UF faculty to showcase genetics work, greet visitors at Sunbelt Ag Expo 2007

Faculty with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will showcase their latest genetics research, extension and education programs at the 2007 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, billed as North America’s premier farm show.

The event takes place Oct. 16-18 near Moultrie, Ga.

Each year, the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition attracts more than 250,000 visitors interested in new agricultural technology, said Wayne Smith, chairman of the committee responsible for planning UF exhibits at the event.

The theme for this year’s exhibit is “Solutions for Your Life Through Genetics.” It was chosen because genetics research has been a solution to many crop production problems in Florida and a central focus of research at UF for decades, said Smith, a professor and director emeritus of UF’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation.

“While the application of genetics through selection and breeding has been a mainstay in IFAS’ research portfolio for decades, the new tools of genetic modification—which is billed as the basis for the new biological revolution that is taking place—have opened new doors of opportunity in which IFAS is fully engaged,” he said.

“This includes such advancements as placing genes that enhance the smell of flowers; the taste of tomatoes; drought tolerance in grasses; and the content of nutritionally important substances such as folic acid, lycopene and resveratrol in fruits and vegetables, thus increasing their nutritional value,” he said.

Interactive exhibits featuring IFAS’ research, extension and education efforts are planned and will be housed in a permanent building UF opened at the site last year. IFAS faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the exhibits or other topics visitors might raise.

Showcased genetics research will include projects on turfgrass, forages, flowers, caladiums, peanuts, tomatoes, hydroponics, plant growth, new plant varieties, forestry, hard clams, livestock and bacteria used in alternative energy production.

Extension agents will be on hand to promote the Solutions for Your Life Web site, http://solutionsforyourlife.com, which provides instant access to information from UF’s research, extension and education programs.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will spotlight educational opportunities for youth with materials that show various career paths available in the field of genetics.

“IFAS’ presence at the Sunbelt Expo provides an opportunity to share some of the exciting advances it has made that provided, and continue to provide, significant impacts on the agricultural and natural resources industries in the state and region,” Smith said.

The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition is located 4 miles southeast of U.S. Highway 319 (Veteran’s Parkway) on Highway 133 near Moultrie. Hours for the events are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 18. Admission is $7 per person per day. Children 6 and under are admitted free with parent.

See more information about UF/IFAS participation

See more information about Sunbelt Ag Expo

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