Harvesting and Postharvest Handling of Stonefruits in Florida

Fruits of the botanical family Rosaceae that contain a single hard seed, called a stone, pit, or pip. The term includes peaches, plums, nectarines, litchis, olives, cherries, greengages, apricots, almonds, and sloes.

"Florida's agricultural industry generates more than $103 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 500,000 people. Florida's farmers produce nearly 300 commodities, and winter vegetables and citrus consistently lead the national rankings. To meet the needs of this diverse industry, research and extension programs in the areas of fruit and vegetable production, postharvest technology and weed science are delivered on a county, regional and statewide basis using a variety of methods including field days, intensive hands-on training, and distance learning. Excellence in programming facilitates the exchange of information and technology and contributes to the professional development of extension faculty and the agricultural clientele they serve."
--- Extension Programs, Horticultural Sciences Department

The UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center, or IRREC in Fort Pierce, is one of the 13 IFAS research and education centers. IRREC is known internationally for cutting-edge research and a high quality educational program and provides regional leadership to agriculturalists with research and extension programs. Specific research areas include: water and nutrient management for citrus and flatwoods soils; epidemiology and control of leaf and fruit diseases of citrus; evaluation of citrus and vegetable cultivars in Florida; utilization of soil amendments; micro-irrigation of horticultural crops in humid regions; leadership in citrus, vegetable and water management state extension programs on the east coast of Florida; economic production of agricultural products; post-harvest handling and packing of agricultural products; biological control of invasive plants and aquaculture.