Cold-hardy citrus in the Southeast endured sub-freezing temperatures in mid-December, the second major freeze to impact the region this season.
Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed how this freeze impacted citrus trees and fruit in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama.
“We’re seeing some damage on younger trees that were probably planted this year or last year, but the mature trees are fine,” Sutton said. “On some of the trees that had fruit on them, it does look like some of that fruit might have frozen and then defrosted. We might see some quality issues going forward, but I think for the most part, everybody already had the fruit off the trees. I think, all in all, we came through okay.”
Low temperatures reached the mid-20s on Dec. 15–16 in cities throughout South Georgia. According to the UGA Weather Network, low temperatures in Moultrie reached 27 degrees on Dec. 15 and 25 degrees on Dec. 16. Low temperatures dropped to 26 degrees in Tifton on Dec. 15 and to 24 degrees on Dec. 16.
Younger trees are naturally more susceptible to sub-freezing temperatures and are more vulnerable to negative impacts.
“They’re smaller,” said Sutton. “They just have a lot less natural insulation, whereas the larger trees have canopies that help protect them. Their wood is much thicker so it can withstand cold temperatures a bit better. Some of the younger trees have trunks that are barely two inches thick, which don’t take as long to freeze.”
Freeze protection via irrigation remains the best line of defense for citrus producers. Sutton is planning to research other freeze-protection options for growers.
“The tree T-PEEs protect the trunks, and I know a lot of growers are trying out the Tree Defenders, which are the individual protective covers that they use in Florida for psyllid exclusion,” Sutton noted. “We haven’t officially tested those yet, but I know everyone is hoping those can add a little extra insulation. I’m hoping between this year and next winter we can get a full-fledged study going to test how well they work for the young trees.”
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