Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) chief operating officer, believes there is a future for Florida’s citrus industry. His optimistic outlook is based on approaches that researchers have implemented to help growers survive in the short term, such as oxytetracycline (OTC) trunk injection, and work toward the development of an HLB-resistant tree.
Dantzler shared that hope during the Georgia Citrus Association’s recent annual meeting in Tifton.
“I know everybody’s experience with injecting OTC has not been the same, but we know the therapy works. We had some field trial results come in that are really significant. I believe we have a therapy that is going to begin growing enough fruit and fruit that is good enough quality to allow us to survive for the next few years,” Dantzler said. “By then, I’m convinced we’ll have the tree of the future. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be in the hands of growers yet, but we’ll know if we have it. We may know about it in the next few months. I think we’re going to see data in the next few months that are going to cause growers to have some real hope.”
OTC helps alleviate symptoms caused by HLB. This treatment is widely applied and crucial for preventing premature fruit drop and sustaining the Florida citrus industry. Dantzler believes this temporary solution will bridge the citrus industry until the HLB-resistant tree of the future arrives.
“The oxytetracycline therapy is going to buy us another few years, but sooner or later that bacterium is going to become resistant to OTC, so we’re going to have to have something to take its place. I hope it’s going to be a resistant tree,” Dantzler said. “We know we have some more tolerant varieties now, but sooner or later the disease is probably going to cause those to succumb. My goal is a resistant tree.”
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