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News for citrus growers around the globe
A promising solution to HLB is advancing to Phase 2 field trials following research by a Central State University scientist in Ohio. Anthony Arment, a molecular biologist and professor of biology at Central State University, played a key role in early research and ongoing consultation for the project. Pop Test Oncology LLC, operating as Palisades Therapeutics, recently announced that its …
Fire ants can quickly become a serious problem for landowners, producers, large-scale operations, and more. These aggressive invaders pose risks to livestock, people, equipment, and crops, building underground colonies that can thrive and expand if left unchecked. That’s why incorporating a spring fire ant treatment plan is key to sustaining control. Rising temperatures signal a seasonal shift, and an ideal …
During the recent International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU) conference held in Brazil, IFU honored Fundecitrus for its contributions to the citrus industry. Fundecitrus is an association maintained by citrus growers and juice manufacturers from São Paulo, Brazil. The association aims to foster the sustainable development of the Brazilian citrus industry. Its mission includes developing research, disseminating knowledge and …
Walking through rows of citrus groves on a sunny April morning, University of California Riverside (UCR) Dining Services employees picked fruit off trees and loaded it into the bed of a truck. A little more than a month later, fresh ice cream made from that citrus was being served in Scoops Ice Cream Shop at UCR. The citrus came from …
During the recent Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, Steven Hall provided an update on the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) programs. Hall is executive director of the CRAFT Foundation. CRAFT programs have been very popular among growers to incentivize new plantings and build knowledge about HLB therapies like trunk injection, the use of individual protective covers, plant growth regulators …
According to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, Australia’s orange market size is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.2% between 2025 and 2034. The Australia Orange Market Forecast 2025–2034 report attributes this to the growing number of health-conscious consumers seeking nutrient-rich foods and beverages. The increasing shift toward natural and functional foods has boosted the demand …
Three University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers recently issued the document Suggested Use Pattern of Injectable Antimicrobials for Huanglongbing (HLB) Management. The authors are Ute Albrecht, associate professor of horticulture; Ozgur Batuman, associate professor of plant pathology; and Megan Dewdney, associate professor of plant pathology. The antimicrobials for Florida citrus are ReMedium TI and Rectify; …
Florida Farmer of the Year Jim Alderman recently testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging about the aging agricultural workforce and its impact on food security. “Farming isn’t just about growing crops. It’s about passing down knowledge, discipline and a way of life,” the owner of Alderman Farms in Boynton Beach said. “But that chain of succession is …
Citrus black spot (CBS) quarantines have been established for the first time in Florida’s DeSoto and Highlands counties. In addition, sections of other counties have been added to the existing CBS quarantine in Florida. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant …
A July Specialty Crop Grower magazine article explores the potential of trunk injection for fresh market citrus. While trunk injection of oxytetracycline has become a common practice in Florida citrus grown for juice, growers of fresh market varieties have expressed interest in this HLB-management tool. Therefore, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are studying trunk …
In the June All In For Citrus podcast, Michael Rogers gives an update on some of the activities keeping University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers busy this summer. Rogers is the director of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. One of their big projects is helping to coordinate the citrus seminars …
One hundred percent orange juice (OJ) fell from 67% beverage market share in 2022 to 62% in 2024, a Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) economist told the Florida Citrus Commission recently. The economist, Director of Economic and Market Research Marisa Zansler, added that orange-flavored drinks gained overall share in volume sold during the same period. The FCC is the FDOC’s …
The Oriental fruit fly quarantine in California’s Orange County has been lifted following the eradication of the invasive pest. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Orange County agricultural commissioner, announced the action. The Oriental fruit fly is known to infest more than 250 types of fruits and …
By Lamiaa Mahmoud and Manjul Dutt Utilizing tolerant rootstocks to combat HLB is a long-term management strategy that can help sustain productivity and enhance tree survival, especially when implemented alongside other HLB management approaches. Australian limes are tolerant to HLB, and their DNA can be incorporated into HLB-susceptible citrus using conventional breeding methods to enhance tolerance to HLB. Over the …
Brazil’s Fundecitrus recently released its 2025–26 Tree Inventory of the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais Citrus Belt. The report shows the estimated grove inventory as updated in March 2025. The area planted with citrus showed a slight increase compared to the previous mapping, contrary to the trend observed in recent surveys. While there was a reduction of 16,956 hectares …
Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers on June 11 maintained their April forecast for an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. CSU’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling and Software team cited above-average subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for its prediction. While the June forecast has historically exhibited higher levels of accuracy than the …
By J. Scott Angle, jangle@ufl.edu, @IFAS_VP Two and a half years ago, Riley McKenna leveled with his dad. Without a tool that made a noticeable difference in the grove soon, it might be time for dad to retire and Riley to seek a new career. So why was he spending an April day with me and his cousin Morgan McKenna …
Brown garden snails (Cornu aspersum) can reach incredible population densities in California citrus orchards if left unmanaged. More than 1,000 snails per tree have been documented in some cases, according to Mark Hoddle, University of California, Riverside biological control specialist. To help growers deal with this problem, Hoddle recently participated in a Citrus Research Board webinar. He presented information on …
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) board of directors held its June meeting at the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs. “Congratulations to Florida Citrus Mutual for putting on another outstanding industry conference,” said Rick Dantzler, CRDF chief operating officer. “Several growers who attended told me they got an awful lot out of the meeting.” Dantzler said …
Fundecitrus researcher Marcelo Miranda recently discussed the effectiveness of insecticides in combating greening-spreading Asian citrus psyllids in Brazil. He presented a lecture at the 50th Expocitrus/46th Citrus Week at the Sylvio Moreira Citrus Center in São Paulo. The information Miranda shared focused on the Citrus Belt of São Paulo and expansion areas. The researcher shared updated results of studies conducted …
