Jack Rechcigl

John Edward Rechcigl is an American agronomist, soil and environmental scientist, researcher, editor, and science advisor to foreign governments. He also serves as a professor and science administrator with the University of Florida. His work spans multiple areas of agricultural research, including vegetable, floral, and strawberry production, as well as plant breeding. Rechcigl has been recognized internationally for his contributions to agriculture and urban environments, with a career in science administration focused on promoting research in agriculture and environmental studies.
John "Jack" Rechcigl was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Rockville, Maryland. His parents, Miloslav Mila Rechcigl Jr. and Eva Edwards Rechcigl, were refugees and immigrants from the Communist and Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, respectively.
He graduated from the University of Delaware, majoring in plant science (B.S., 1982), and studied soil science at Virginia Polytechnical Inst. and State Univ. Blacksburg, VA (M.S., 1983; PhD., 1986).
He joined the faculty of the University of Florida in 1986 as Asst. Professor of Soil Science and Water Quality. In 1991, he was promoted to Associate Professor and in 1996 attained full Professorship. In 1999, he was named Univ. of Florida Research Foundation Professor.
Initially based at the Range Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida (1985–2000), Rechcigl conducted research on fertilizer requirements for grasses and the impact of fertilizers on surface and groundwater quality. This research led to the revision of fertility recommendations and contributed to the development of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for grass management, promoting both economic and environmental benefits.
In 2000 he became a science administrator, when he was named Associate Director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research Center (GCREC) in Bradenton, FL. He then attended additional administrative training at Harvard University, prior to his appointment as the Center Director in 2001.
After consultations with farmers and elected representatives, the university committed to establishing a new research and education center. Rechcigl played a key role in securing funding and planning the facility, which was built in Balm, Florida, and opened to the public in 2005 . He also oversaw the closure of the previous center and coordinated the relocation of faculty and staff to the new site.
Upon completion of the center's construction, Rechcigl assumed the responsibility of recruiting new faculty and staff, along with instituting innovative research, extension, and teaching initiatives.These endeavors aimed to empower growers with innovative solutions and technologies, ensuring their economic viability in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The Gulf Coast Research Center is known for its research in horticultural crops and regularly hosts visits from scientists and government officials worldwide, highlighting its role in advancing agricultural science and practices. It routinely attracts visits from esteemed scientists and government dignitaries worldwide, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing agricultural science and practice on a global scale.
Rechcigl emphasized direct collaboration with growers to address industry challenges associated with production costs and competition from international markets, focusing on crop production, water conservation, and pest management. He led efforts to establish an alternative crops program, securing funding and overseeing research on new crops suited to Florida's climate. Among the initial crops scrutinized was hops, a crop gaining prominence amidst the burgeoning craft brewery industry and the increasing demand for locally sourced ingredients.Varieties of hops were meticulously assessed for suitability to Florida's growing conditions, and a comprehensive production plan was devised. Research expanded to include crops such as artichoke, blackberry, raspberry, industrial hemp, watermelon, and pomegranate, aiming to create new market opportunities and support agricultural diversification for increased profitability and sustainability.
The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) spans 475 acres in Balm, Florida, supporting agricultural research, education, and outreach. Under the Rechcigl's leadership, GCREC has expanded research capabilities and academic programs. Its teaching program, affiliated with UF/IFAS CALS, is based at Hillsborough Community College's Plant City campus.
In 2006, Rechcigl contributed to the establishment of the Florida Agricultural Expo, an annual event attended by over 1,000 participants, including farmers, politicians, government officials, and university representatives. The seminar and trade show, organized in collaboration with the University of Florida, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Grower magazine, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and the Florida Tomato Committee, focuses on Florida's vegetable and strawberry industries.
Jack Rechcigl has overseen significant advancements in agricultural research and artificial intelligence (AI) applications at the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). Under his leadearship, researchers at GCREC have developed AI-based tools for detecting and identifying weeds in strawberry and vegetable production. This work led to the creation of a "smart sprayer" prototype which utilizes AI for targeted herbicide application, reducing herbicide use by up to 90% and lowering costs for growers.
In addition to AI-driven herbicide application, Rechcigl has supported research into alternative disease control methods. GCREC researchers in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, have developed a GPS-guided robot capable of emitting UV light to combat powdery mildew on strawberry crops.
Dr. Rechcigl's has also played a key role in securing funding for a new 40-million-dollar, 40,000-square-foot AI hub at GCREC, known as the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The facility will focus on integrating AI into agricultural research, including breeding crops with enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. It is expected to employ approximately 100 individuals, including AI specialists, engineers, and researchers.
Artificial Intelligence holds tremendous potential to make our world more prosperous and secure, while misuse of AI can lead to cybersecurity issues. During a visit to Tampa, the Acting Principal Deputy National Cyber Director and White House officials toured the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) to learn about the artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics hub that is being established there and discuss opportunities available to ensure cybersecurity is incorporated into the center from the very beginning.
In addition to his current administrative responsibilities at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), Rechcigl assumed roles of increasing leadership at the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), located in Davie, FL.Initially appointed as Interim Director in 2020, and in 2021 he secured the position of Center Director.FLREC's research initiatives encompass sustainable management for tropical and subtropical landscape systems, with a focus on mitigating the impact of invasive species on natural and urban habitats. Research areas also include termite identification, wildlife ecology, palm production, environmental horticulture, aquatic plant management, turfgrass science, and sea-level resilience in South Florida.Under Rechcigl's guidance, FLREC expanded its faculty, particularly in the field of palm horticulture, assembling a diverse team of scientists dedicated to assisting palm growers in Florida and neighboring tropical regions in combatting palm diseases. Collaborating with the palm industry, Rechcigl initiated Palm Quest, an annual educational event tailored to palm growers.Additionally, he established an interdisciplinary turf team comprising experts in horticulture, weed science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, and nematology, addressing critical challenges faced by turfgrass growers in South Florida.
Dr. Rechcigl's research has garnered significant international attention, resulting in invitations to speak about his findings in various countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Czech Republic. Notably, his work has influenced several nations to adopt phosphogypsum as a fertilizer, a departure from previous practices of disposing it in the ocean as waste.
Collaborating closely with universities worldwide, Dr. Rechcigl has played a major role in modernizing laboratory techniques utilized in soil and tissue analysis. His expertise in the utilization of inorganic and organic wastes in agriculture has earned him keynote addresses at prestigious events, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Rechcigl was responsible for establishing a research and teaching memorandum of understanding between the University of Florida and Prague Czech Agricultural University in Suchdol, Czech Republic. This landmark agreement, signed in the Czech Senate, paved the way for numerous student and scientist exchanges and research collaborations. As a testament to his contributions, Rechcigl was bestowed with an Honorary Professorship from Prague Czech Agricultural University.
Additionally, Rechcigl facilitated collaborative arrangements during his visits to various cities in the Czech Republic, including České Budĕjovice, Olomouc, and Ostrava, as well as in Nitra, Slovakia. Notably, he signed a joint research agreement between the University of Florida and Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. During this visit, it was decided to host the first tri-university research symposium involving the two universities and the University of Naples in Italy. The primary objective of this symposium was to facilitate the exchange of technical information and promote collaborative research endeavors among the participating institutions.
As a result of extensive visits across the Philippine Islands, a collaborative research proposal was formulated involving multiple research institutions and the University of Florida. This initiative aimed to assess the viability of various industrial waste products as potential fertilizers. Additionally, meetings were held with the Rector and Dean for Research at the University of the Philippines to orchestrate a cooperative research and exchange agreement between the University of the Philippines and the University of Florida.
Philippine Government officials extended an invitation to Rechcigl to provide consultation on the utilization of phosphogypsum for addressing the nation's soil physical and chemical issues. This endeavor entailed a comprehensive tour of the country, encompassing visits to research institutions on different islands, delivering lectures, and offering guidance on the utilization of industrial by-products in agriculture.
He was invited to Australia to advise the companies on how fertilizer could be used in reducing grass tetany in cattle. As a result of his visit, a cooperative research proposal was developed between various research institutions and UF to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial waste products as fertilizers.
He received an invitation from the Brazilian Government to convene with scientists from multiple universities for potential research collaborations. Additionally, the Government of Brazil extended the invitation, and he engaged with fertilizer and seed companies' researchers and salespeople to discuss future cooperative plans with the University of Florida.
Rechcigl was invited by the Venezuelan government's fertilizer company, PALMVIN, and the Potash and Phosphate Institute to engage with diverse agricultural groups and industry scientists concerning the nation's soil fertility challenges. In addition to delivering lectures and seminars, he conducted visits to numerous farms across the country, offering guidance on soil fertility issues. Rechcigl also provided instructions to Venezuelan officials on the utilization of industrial waste products, such as phosphogypsum, as potential fertilizers. His recommendations were embraced, leading to the adoption of phosphogypsum as a marketed fertilizer for Venezuelan farmers.
He was dispatched to Ecuador as part of an IFAS review team tasked with evaluating programs at the Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral (ESPOL) and assessing their suitability for collaboration with UF in research, extension, and teaching. Furthermore, he contributed to designing floor plans and offering advice on equipment procurement for a new agricultural soil and plant diagnostic laboratory at ESPOL. Subsequently, the University of Florida's Vice President appointed him to the IFAS Ecuador Task Force, charged with formulating concrete plans and agendas for collaboration between the two institutions.
Rechcigl was enlisted by the Potash Phosphate Industry to aid the University of Nicaragua in modernizing their Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory, while also providing guidance on sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, he signed Letters of Intent for cooperative agreements with the Minister of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic and the Minister of Agriculture of the Nicaraguan Institute for Agricultural Research. These agreements aimed to establish student exchange programs and collaborate on joint research proposals focused on improving the production of horticultural crops.
Dr. Rechcigl has contributed significantly to various Universities and Professional Society boards and committees throughout his career. He has been actively involved in several professional industrial societies, notably participating in policy committees such as the Fertilizer Agrochemical Advisory Committee. Moreover, he has served on multiple advisory boards and task forces tasked with developing fertilizer recommendations, best management practices, and regulations for environmentally safe applications of fertilizers, as well as inorganic and organic wastes.
At the community level, Dr. Rechcigl has dedicated his time to serving on the Environmental Committee for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has volunteered as a judge for numerous public school science fairs, fostering educational initiatives. Furthermore, as an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, he actively served as a leader, mentoring youth, and contributing to their personal development.
Dr. Rechcigl's expertise has often been sought as an invitational reviewer for competitive grant proposals across multiple agencies, including USAID, USDA, the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, the Florida Recycling Institute, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Furthermore, Dr. Rechcigl has held editorial roles, serving as Associate Editor for the Soil and Crop Science Society Proceedings and the Journal of Environmental Quality. Additionally, he has contributed to Food, Agriculture, and Environment, serving on the editorial board of the International Journal of Soil and Water Research, published by the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences. These editorial positions underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and disseminating research findings in the field of agriculture and environmental science.
He was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America, and Fellow of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences. He was named to UF Research Foundation Professorship and holds an Honorary Professorship at the Czech University of Agriculture Prague. He also has been elected to membership in the Cosmos Club.
Rechcigl has garnered several awards throughout his career including the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Public Service Award, the Sigma Xi Research Award, and the University of the Philippines Research Award. Additionally, he has been honored with the University of Florida Research Honor Award, the University of Florida Research Foundation Professorship, and the University of Florida Interdisciplinary Extension Team Award. He has received the University of Delaware Research Award and the University of Delaware Alumni Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement Award.
Rechcigl has published more than three hundred peer-reviewed papers in leading professional journals and has contributed chapters to authoritative books. Rechcigl has also delivered presentations at both national and international professional meetings and conferences.
He initiated and is the editor-in-chief of the Agriculture and Environment monograph series. He edited five comprehensive treatises on diverse topics, including: Soil Amendments: Impacts on Biotic System (1995), Soil Amendments and Environmental Quality (1995), Environmentally Safe Approaches to Crop Disease Control (1997), Biological and Biotechnological Approaches to Insect Control (1999), and Insect Pest Management (2000). He also organized a symposium, sponsored by American Chemical Society, on Agricultural Uses of By-Products and Wastes, which was subsequently published as an American Chemical Society monograph (1997).