Since its founding in 1929, the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) has been a vital part of South Florida’s agricultural landscape. Established on land donated by the Krome family and Charles E. Schaff, the center has spent nearly a century supporting growers through research and education.
TREC focuses on the region’s key crops—vegetables, tropical fruits and ornamentals—and conducts essential research on water, soil and marine ecosystems.
“Our mission is to develop and share science-based information for tropical and subtropical agriculture,” said Dr. Edward “Gilly” Evans, center director.
In support of that mission, UF/IFAS TREC offers services such as the Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC), which helps farmers, landscapers and other green industry professionals identify plant health issues. By analyzing samples submitted, the clinic provides accurate diagnoses of plant diseases and collaborates with entomologists to identify pest-related problems.
One notable example of this collaborative approach is the center’s work to combat laurel wilt (LW), a disease that once threatened Florida’s avocado industry. Through this research, scientists can develop effective pest control methods to protect crops.
Yomiris Reyes is a junior pursuing a degree in Digital Journalism. As a creative professional behind the lens, she specializes in content creation for social media and various digital platforms. Driven by a passion for storytelling and aspiring to become a bilingual journalist, Yomiris is preparing to excel in both English and Spanish media. She envisions a future as a television host in the entertainment industry, where she can spread joy and positivity while making a meaningful impact on her audience. Committed to informing and inspiring her community, she is dedicated to fostering a brighter future through her work in journalism and media.
Lola is currently pursuing a degree in Digital Media Communications with a focus on the Interactive Media track. She is passionate about storytelling, design, and technology, and is especially interested in working in the entertainment industry or with media agencies that create captivating, interactive content.
Brianna Duardo is a junior at Florida International University who aspires to be a journalist in the film industry. Duardo has experience with reporting about student life and hopes to make an impact with her writing about film. She will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media with a concentration in digital journalism in Summer 2026.
