Researchers at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center are gearing up for the 2019 Citrus Expo! Get a sneak peek of what to expect during the citrus program in July’s All In for Citrus Podcast. Also, growers will hear an update on a recent pest alert in this month’s program.
Michael Rogers, director of the Citrus Research and Education Center, discusses new opportunities for growers to learn in interactions with researchers at Citrus Expo on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15. He discusses numerous topics that will be addressed at several stations where growers will participate in hands-on activities. At the same time, researchers at round tables will talk with growers in “Meet the Specialist” sessions, he says.
Citrus Expo educational seminars are addressed by horticulturist Tripti Vashisth, who has organized the Aug. 14-15 citrus seminar program. She lists all the presentations that will be made and reports in-depth on a talk she’ll give on Aug. 14 regarding fruit drop. Vashisth has found that fruit drop is heavily related to fruit size. She says growers who improve fruit size with good irrigation and nutrition can reduce drop.
Entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock provides a thorough update on the lebbeck mealybug, the latest citrus pest found in Highlands County groves in June. She discusses the potential heavy damage this pest can cause, immediate steps growers can take to reduce its spread, and possible long-term control measures. She tells who growers should contact if they suspect they have the lebbeck mealybug in their groves.
Listen to the latest episode of the All In For Citrus Podcast.
Be sure to register for the 2019 Citrus Expo, happening Aug. 14-15 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. All pre-registered growers will automatically be entered for a chance to win a John Deere gun safe courtesy of Everglades Equipment Group.