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Florida citrus growers hoping to expedite the recovery process for trees impacted by the late January/early February freeze event should pump the brakes and wait — at least until spring. That advice is from Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He shared tree recovery recommendations with growers during a recent postfreeze webinar hosted by the UF/IFAS Citrus Team.
FERTILIZERS AND BIOSTIMULANTS
Producers looking to make fertilizer applications should hold off until trees show new growth. Fertilizer rates will depend on the degree of damage, but in general, they should be lower postfreeze. Lower rates and split applications are the best management strategies.
Biostimulants like humic acid, seaweed extract, fulvic acid and silicon are also beneficial to the improvement of cell repair.
“With the use of biostimulants, we have tried humic acid and seaweed extract, and they are very effective in recovery,” Shahid said.
PEST PROTECTION
Further protection of the tree is vital to a quicker and longer-term recovery. There is an added threat of aphids, whiteflies and leaf minor attack with a tree’s new growth. Fungicide applications should be planned.
Shahid also stressed that removal of all fruit from freeze-damaged trees will add to a quicker recovery.
REDUCE IRRIGATION
Proper water management is essential for citrus growers, especially since all of Florida is observing varying degrees of drought. Growers should reduce irrigation after freeze damage. Too much water in the root zone can lead to nutrients moving away from plants. Growers should not cut off the water supply completely, though.
WAIT TO PRUNE
Producers should adopt a “wait and see” approach with respect to pruning. Avoid premature pruning immediately after a freeze. Do not prune green leafless branches.
“Pruning is a common question that growers are asking. At this stage, it’s not the right time to prune,” Shahid advised.