Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Stella Canfield

The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) connected with industry professionals at the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA)’s 2025 Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) – a premier trade event showcasing the latest trends in foliage, floral and tropicals. Held Jan. 22-24 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the event brought together professionals from across the nation and around the world.

As part of University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), MREC faculty, staff and students highlighted a diverse range of current research from the center, including:

• Petri dishes of white mold, rhizoctonia, and Myrothecium roridum from associate professor Dave Norman, which gave visitors an insight into plant pathology,
• Germinated romaine lettuce seeds from the lab of associate professor Alfred Huo, highlighting his work with CRISPR biotechnology to improve lettuce traits, and
• A whitefly-infested papaya plant accompanied by Delphastus pallidus, a type of lady beetle, demonstrating a banker plant system in biological pest control from the insectary of professor Lance Osborne.

Beyond the booth though, MREC’s participation at TPIE underscores its commitment to supporting Florida’s horticulture, nursery, and greenhouse industries. Engaging with the industry provided invaluable opportunities to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and explore research-driven solutions.

Looking ahead, MREC is eager to continue its collaboration with FNGLA and industry leaders, driving research and education forward and strengthening these partnerships to continue contributing to the industry’s growth and success.

MREC looks forward to FNGLA’s Landscape Show in August 2025.

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