Researcher Arnold Schumann recently discussed much about citrus under protective screen (CUPS), including the ‘sweet spot’ size for a structure, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool for gathering information, and pest spraying tips. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor has learned much from a CUPS facility he initiated in 2014 and from commercial CUPS growers.
THE SWEET SPOT
Schumann reported that the per-acre cost of building a CUPS structure is less when it is a larger, more square-shaped facility rather than a smaller, rectangular structure. He described 10 acres as the sweet spot for a CUPS facility size based on construction costs.
Schumann posed the question: Is it more economical to build one large 38-acre CUPS facility or to instead break the 38 acres into four 9.5-acre structures? He answered by reporting that a single 38-acre structure has a construction cost of $35,297 per acre, while four square CUPS of 9.5 acres each cost $36,841 per acre. While that information would seem to favor building one large structure, he added: “There are cost-benefit factors to consider. The more expensive four individual CUPS can be better managed for pests and diseases, storm damage can be isolated, pest invasion quarantined, and cross-pollination prevented.”
CUPSchat
Schumann told about CUPSchat, found online at citrusdiagnosis.ifas.ufl.edu/CUPSchat/. He described CUPSchat as “a CUPS-specific AI tool that can help growers, Extension agents and researchers obtain instant answers and reports from 11 years of CUPS knowledge.”
The CUPSchat site states: “Ask anything about CUPS,” followed by a space for typing in a question. As an example, Schumann asked CUPSchat, “What is the breakeven for CUPS in years?” CUPSchat answered, “The breakeven point for CUPS is around seven to eight years.”
Schumann reported that 95% to 99% of the CUPSchat answers are correct but suggested that users verify the answers for what he called “mission-critical questions.”
EFFECTIVE PEST SPRAYING
At approximately 360 trees per acre, CUPS planting densities are higher than in conventional groves. “The closely spaced tree rows make it difficult to target tree tops with airblast sprayers,” Schumann stated, noting that treetops can be refuges for HLB-spreading psyllids and other pests.
Schumann suggested that a CUPS facility be sprayed within one day. He added that slower sprayer travel speeds improve spray coverage.
Schumann’s Aug. 7 virtual presentation, “Breaking the HLB Cycle: CUPS as a Practical Solution for Sustainable Citrus Production,” also included details on the positive performance of CUPS. Mongi Zekri, UF/IFAS Southwest Florida multi-county citrus Extension agent, hosted the presentation.
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