By Christopher Vincent
Growers affected by flooding and high winds from Hurricane Ian have seen the immediate effects, but the stress to the trees will have longer lasting effects as well. It is not known how big these effects will be or how long trees take to recover.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers want to survey trees around the state to learn how long it takes trees to recover physiologically. This will help predict growth and production. Trees are needed from a wide variety of locations to understand how the different windspeeds, flooding and topography impacted how the trees suffered and how they will recover. Researchers are also looking for a range of treatments, like individual protective covers or reflective mulch. The assessment will not harm the trees, and researchers will not apply any treatments.
Growers are needed with Valencia- or Hamlin-type sweet oranges or grapefruit from around the state. The only things researchers will need from growers are locations, permission and some background information, like flooding. The researchers will handle the rest. No grower-specific information will be shared with anyone else, but overall observations will be shared with participants.
If you are willing to participate, please send an email with your name and phone number to Christopher Vincent (civince@ufl.edu).
Christopher Vincent is an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.