By Jamie Burrow and Tripti Vashisth
If you haven’t had a chance yet, take a few minutes to explore the new 2026 University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Variety Guide. You’ll find it beginning on page 21 of the April 2026 issue of the UF/IFAS Citrus Magazine.
WHAT IT INCLUDES
This guide is designed to provide Florida growers with a clear snapshot of the latest citrus options from the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center breeding program. The program has continued to adapt to challenges such as HLB, emphasizing the development of varieties that support profitable production systems.
The guide highlights recently released scion and rootstock varieties, offering growers a chance to evaluate new selections that may fit their production goals. These releases are the result of decades of research focused on improving yield potential, fruit quality and overall grove performance under Florida conditions. What makes this resource especially valuable right now is its focus on long-term sustainability.
HOW IT CAN HELP
- Identify varieties that align with your planting goals (fresh market vs. processing).
- Compare scion and rootstock combinations being tested in current field trials.
- Use the guide as a starting point for conversations with Extension agents or nursery partners.
- Consider small-scale plantings to evaluate performance under your grove conditions.
With more than 50 cultivars released in recent years and additional selections under evaluation, growers have more choices than ever before.
Staying informed about new varieties is one of the best ways to position your operation for future success. The information is already in your hands — now is the time to put it to work.
Jamie D. Burrow is Extension program manager, and Tripti Vashisth is associate center director and associate professor, both at the UF/IFAS CREC in Lake Alfred.
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