Organic citrus growing presents unique hurdles in Florida, Texas and other southern states. Poor soil quality, nutrient deficiencies and a limited range of pest control options plague organic production.
But the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ (UF/IFAS) Davie Kadyampakeni is poised to transform the future of organic citrus growing. He aims to do that with a project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative.
“Our long-term goal is to improve organic citrus production and sustainability through enhanced soil health, horticultural and pest management practices,” Kadyampakeni said. “And ultimately, this should improve fruit yield.”
Kadyampakeni is an associate professor of citrus water and nutrient management at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. His team includes UF/IFAS colleagues at the North Florida and Southwest Florida Research and Education Centers. They also have a partner at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
COVER CROPS
One component of the research is the use of cover crops, which can dramatically improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, suppressing weeds and boosting microbial diversity.
“Cover crops not only help minimize or eliminate the need for synthetic herbicides, but they also foster an agroecology that naturally manages pests and diseases,” Kadyampakeni said.
The team will explore different combinations of cover crops and organic soil amendments like compost and biochar.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS
Conventional citrus farmers have a range of pest control options for the HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), but organic growers are often limited. A possible solution is integrating biological controls, such as cover crops, which promote natural predators like ladybeetles and lacewings.
“Our aim is to use nature itself to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and create a sustainable ecosystem where beneficial insects thrive,” Kadyampakeni said.
Another bio-defense option is the parasitoid wasp (Tamarixia radiata), a natural enemy of the ACP. The researchers will test how cover crops and soil amendments can support the establishment of these beneficial predators.
WORKING WITH GROWERS
“We’ve been working closely with organic citrus growers in Florida and Texas to understand their specific needs and challenges,” Kadyampakeni reported. “They have expressed strong support for the project.”
The study will include on-farm experiments planned across multiple states. The team will also conduct workshops and field days.
“Our research should show that healthier soils, better pest management and innovative practices can significantly increase organic fruit yields, making the industry more resilient to climate change and environmental challenges,” Kadyampakeni said. “This project isn’t just about improving citrus production. It’s about creating a sustainable future for organic farming, where both the environment and farmers can thrive.”
The nearly $2 million federal grant that supports the project will run for the next four years.
Source: UF/IFAS
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