UF/IFAS Hosts Citrus Packinghouse Day

The 64th annual Citrus Packinghouse Day was held in early September at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.

The event drew fresh fruit growers and packers from various parts of Florida. Presentations were given on shipping regulations, new varieties and citrus under protective screen (CUPS).

Fresh fruit, especially grapefruit, has been particularly hard hit by HLB. That has driven the popularity of CUPS. John Chater, UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences, provided some data on CUPS.

CUPS ORANGE QUALITY

The data show that CUPS can substantially improve fruit quality. From 252 samples of non-CUPS Valencia, Brix averaged 9.2, 0.81% titratable acidity (TA) and 11.4 ratio. In 55 samples of non-CUPS Hamlin 1-4-1, Brix averaged 8.6, 0.67% TA and 12.8 ratio. Chater said the pounds solids per box for both Valencia and Hamlin were dismal.

In five samples of CUPS Valencia, the Brix averaged 13.9, 0.63% TA, 22.0 ratio and 7.2 pounds solids per box. In three samples of CUPS Hamlin (late harvest), Brix averaged 14, 0.41% TA, 34.2 ratio and 6.8 pounds solids per box.

It is estimated that more than 1,500 acres of CUPS are now in Florida with more in development. A significant portion of this acreage is grapefruit.

AWARD WINNERS

The John T. Lesley Award was also presented during the meeting. The honor is presented to recognize outstanding leadership and service to Florida’s fresh fruit sector. This year, there were two recipients of the award.

Bob Egan of DNE World Fruit was recognized for his efforts to develop new markets for grapefruit in Asia. He grew the Japanese market starting in the 1970s and led the way to open the market in Taiwan, which grew to more than 2 million cartons by the mid-1980s.

The second award recipient was JJ Gilet, also with DNE. Born in Paris, his knowledge was instrumental in helping the company expand its markets in Europe. He also helped develop markets in the Middle East and Caribbean.

While grapefruit exports have dropped sharply due to HLB, both award recipients were instrumental in developing the overseas markets during the export glory days.