By Michael E. Rogers
The 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo took place Aug. 20–21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The event brought growers, researchers and industry professionals together for two full days of education and discussion. This year’s program featured what may have been a record number of University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) presentations, with 21 faculty members delivering updates during the citrus educational sessions.
The first day’s session began with a presentation on citrus under protective screen (CUPS). Adoption of CUPS continues to expand in Florida, with more than 1,500 acres now established statewide. Arnold Schumann shared results from the Citrus Research and Education Center CUPS trial, where red grapefruit has averaged 1,100 boxes per acre over the past eight years. This is clear evidence of the productivity that can be achieved by CUPS. He also introduced CUPSchat, a new AI-based tool that allows growers to ask specific questions and receive responses generated from years of CUPS research data.
The program then turned to a series of biotechnology presentations. Researchers explained how a deeper understanding of how HLB harms citrus trees is guiding new strategies for developing HLB-tolerant citrus varieties. Speakers emphasized that while the science has been years in the making, it is now coming together to provide a clear pathway forward.
Presentations covered key gene targets such as NPR1, the creation of transgenic and gene-edited varieties, and the use of citrus tristeza virus as a delivery tool for therapeutics. Nian Wang highlighted progress in developing gene-edited Hamlin and Valencia selections that are now EPA-approved and are being scaled up in nurseries to move into large-scale field trials to include grower cooperators. Researchers also shared progress on using RNAi to manage diaprepes root weevil through rootstocks and soil-applied products, underscoring the UF/IFAS commitment to continue to tackle challenges beyond HLB.
Day two of the citrus sessions focused on tools and practices growers can apply now. Presentations included the latest on plant growth regulators (PGRs), brassinosteroids and individual protective covers. Four separate talks addressed oxytetracycline (OTC) trunk injection, covering field trial results, differences in varietal response, adoption rates and the development of automated injection systems. Speakers noted that while many growers are adopting OTC injections, more grower input is needed to accurately assess profitability and long-term economic impact.
Other talks emphasized strategies to improve the health and yield of HLB-affected trees by combining OTC treatments with irrigation, nutrition and PGRs. Data also showed how PGR applications can reduce fruit drop following hurricanes.
The final afternoon session covered a wide range of practical management topics. Presenters discussed management of psyllids and other pests, greasy spot/rind blotch, crop insurance considerations, freeze protection using silicon, soil health improvement methods and optimizing nutrient applications to improve the health and yield of HLB-diseased trees.
For those who couldn’t attend the Expo or want a refresher, presentations are available online here.
Michael Rogers is director of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
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