UF/IFAS Office of the Dean for Research

Greatest accomplishments by UF/IFAS units; Photo of tractor spraying field

The most important purpose of our research is to discover science-based solutions that make tangible, positive impacts on the lives of people worldwide. Below are a few of the greatest accomplishments in the history of our academic departments and Research and Education Centers (RECs).

Our research faculty and staff have, in no particular order:

Entomology and Nematology; Fort Lauderdale REC

Exploited the feeding biology of subterranean termites that led to Dow’s Sentricon® termite control system. Dr. Nan-Yao Su’s research revolutionized the way subterranean termites are controlled.

Animal Sciences

Characterized and overcame mineral deficiencies in livestock species. Dr. George Davis’ research findings saved the Florida beef cattle industry, and he was the first scientist from UF elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Agronomy

Developed and released ‘Florunner’ peanut in 1969. Florunner generated a significant yield advantage over other cultivars and was the foundation of future elite peanut cultivar releases.

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Developed the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) crop model that identifies management practices for maximum productivity. It is currently used worldwide to manage 42 distinct crops.

Mid-Florida REC

Greatly impacted Florida’s tropical foliage plant industry through cultivar development; fertilization, water and temperature; disease and pest management; contributions to shipping and transportation; and indoor lighting research.

West Florida REC

Released the Centennial soybean in the 1980s, the first soybean cultivar resistant to soybean root knot and soybean cyst nematode. It was planted on more acreage in the Southeast than any other soybean cultivar.

Florida Medical Entomology Lab

Provided the first comprehensive studies on the host-feeding patterns of mosquitos in the Southeast U.S. that formed the basis of effective mosquito control.

Forest Resources and Conservation

Developed the genetic material for a vast majority of Florida’s 4 million acres of planted pine.

Food Science and Human Nutrition

Established the folic acid requirement during pregnancy that led to the establishment of food fortification procedures worldwide to prevent birth defects.

North Florida REC

Saved soybean farmers approximately $300 million per year by combatting Asian soybean rust through integrated pest management programs, monitoring the annual spread of the disease, and working with breeders to develop disease resistant plants.

Agricultural Education and Communication

Developed the UF Critical Thinking Inventory (UFCTI) in the early 2000s, an assessment that measures critical thinking style on a continuum.

Environmental Horticulture

Developed the coleus breeding program that has produced 55 cultivars, 10 U.S. Plant Patents, and seven U.S. Trademarks. More than 25 million coleus plants have been sold on four continents.

Family, Youth and Community Sciences

Originally an extension unit, the department now has an undergraduate program, a master’s program, and a PhD program helping achieve careers in human service, community development, cooperative extension, and youth professions.

Soil and Water Sciences

Developed cutting-edge science and management tools to protect water quality and influence policy. This included remediation of contaminated soil and water, and establishing best management practices for urban and agricultural systems.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Populated leadership positions internationally, including directors of the national wildlife agencies in Mexico and Uganda, and the current Minister of State in Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development in Belize.

Citrus REC

Guided the development of crop production practices that made citrus Florida’s iconic agricultural commodity, including improved irrigation and fertilization programs, freeze protection practices, and pest and disease management practices.

Microbiology and Cell Science

Genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to produce biofuels and chemicals using farm and forest waste.

Tropical REC

Developed mass-rearing techniques for sterile fruit fly release that led to the biological control of Caribbean fruit flies throughout the U.S. and prevented significant crop damage.

Range Cattle REC

Developed, evaluated, and disseminated forage cultivars and sustainable management practices for subtropical and tropical cattle grazing ecosystems.

Indian River REC

Developed and implemented Best Management Practices for Florida water quality and use by focusing on water volume, sediment transport, pesticides and metals, nutrients, and aquatic weeds.

For More Information

If you would like a hard-copy of these accomplishments, contact Mary Anne Sanders at mary.sanders@ufl.edu.