Lindcove REC recently organized a “Citrus Workshop for Hanford FFA Students” reinforcing our dedication to Youth Outreach and Education to nurture the future generation of agriculturists. On September 18, 2024, Sophomore students from Hanford High School visited LREC. Throughout the day, they engaged in various activities aimed at connecting research to with practical solutions for growers. The event started with Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy, Director of the LREC Center, who provided an overview of LREC's history and its continuing commitment to cooperative extension. Dr. Kereamy discussed different projects hosted at the LREC facility and the commitment of LREC to pioneering a tech-advanced future of farming. Dr. Sandipa Gautam, IPM Advisor shared research and extension program focused on integrated management of citrus pests important to California growers. The bud-grafting demonstration shown by Gerry was a highlight of the day. Donald Cleek, Superintendent at LREC gave students an overview of the packline and a tour where students learned about how fruit is sorted, graded, and packed. Students also visited CUPS facility, the first of its kind citrus growing under protective screen in California.

Ashraf El-Kereamy giving an overview of Lindcove REC.

Donald Cleek lecturing on LREC activities

Gerry demonstrating bud-grafting

After a lunch break, the class was guided through hands-on activities in the Entomology lab, where they evaluated an insect, citricola scale, under the dissecting scope. During the activity in the fruit quality lab students learned from Abigail Frolli about characters that determine fruit quality and the ways to evaluate quality. In the fruit physiology lab, students learned from Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy and Tariq Pervaiz on evaluating effects of treatments of physiological parameters like photosynthesis.

 Entomology Lab; hands on experience

Packline tour