carry out the research portion of their master's and doctoral programs.
The center's faculty members provide 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 and vegetable crops, and study to control invasive plants.
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; 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; biological control of invasive plants and aquaculture.
Research Facilities
Research facilities at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center comprise student laboratories, a research wing, and accompanying research laboratories.
In addition to O.C. Minton Hall are:
- the Norman C. Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Center (at 16,912 square feet - nearly 11,000 greenhouse space)
- a nearly 11,000 square-foot Aquaculture Demonstration Site - including a 3,500 square foot Hatchery Facility and two growout ponds
- a 3,208 square-foot Post Harvest Facility