As the new Florida citrus season starts, growers have many things on their minds: the low citrus forecast, the threat of potential freezes, and how best to protect both trees and employees. The November issue of Citrus Industry magazine aims to address these concerns.
First up is a complete report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s initial crop forecast for the 2020–21 citrus season. While Florida orange and grapefruit production are expected to be substantially down, an increase in tangerine and tangelos is forecast. Find out what to expect from the other citrus-producing states and get industry reactions in Ernie Neff’s crop forecast article.
Now, before cold weather comes, is the time to think about freeze protection. In their article, University of Florida’s Chris Oswalt and Davie Kadyampakeni discuss when and how to protect citrus trees from a freeze. The authors describe the difference between advective and radiational freezes and what protection techniques work best for each type of freeze.
While COVID-19 is currently the top farmworker safety issue, other potential hazards of the job should not be overlooked. In her CEU Central article, citrus Extension agent Ajia Paolillo details proper storage of pesticides. Not only will the article help you keep your workers safer, it will also earn you one continuing education unit for the Florida restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved.
In addition, the November issue offers two articles on citrus tree-protection methods. University of Florida research updates are provided for both citrus under protective screen (CUPS) systems and individual protective covers (IPCs). Both tools are designed to keep trees safe from psyllids and HLB. After five years of study, CUPS systems have proven to produce high yields of fresh fruit varieties. Grower use of IPCs is increasing; learn what the most recent research reveals.
Look for these articles and more in the November issue of Citrus Industry magazine, arriving soon in your mailbox or inbox.
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