Uttara Samarakoon Basnagala

The Samarakoon Lab at the University of Florida’s Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) conducts applied research focused on improving crop production in controlled‑environment agriculture (CEA) systems such as greenhouses and indoor farms. The program explores how plants respond to Florida’s challenging climate conditions, different hydroponic systems, nutrient solutions, and sustainable soilless substrates to help growers achieve higher yields and better crop quality.

Using a wide range of experimental tools—including hydroponic system trials, nutrient‑solution monitoring, substrate testing, and crop‑specific production studies—the lab investigates how root‑zone conditions, microclimate, and fertilizer strategies influence plant growth and overall system performance. Research topics include optimizing high‑wire fruiting crops, improving nutrient recycling for leafy greens, developing organic‑compatible substrates, and introducing high‑value niche crops such as ornamentals and ginger. Together, these efforts provide growers with practical, science‑based guidelines that support more efficient, profitable, and sustainable CEA production.