Photo by T. Weeks, UF/IFAS
By Jamie D. Burrow and Tripti Vashisth
Florida citrus production continues to change, and staying up to date is vital. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo seminars are an opportunity for growers to hear the latest updates from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers. A mix of panel discussions and presentations is scheduled to provide a variety of learning opportunities. In addition, continuing education units (CEUs) are being offered.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
New Varieties Panel Discussion (10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)
Join a live discussion about the latest citrus varieties being developed by UF/IFAS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn what researchers are observing in the grove and how they are assisting growers with variety selection.
Optimizing Oxytetracycline (OTC) Performance Panel Discussion (2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.)
Hear from researchers about the latest findings on OTC performance. Growers will share tips on optimizing OTC injections in groves.
Improving Tree Health (3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.)
From above ground to below ground, researchers will provide updates on pest management tools, soil microbes, soil amendments and the use of artificial intelligence to improve tree health.
THURSDAY, AUG. 13
Fresh Fruit Update (8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.)
Growing citrus for the fresh market can be done conventionally in the field or in citrus under protective screen (CUPS). Presenters will provide updates on microclimates, pests and diseases that affect fresh fruit operations.
Horticultural Tools to Improve Tree Health (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Healthy citrus trees lead to better production. UF/IFAS horticulturists will discuss best management practices, plant growth regulators and freeze management strategies. A progress update on distinct management practices for selected grapefruit varieties at the UF/IFAS Millennium block trials will be provided.
CEU DETAILS
Both Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) CEUs will be available.
Panel discussions are approved for 0.5 RUP CEU, while presentation sessions offer 1 RUP CEU. One CCA CEU will be available for each of the sessions described above.
These seminars will provide an opportunity to get up to date while earning CEUs. If you are looking for a new pesticide license or need to renew it, visit the UF/IFAS Statewide Citrus Research and Extension website for more information.
The sessions are designed with growers in mind and will provide both research and management updates. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest from the UF/IFAS Citrus Team while earning CEUs. Preregister for the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo here.
Jamie D. Burrow is Extension program manager, and Tripti Vashisth is associate center director and professor, both at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The authors thank all the Expo speakers for providing their presentation summaries.
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