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In this special series, Tom Johnson, owner of TJ BioTech, tackles questions on trunk-injection applications to treat HLB.
Q: Are there any 2024–25 early harvest reports that have come from citrus growers using ReMedium TI®?
Tom Johnson: Yes. There are several reports, but some of the numbers still need to be confirmed before they are reported. However, I can share the following anecdotal reports.
In one early variety grove of post-hurricane 6-year-old trees, the 2024–25 yield is 60% higher than in 2023–24. While it is understood that 6-year-old trees should be increasing in yield just because of the age of the trees, that has not been the norm in the last few years in the face of citrus greening. The increase in yield despite weather issues is good news indeed.
Another grower reported a yield of 320 boxes per acre post-hurricane on Hamlins harvested for fresh fruit. The grower commented that yield would likely have been 400 boxes per acre without hurricane damage. That is also great news as that yield level has been very rare in the recent years of decline from citrus greening.
Some are asking if the purity level of ReMedium TI® may be positively impacting some of these results. The data presented by Lukasz Stelinski at the recent Citrus Expo and later published in the November Citrus Industry magazine provided confirmation that ReMedium TI® injections resulted in nearly 50% more active oxytetracycline in the top leaves of the tree. That seems to be a significant indicator of the mobility difference of ReMedium TI®. Mobility of active ingredient to the top of the tree would suggest more active ingredient available to move into the phloem to treat HLB.
The industry needs some good news at this time, and these results certainly suggest that recovery is possible and underway.
Tom Johnson is the owner of TJ BioTech, the manufacturer of ReMedium TI®. If you have a question about trunk injection, please send it to citrusindustry@agnetmedia.com.
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