The Grove First project plans to expand next year and is seeking additional growers as cooperators. The project tests molecules directly in the field for their ability to treat HLB via trunk injection.
The Grove First project differs from the common practice of starting HLB research in the laboratory, then moving to the greenhouse to be confirmed before going into the grove for real-world testing.
“We are submitting a proposal for another large grant, and it will be completely grower centric,” said Randall Niedz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). Niedz is one of the leaders of the Grove First team comprised of USDA-ARS, University of Florida researchers and other partners. The project is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Growers will be involved with experiment planning and will be compensated for all expenses related to testing in their groves. More than 1,000 molecules will be screened — all in growers’ groves and with growers involved in the experiments.
Growers interested in participating in the next round of testing in 2025 should email karen@ircitrusleague.org at the Indian River Citrus League to be added to the wait list.
After the Grove First project tests for promising molecules screened directly in the field, those promising molecules go to a second-level screen by growers. This larger screen conducted by growers constitutes the validation testing.
The key component of this project is working directly with the grower. The approach saves time and money with the growers and involves experts in all phases of the project. The growers are the citriculture subject matter experts.
Ten growers are participating in the current round of experiments with seven groves currently being injected and three more groves to be injected.
Source: Indian River Citrus League
Share this Post
Sponsored Content