Overview: A century of research and impact of Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, USDA-ARS, Miami, Florida: Successes and challenges

Abstract

The USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station (SHRS), located in Miami, Florida, has been engaged in vital research for over a century. Its unwavering commitment lies in preserving and utilizing tropical and subtropical plant species, encompassing fruits, ornamentals, sugarcane, and their wild relatives. This endeavor involves extensive research and collaborations to meet stakeholders' diverse needs. As a constituent of the USDA National Plant Germplasm Repository network, the station is a repository of invaluable genetic resources for developing new cultivars tailored to diverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, the station has focused on researching the mitigation of invasive pests and diseases that threaten various horticultural crops in Florida and nationwide. The station has also established a dedicated research program to enhance cacao breeding, improve its organoleptic qualities and disease resistance, enhance its adaptability to climate change-related challenges, and improve fruit quality traits. Since 1994, researchers at SHRS have collectively authored 795 research articles and have made substantial contributions to the scientific community by disseminating over a quarter million plant materials. Collaborations with USDA stations in Hilo and Mayaguez have been instrumental, involving backing up plant collections and joint evaluations of the national germplasm. Despite enduring potential closure due to significant damage from Hurricane Andrew, the station remains resilient and prepared to address current and future challenges as it embarks on its second century.