Liliana Cano has joined a team of University of Florida researchers in their efforts to help citrus growers. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Indian River Research and Education Center is one of 12 research stations around Florida that serve the state’s important agricultural production regions. Research faculty at the Fort Pierce location work with citrus horticulture, soil and water science, entomology, aquaculture and post-harvest technology.
“Dr. Cano offers the state’s citrus industry innovation, knowledge and the application of cutting-edge research methods,” said Peter Stoffella, director of the IRREC.
Cano’s appointment, which started on Feb. 26, will involve genome analyses of the most important pathogens affecting citrus in Florida toward the identification of key molecules secreted by these microbes and the elucidation of the mechanisms used by these pathogens to cause disease in citrus.
According to Stoffella, the UF/IFAS goal is to develop management strategies for citrus production, an economically important specialty crop. Grapefruit produced in the Indian River region is celebrated as a premier fresh fruit product. But in recent years the state’s citrus industry has declined as a result of a disease called huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening.
For more information:
Liliana Cano
Tel: +1 (772) 577-7350