By Chris Oswalt, Mongi Zekri, Ajia Paolillo and Lourdes Pérez Cordero
Huanglongbing (HLB) continues to impact citrus-producing areas of Florida. The 2022 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute is an opportunity for Florida citrus growers to come together to learn about effective management of HLB and other challenges affecting the industry. This year’s event will be held Tuesday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South Florida State College’s Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park.
Faculty from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center and Southwest Florida Research and Education Center will deliver educational presentations. Topics include pest management, horticultural management of HLB, irrigation and nutrition. The program will kick off with updates from Michael Rogers, CREC director, and Richard Dantzler, chief operating officer of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
Citrus black spot and the potential impact of chemical weed control on tree health and fruit drop will be featured in the pest management session. Presentations on root structures, foliar applications to reduce fruit drop in Hamlin oranges, and an update on gibberellic acid studies will be highlighted in the citrus horticulture session. The irrigation and nutrition section will feature the use of smartphone apps, irrigation scheduling for tree performance, and nitrogen and phosphorous recommendations for HLB-affected trees.
The event is free to growers but requires preregistration. Sign up to attend here.
Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for holders of restricted-use pesticide (RUP) licenses and certified crop advisors (CCA). There will be 4.5 RUP CEUs available in the following categories: Private Applicator, Agricultural Tree Crop and Demonstration & Research. CCA CEUs will be available in the following areas: Integrated Pest Management (1), Nutrient Management (1.5), Soil & Water Management (0.5) and Crop Management (1).
For more information about the program, contact Chris Oswalt, Mongi Zekri, Ajia Paolillo or Lourdes Pérez Cordero.
Chris Oswalt, Mongi Zekri, Ajia Paolillo and Lourdes Pérez Cordero are UF/IFAS Extension citrus agents.
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