CUPS Performance Continues to Shine

Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) performance in Florida got a big thumbs up from researcher Arnold Schumann in a virtual presentation on Aug. 7. Schumann, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor, reported on findings from his research at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) as well as commercial CUPS in Florida.

Schumann’s summary of CUPS performance included the following points:

• Yield, fruit size and packout are primary contributors of high net revenue while rind defects significantly impacted marketability.
• CUPS prevents HLB, canker and hurricane damage to citrus.
• CUPS is a profitable method for growing citrus for the fresh market.
• CUPS fruit quality is similar to pre-HLB Florida fruit.
• CUPS trees produce earlier and higher yields than conventional citrus groves.
• CUPS saves input resources and costs by growing trees faster.
• The internal rate of return for CREC CUPS is estimated at 9% to 16% over 10 years.
• HLB incidence in the CREC CUPS was less than 2% after 10 years.

Schumann reported that a January 2022 commercial harvest of the CREC CUPS’ Ray Ruby grapefruit yielded a 98% packout. Net return per field box in that harvest was $24. Schumann added that 85.5% of the Ruby Red fruit was in the desirable 40/36/32/27 size classes. Over 10 years, the CREC CUPS Ruby Reds produced 9,308 boxes per acre, he added.

While Schumann’s presentation focused on grapefruit, he noted that other varieties are also grown in CUPS. This includes Valencia, Murcott, Dancy, Early Pride, Temple, Mineola and Sugar Belle. He said that the yields of Valencias — the most prevalent citrus in Florida — are not expected to reach those of grapefruit. However, he pointed out that Valencia is a versatile variety producing high-quality juice and fresh fruit.

Schumann’s presentation was titled Breaking the HLB Cycle: CUPS as a Practical Solution for Sustainable Citrus Production. Southwest Florida multi-county citrus Extension agent Mongi Zekri hosted the presentation.