Dr. Fernando Alferez began as the SWFREC Citrus Horticulturist in February 2017. He previously worked as a visiting research scientist at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred on systemic acquired resistance of citrus plants.
Dr. Alferez earned his Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of Valencia, Spain. His graduate studies dealt with determining and understanding exogenous endogenous factors regulating fruit development, maturation, and quality.
At SWFREC, Dr. Alferez’ research and extension programs will be interconnected and strive to serve the citrus industry in southwest Florida and the entire state. Some of his projects will include systematic characterization of novel varieties being released for both processing and the fresh market and assaying novel ways to manage postharvest fruit drop under HLB pressure.
Research / Extension
Researching and testing solutions to protect citrus trees and increase fruit yield and quality. Currently, we are working on
- Psyllid exclusion to maintain trees healthy and productive
- Fruit drop alleviation to harvest more fruit
Research Publications
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Fernando Alferez - Research Publications
- Global strategies to manage huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: insights and implications for the Mediterranean region
M Pérez-Hedo, MS Hoddle, F Alferez, B Lochy, GAC Beattie, ...
Entomologia Generalis, 1-16 - Huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: recent research advances and future challenges
M Pérez-Hedo, MS Hoddle, F Alferez, A Tena, T Wade, C Shourish, ...
Entomologia generalis, 1-19
- Global strategies to manage huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: insights and implications for the Mediterranean region
Extension Publications
- Fernando Alferez - UF/IFAS Publications
No UF/IFAS Publications Available For Author Fernando Alferez
Dr. Fernando Alferez
Associate Professor
Citrus Horticulture
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC)
2685 SR 29 North Immokalee, FL 34142
(239) 658 - 3426
alferez@ufl.edu-
Education
- PhD in Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 2001
- B.S. in Biology, University of Valencia, 1992
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Professional Experience
- July 2024 - Present
Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida - February 2017 - July 2024
Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida
- July 2024 - Present
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Awards and Honors
- Publications
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Other Professional Activities
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Education