There has been high interest in the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation programs recently as a new cycle of applications has been bolstered by record funding of more than $100 million from the Florida Legislature.
This includes the introduction of a new CRAFT program called the Emerging Varieties Program. It will provide citrus growers with a $40 per tree payment to plant selected unreleased or recently released varieties on the CRAFT eligible list. These varieties must be planted by June 30, 2027. This program requires an 8-year commitment to supply annual harvest data.
John Chater, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of horticultural sciences, joined the August episode of the All In For Citrus podcast to discuss the varieties on the eligible list. Among the varieties are several that have gained attention in recent years due to their tolerance to HLB.
The varieties included in the CRAFT Emerging Varieties Program are:
- Parson Brown
- Carney 2
- Carney 3
- Roble
- Donaldson
- Lennon Early R20-T30 (Parson Brown)
- Lennon Early R21-T36 (Hamlin)
- Hamlin N14-10
- Sweet Orange UF OLL-DC-3-36
- Sweet Orange UF OLL-DC-3-40
- CarriCea T1 or other Soilcea rootstock
Chater provides details on attributes of the varieties. He also shares updates on ongoing trials and breeding efforts, highlighting the potential of new bud lines and rootstocks and their yield metrics. The discussion concludes with insights into tree inoculation techniques and the development of new varieties through somaclonal technology.
Listen to the August episode of All In For Citrus to learn more. The podcast is a partnership between UF/IFAS and AgNet Media.
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