By Ruth Borger
Keeping up with the latest news and research findings that impact how growers can successfully produce citrus in the HLB era can be an overwhelming task. Tracking down the right information at the right time for the changing conditions that face citrus growers takes time, effort and persistence. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension citrus agents are offering a one-day, one-stop opportunity on April 4 to learn in-depth information about horticultural management of HLB, citrus pest management and growers’ thoughts on citrus rootstock and scion combinations. The program takes place at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida.
Growers can learn the latest tips and techniques directly from UF/IFAS researchers at the 2023 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. While this year’s program will again be held at South Florida State College in Avon Park, the meeting site at the college has changed to the University Center Auditorium. The program starts at 8:00 a.m. with registration and continues to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided, but registration is required.
Pest management topics will include nematode management in young groves and newly developed and conventional chemical strategies for psyllid suppression. The citrus horticulture session will include trunk injection updates, how individual protective covers and brassinosteroids prolong health and improve fruit yield and quality in newly planted trees, and an update on gibberellic acid studies currently underway. The afternoon session will feature a presentation on trends in citrus scion and rootstock propagations and a grower panel on observations of citrus rootstock and scion combinations and their performance.
The program will also include brief updates from Michael Rogers, director of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, and Rick Dantzler, chief operating officer of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for holders of restricted-use pesticide (RUP) licenses and for certified crop advisers. RUP CEUs have been requested in the following categories: private applicator, agricultural tree crop, and demonstration and research.
Growers may register online here, or by emailing or calling Joy Spencer at j.spencer@ufl.edu or 863-519-1041.
Ruth Borger is a communications specialist at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
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