The Florida Citrus State of the Industry Survey seeks input from growers on key issues affecting their groves. While not a scientific survey, it has reflected general trends over the years. This year’s survey asked growers to weigh in on major events like the impact of Hurricane Milton and the performance of trunk-injection therapies.
HURRICANE MILTON
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. Its path took it over some key citrus-production regions. The effects of the storm were widespread high winds, flooding rain and large tornadoes. While the general consensus is that Hurricane Ian’s impact in 2022 was more damaging, Milton will still have large impacts on the state’s citrus sector and hamper efforts to rehabilitate trees with HLB.
TRUNK-INJECTION THERAPY
The introduction of trunk-injection therapies to treat HLB-infected trees has been called the biggest breakthrough in the two-decade long fight against the disease. In last year’s survey, 84% of growers indicated they had applied oxytetracycline (OTC) to their trees. While growers would have liked to have seen a more dramatic improvement in yields and quality, a strong majority agree the treatments are having a positive impact on tree health.
PLANTING INTENTIONS
While current planting rates have slowed significantly due to HLB, most growers responding to the survey indicated they are replanting trees. Next month, Citrus Industry will share survey results on the most popular varieties and rootstocks growers are selecting when replanting trees. In addition, results on participation in the Citrus Research and Field Trial program will be shared.
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