After significant drought in many parts of Florida, some much-needed rainfall began in May as the rainy season approaches. That seasonal transition, from a grove management perspective, is the focus of the May episode of the All In For Citrus podcast.
Michael Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, reminds growers that spring is a critical time of year to manage the fruit set occurring in groves for next season’s crop. He emphasizes the importance of proper irrigation and fertigation during mid-May as drought conditions persist, noting that grower decisions now will determine fruit set and yields for the rest of the year.
Without adequate fertilizer applications during this window, fruit will not size up properly, and fruit retention will be reduced. Frequent irrigation during the dry period is critical to help trees meet the demands of the fruit set period and avoid stress.
Sandra Guzmán, UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, offers a timely discussion on a software platform she and her team have developed called IrrigMonitor. The system helps growers determine optimal watering times to avoid both over-irrigation and under-irrigation during drought or rainy periods. The software works with tools like soil moisture sensors and weather stations that growers already have on their farms.
Guzmán said IrrigMonitor is a decision support platform designed to help growers determine whether trees need water based on combined data from soil moisture, weather forecasts and irrigation schedules. She describes the tool as a “weather app for irrigation” that provides real-time guidance for irrigation decisions.
For growers interested in learning more about IrrigMonitor, Guzmán can be contacted at sandra.guzmangut@ufl.edu.
Also in the May podcast, Fernando Alferez, UF/IFAS associate professor of citrus horticulture, shares new data from his research on the use of individual protective covers (IPCs) and brassinosteroids to protect and rejuvenate trees impacted by HLB. He also discusses new research data on citrus canker management.
Don’t miss the latest episode of All In For Citrus. The podcast is a partnership between UF/IFAS and AgNet Media.
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