University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researcher Fernando Alferez recently visited Brazil’s Fundecitrus, as well as orchards and experiments in Brazil’s citrus region. Alferez, an associate professor of horticulture at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, was accompanied by researchers from Fundecitrus and Embrapa Cassava & Fruits.
The project coordinator of Florida’s Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Jim Graham, also participated in the visit. Since 2009, CRDF has funded research aimed primarily at HLB. Graham is a UF/IFAS professor emeritus.
Alferez stands out for his work in improving horticultural practices to combat HLB, also known as citrus greening. His studies focus on the use of individual protective covers and brassinosteroids, a type of plant growth regulator. Alferez said collaboration between Brazil and the United States is very important for generating knowledge about HLB management.
“We are talking about a disease that is very complex,” he said. “I was really very impressed with what is being done here in Brazil. Brazilian researchers and industry are doing very important work to control the disease.”
Fundecitrus researcher Franklin Behlau also discussed the partnerships between countries in the search for an efficient and sustainable solution to HLB.
“It was a very important visit for strengthening this historic partnership between Fundecitrus and the University of Florida,” Behlau said. “We collaborate with several researchers, and this is very important for the advancement of research and new studies. Our greening and psyllid management has been an international reference, and this reinforces the quality of the work that has been carried out by Brazilian citrus growers.”
Alferez also participated in a seminar aimed at students specializing in citrus plant health. He presented the results of his studies on the use of brassinosteroids for citrus greening mitigation.
Source: Fundecitrus
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