The prolonged drought in the Southeast could negatively impact citrus trees if growers are not applying the right amount and frequency of irrigation.
Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, shared that message following the April 2 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor map for the Southeast. The map shows exceptional drought conditions worsening and expanding across the cold-hardy citrus region of South Georgia and North Florida.
“It will definitely have an impact if we get too much drought. If the trees get too dry, we could see some flower abscissions if the drought continues through fruit set,” Sutton said. “It’s very important to use irrigation right now. For now, we’re suggesting irrigation as needed. Everybody’s got such different varieties, tree ages and soil types that we can’t really give a blanket recommendation. Just keep an eye on it. At the very least, irrigate at least once a week. But usually if you start seeing the leaves curl, you know they’re feeling the drought and would really appreciate some water.”
Since last August, rainfall has been in short supply. As a result, drought conditions have worsened steadily in recent months.
Exceptional drought conditions start in the Florida Panhandle in Jackson and Calhoun counties, expand eastward to Baker and Union counties and as far south as Dixie and Gilchrist counties. Further south, Florida’s traditional citrus-growing counties are under extreme drought conditions.
Exceptional drought in South Georgia starts in Seminole and Decatur counties in the southwest corner of the state, expands eastward to Ware and Bacon counties and northward to Coffee and Telfair counties. Extreme drought conditions expand into Central Georgia.
Sutton said how much irrigation and how frequently it is applied varies depending upon the age of the trees.
“A 5-year-old tree is going to need a lot more water than a newly planted tree. But at the same time, a newly planted tree is probably going to need that water more frequently because it’s got much smaller root systems,” Sutton explained. “It won’t be able to take all the water up if you do one giant application.”
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