Growers Can Stay Productive in the Face of HLB

Despite declaring there will be no silver bullet for HLB, Ozgur Batuman in a Jan. 21 virtual seminar said growers using integrated pest management (IPM) tools “can stay productive.” However, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences associate professor also warned that producing citrus juice in Florida “will not be easy or cheap.” Oranges are by far the largest citrus variety grown in Florida, and the vast majority are used to produce orange juice.

Batuman focused on three IPM tools to keep trees productive: individual protective covers (IPCs), oxytetracycline (OTC) and regional HLB management.

IPCs

IPCs, used throughout Florida in recent years, are “an excellent tool for protecting trees” but are costly and labor intensive, Batuman stated. They are effective for excluding HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllids from trees.

Batuman reported that IPCs can be used for two to three years, depending on the cultivar, and prevent HLB infection in young trees for up to three years.

Depending on the tree’s variety and rootstock, IPCs may also reduce citrus canker, greasy spot, shoot dieback and sooty mold.

Read more on how IPCs can be combined with brassinosteroids to prolong tree health.

OTC TRUNK INJECTION

OTC, also used heavily in Florida groves in recent years, provides several benefits in the face of HLB. Batuman cited the advantages:

• Decreases bacterial titer
• Improves overall tree health
• Increases fruit yield, size and internal quality
• Reduces premature fruit drop

Challenges that Batuman cited in using OTC include:

• Labor intensive
• Cost of product and equipment
• Can be phytotoxic
• Possibility of resistance development
• Prone to biodegradation

Batuman said injecting freshly prepared OTC ensures the product maintains its full antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about OTC use here. 

REGIONAL IPM

Batuman declared “a regional IPM approach is the best path until HLB-resistant varieties are developed.” He reinforced that a regional approach to HLB “is a better option than fighting alone.”