Climate change is a key reason that citrus production has progressed in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama, the area known as the cold-hardy citrus region. As more varieties, other than satsuma mandarins, continue to be planted in the area, warmer temperatures are needed for trees to flourish.
Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, spoke about climate change during the recent Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day in Quincy.
“The big question is matching varieties to a changing climate. There are a handful of varieties that are well adapted, satsuma being the prime one. Grapefruit is well adapted to warmer climates,” Schumann said. “As the climate changes here, you have an opportunity to grow those. It’s already happening. People are testing different varieties now that traditionally wouldn’t be possible to grow here.”
Citrus production in the Southeast has increased due to warmer temperatures in recent years. This is reflected in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map that was released in November 2023. The updated hardiness zones show a region that is more conducive to growing crops than it has been in prior years. The concern over colder temperatures has dissipated due to global warming.
There is one caveat to growing citrus in a warmer region. Producers must be ready to combat increased disease pressure. Schumann said as the climate changes to warmer, more humid weather in the cold-hardy citrus region, this will bring more disease to trees.
For example, citrus greening disease is well adapted to warmer climates. Disease pressure will continue to increase, the warmer it gets and the more trees that are planted, Schumann warned.
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