UF/IFAS Tropical Research & Education Center
Fall 2025
You can keep up with the UF/IFAS TREC using the below resources.
Inside TREC is a quarterly newsletter distributed by the Communications & Marketing Development Unit of the UF/ IFAS TREC via e-mail and can be found on the UF/IFAS TREC website
You may forward any questions or comments about this periodical to Monique Scoggin, mis6664@ufl.edu.
Bai, X., Smidt, S. J.,Her,Y.G., Li,Y., Kim, D., Manirakiza, N., Duriancik, L., & Bhadha, J. H. (2025). Sensitivity of redox conditions to irrigation practice and organic matter decomposition in a rotational floodedrice (Oryzasativa) cropping system. Journal of Environmental Quality,54 (6), 1804–1816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70087
Berihun, M. L.,Awoke,G.W., Teshome, F. T., Hailegnaw, N. S., Assefa, T. T., Waqas, M. S., & Bayabil,H.K.(2026). Modeling soil moisture and evapotranspiration dynamics from variably irrigated vegetable fields. Modeling EarthSystems andEnvironment, 12, 21. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.1007/s40808-025-02659-7
Berto, M., M., Haihassani, A., &Carrillo,D.(2025). Rearing phoretic mites associated with woodboring insects. Journal ofVisual Experience, 223, e69039. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3791/69039
Canon,M.A., Ataide,L.M.S., Villamarin,P., DeGiosa,M., Osborne, L. S., Tabanca, N.,Lahiri, S., Revynthi,A.M. (2025). Sustainable management strategies for Acarine pests of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. Sativa L.). Agronomy, 15(12). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ agronomy15122785
Haley, N. M., Blare, T. D., Posadas, B. C.,Ballen,F.H., Hammami,A.M., & Stafne, E.T. (2025). USAconsumer demand for passionfruit: results from a choice experiment. International Journal of Fruit Science, 25, 1(1-14). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2025.2579967
Hammami,A.M.& Elliot,C.D.(2025). “Sourcing Vanilla closer to home: Market potential for US production.” Choices Magazine, I40. Link: 4thQuarter 2025 | Choices Magazine Online
Kanchupati, N., Garima, G.,Seal,D., Schaffer,B., & Liburd, O. (2025). Evaluation ofpepper cultivarswith different heat units on the feedingpreference of pepper weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). EnvironmentalEntomology,nvaf098.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaf098
Kim, D.,Her,Y., Cheng, L., Jang, T. (2025). Improving wheat yield and water use efficiency through soil water-guided furrow irrigation and hydraulic simulation. Agricultural Water Management, 318, 109746. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109746
Kim, D.,Her,Y., & Jang, T. (2025). Climate resilient optimization ofspatially targeted conservation practices for cost-effective rice paddy management. Agricultural Systems, 230, 104486. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104486
RochaLacerda,V., Myrtil,Y.K., Souza Costa, B. N., Khoddamzadeh, A. A., & Li,X. (2025). Soil enhancement and environmental aspects of agroindustrial waste use in agriculture and horticulture. Technology inHorticulture, 5, e031. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48130/tihort-0025-0025
Salcedo-Sarmiento, S., Soares, J., De Cote, J. A., Monte, E., & Gazis,R. (2025). Antibiosis, endophytic colonization, and efficacy of Trichoderma against the laurel wilt pathogen in avocado. PhytoFrontiers 0 0:ja. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-04-25-0036-R
Singh, S.,Singh,J., Freeman, B., Bansal, K., Winterstein, M., & Gutierez, O. (2025). Detection of moderate-effect QTLsfor tree architectural traits in large avocado (Persea Americana) mapping populations. Tree Genetics &Genomes, 21 (38). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-025-01723-8
Teshome, F. T.,Bayabil,H.K., Schaffer,B., & Ampatzidis, Y. (2025). Estimating crop evapotranspiration using drone imagery, ground canopy temperature, and machine learning. Remote Sensing Applications: Society andEnvironment, 39, 101661. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.rsase.2025.101661
Gastelbondo, M., Wu, X., & Moon, P. (2025). “Natural Vanilla Extract Production: EP656M 12/2025.” EDIS 2025 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep656-2025
Gastelbondo, M., Wu, X., Moon, P., & Taco, A. (2025). “Producción natural del extracto de vainilla: ENH1392S/EP661, 12/2025.” EDIS 2025 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/edisep661-2025
Hailegnaw, N. S., Liu, G., & Li, Y. (2025). “Understanding fertilizers and soil amendments: AG494, 11/2025.” EDIS 2025 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ag494-2025
Myrtil, Y. K., Rocha, Lacerda, V., & Li, X. (2025). “Edamame growth stages in Miami-Dade County: HS1498, rev. 10/2025”. EDIS 2025 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/EDISHS1498-2025
Reisinger, A. J., Albertin, A. R., Bean, E., Smyth, A., & Wilson, P. C. (2025). “Water Quality Notes: What are concentrations and loads and why do they matter?: SS747, 11/2025.” EDIS 2025 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-SS747-2025
Revynthi, A. M., Velazquez-Hernandez, Y., Rodriguez, J., Kendra. P. E., Carrillo, D., & Mannion, C. M. (2025). “The hibiscus bud weevil (Anthonomus testaceosqamosus Linell, Coleoptera: Curculionidae): ENY-2069/IN1328, 8/2025”. EDIS 2025 (5). DOI: https:// doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-IN1328-2025
Reyes, G., Smyth, A., Reynolds, L., & Zangroniz, A. (2025). “ ¿Qué son los manglares urbanos?: SL493-Span/SS753, 11/2025.” EDIS 2025 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-SS7532025
Shohag, M. J. I., Li, Q., Li, Y., Wang, Q., Liu, G. (2025). “Grower’s guide to identifying and correcting Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium deficiencies in luffa production: HS1503, 11/2025.” EDIS 2025 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hs1503-2025
Talton, H. R., Canon, M. A., Hodges, A. C., Smith, H. A. & Revynthi, A. M. (2025). “The predatory mite Amblyseius tamatavensis (Blommers) (Acari: Phytoseiidae): ENY2123, 8/2025”. EDIS 2025 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-IN1450-2025
Recently Dr. Alexandra Revynthi and her lab published information which may prove critical to the success of pest management of an invasive pest in south Florida and around the world. By delving into the biological traits of the short-spined thrips, researchers can now provide growers with better information for implementing management methods in their nurseries.
Even our local news, is aware of the critical impact of this research you can read their article summarizing the efforts of the Ornamental Entomology and Acarology lab here. You can learn more about the study by reading this press release or accessing the publication directly.
On November 1, the UF/IFAS Tropical Research & Education Center hosted the longawaited Grand Opening of the Pauline O. Lawrence Student Residence. Dr. Pauline O. Lawrence herself was in attendance as well as some of the other major donors: Ms. Kathryn Rohan (on behalf of her parents, Drs. Robert McMillan and Ida McMillan), Mr. Allen Schneider, and Mrs. Mary Schneider. Plenty of future residents were also in attendance.
The crowd heard from the UF/IFAS TREC Center Director Dr. Edward “Gilly” Evans, Dr. Kati Migliaccio, the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Heather Moehling, President of the Dade County Farm Bureau, and Sudeep Adhikari, President of the South Florida Graduate Student Organization. The highlight of the event though was Dr. Pauline O. Lawrence sharing memories of her upbringing, experiences at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research & Education Center, and early career.
With the support of her late husband, Dr. Carlton G. Davis, the couple made the anchor donation to support the construction of this building. Their support ensured that future students of the Center would have a safe space where they can focus on their studies.
To learn more about Drs. Pauline O. Lawrence, Carlton G. Davis, or other major contributors, click here. To see more images from the event, access the IFAS photo database.
Jesse Potts, a PhD student in Dr. Xingbo Wu's tropical plant breeding and genetics lab, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Spring Meadow—Proven Winners Scholarship. In collaboration with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), Spring Meadow Nursery recognizes that that “backing bright, well-trained, qualified people is essential to the green industry’s protection and growth.” Jesse will receive $5,000 in scholarship funds for this recognition.
Marcello De Giosa, a PhD student in Dr. Alexandra Revynthi’s ornamental entomology and nematology lab, earned the Doris Lowe and Verna Lowe Scholarship, in the amount of $2,000. Marcello also secured second place in the 2025 Acarological Society of America’s Graduate Student Abstract Competition for his presentation, “Potential of biorational and conventional pesticides to control Acalitus simplex (Acari: Eriophydae). He also received $400 in cash prizes.
John O’Connor, a PhD student in Dr. Ashley R. Smyth’s biogeochemistry lab, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Biogeochemistry Graduate Fellows Program Award PhD level. This recognition includes a non-cash award of $2,000 from the UF-WBL Program Enhancement Share Fund, which can be used to support research in wetlands and aquatic systems, travel to nationally recognized labs, participation in scientific meetings, and presenting research at national and international conferences.
Sisi Chen, a PhD student in Dr. Xingbo Wu’s tropical plant breeding and genetics lab, won first place in the graduate student competition at the IPPS Southern Region Conference in Orlando. Sisi was one of four students invited to participate based on the merit of her conference proceedings. Her presentation, “Advancing tropical hibiscus breeding through pest and disease resistance screening” was funded by FDACS
Specialty Crops Block Grant (SCBG) and IFAS
Endowment funds. In addition to the first place recognition, Sisi won $1,000 and $500 towards her travel expenses.
Monalisa Seaton, a Masters student in Dr. Dakshina Seal’s entomology and nematology lab, earned second place in the 2025 Entomological Society of America’s Graduate Student 10-Minute Presentation Competition for P-IE, Invasive Species. According to the judges, Monalisa’s presentation, “The incidence of the two-spot cotton leaf hopper, Amrasca biguttula (Typholocybinae: Cicadellidae) in eggplant and okra crops in Florida” showcased exceptional research & communication skills. In addition to recognition, Monalisa’s membership fees have been waived.
Sudeep Adhikari, a PhD student in Dr. Geoffrey Meru’s lab, won first place at the Gulf Coast Postdoc and Student Association’s Flash Talk Competition on September 19. Sudeep’s presentation was titled “Battling whiteflies and viruses in cucurbits: Exploring host resistance to build super squash". In addition to top honors, Sudeep won $300 and $100 towards his travel expenses.
Melissa Pino Verdecia, a Miami-Dade College (MDC) intern who worked in Dr. Ashley Smyth's biogeochemistry lab this summer, was awarded Best Biological & Life Sciences Research Poster at the MDC Research Symposium on November.
Melissa had this to say about her experience at TREC:
"My experience at TREC has been one of the most formative milestones in my scientific journey. Being able to conduct hands-on research, learn from incredible mentors, and contribute to meaningful, real-world science has strengthened both my confidence and my passion for environmental research. I am especially grateful to Dr. Ashley Smyth, Gabrielle Foursa, and the entire lab team for their constant support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the internship. Winning the MDC Symposium award is an honor, but it is also a reflection of the support, guidance, and inspiration I’ve received from the TREC community. I’m deeply grateful for everything this opportunity has given me."
We’re confident that Melissa will go on to even bigger awards and recognitions. Be on the lookout for her name in the future!
This semester, the following students concluded their research at TREC and have crossed into the next stage of their scientific careers:
Isamar Reyes earned an M.S. from the Department of Entomology and Nematology.
Marcello De Giosa earned a Ph.D. from the Department of Entomology and Nematology.
Ketsira Pierre earned a Ph.D. from the Department of Plant Pathology.
Jenna Reimer earned a Ph.D. from the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Interdisciplinary Ecology.
The UF International Center held International Education Week last month between November 17—21, 2025. At TREC, that means we get to celebrate over 30 countries represented on our campus. From Brazil to Tunisia and from the U.S. to China, we are grateful to have a day where we celebrate our differences and join in camaraderie around the IFAS mission.
International Day was held on November 21 and Dr. Edward “Gilly” Evans also hosted his annual Star Performer Awards ceremony on that day. The following staff were commended for notable contributing to the mission of the Center through their outstanding and meritorious service:
Dr. Fredy Ballen Gabrielle Foursa
Saddam Hussain Maria Bernal
Jephete Festin
Yomiris Reyes Peña
Jorge Ramirez Corona
Drs. Alexandra Revynthi and Xiaoying Li each received awards from the U/IFAS Equipment & Infrastructure Seed Grant Program. The program aims to boost faculty success and increase the impacts and scientific contributions of UF/IFAS faculty research programs.
Dr. Alexandra Revynthi received $65,000 for the purchase of a Plasma Activated Water (PAW). The PAW will is a novel, sustainable tool that has shown to increase plant responses to several environmental stresses. At TREC, the PAW applications will be used with tropical and subtropical specialty crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. This research will support resilient production systems and greater crop productivity in south Florida’s high value agricultural sector and enhance the competitiveness of UF researchers in securing major multidisciplinary funding.
Dr. Xiaoying Li received $10,000 for the purchase of a Biosafety A2 class II cabinet for multidisciplinary research. The cabinet Is a biosafety hood for plant pathogen isolation and identification.
Drs. Ashley Smyth, Lisa Krimsky, Ana Zangroniz, Shelly Kruger, and Joshua Patterson. South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program: Expanding Florida Keys Sponge Restoration Research to Improve Outcomes at the Local and Regional Scale. Awarded $749.829 from the US EPA.
Click here to learn how the EPA grant will help UF/IFAS scientists restore sea sponges and improve water quality in south Florida.
Dr. Xingbo Wu. Building Genetic and Trait Resources for Tropical Crops. Awarded $299,156 from USDA ARS.
Drs. Romina Gazis and Jugpreet Singh. Detached plat assays to screen avocado germplasm collection for laurel wilt disease. Awarded $63,060 from USDA ARS.
Dr. Xingbo Wu. Enhance the sustainability of south Florida nursery production through technology transfer, research, and extension. Awarded $38,591 from USDA ARS.
Here are some of the memorable moments from our social media this fall.
