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The executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association recently reminded fellow growers of the importance of reporting their citrus acreage to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Accurate acreage reporting is more than a box to check. It’s a powerful tool that directly impacts our ability to receive support, shape policy and respond to challenges,” Lindy …
Not surprisingly, the focus of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) centers on providing growers with help to overcome huanglongbing (HLB) disease. CRDF President Morgan McKenna Porter believes that help will best come with the development of the “tree of the future.” She says that tree does not have to be completely resistant to citrus greening. As long as …
Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade (MOT) temporarily banned lemon exports April 8 because of a predicted weather-induced shortage but lifted the ban days later following negative reactions from lemon producers and exporters. The MOT imposed the ban in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry following a cold snap that caused frost damage across several areas of the country. According …
Researchers with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) recently visited Brazil to discuss cooperative efforts with Fundecitrus to develop greening-resistant orange trees. The CIRAD researchers were Raphaël Morillon and Bárbara Hufnagel. CIRAD is an agronomic research and international cooperation organization for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions. CIRAD maintains a large citrus genomic database on …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Associate Professor Xavier Martini recently wrote an article In the Cold Hardy Citrus Connection about management of mites for fresh market citrus. Martini is an entomologist at the North Florida Research and Education Center. An edited version of his article follows. Two types of mites mainly affect citrus production in …
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation recently provided an update about its programs: EXPEDITED PROPAGATION The supplemental Program for Expedited Propagation application period closed April 30. Contracts should be issued to the selected projects in May. EXISTING TREE THERAPY The CRAFT board of directors approved amendments to all Existing Tree Therapy (ETT) Round 1, 2 and 3 contracts …
The current dry period in the Southeast can negatively impact the region’s citrus groves. Trees in the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama need water, especially ahead of the next harvest season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed why water is so important this time of year. “Water …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in April made several changes to Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantines in Texas. This includes: SULLIVAN CITY The Sullivan City quarantine was expanded by 24 square miles to 79 square miles following detection March 12 of Mexfly larvae in sour orange …
By Lauren Diepenbrock Snail management is becoming a more common discussion in Florida citrus with the arrival of a newer species in the Southeast. The snail of concern is Bulimulus bonariensis, previously referred to as Bulimulus sporadicus (Figure 1). Over the past three years, the first emergence of newly hatched snails was noted in late April through early May. The …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), the most comprehensive agriculture-focused legislation in the state’s history. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Danny Alvarez, the legislation was passed with strong support from both chambers, delivering sweeping reforms that protect farmland from development, invest in agricultural …
Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) Chairman Steve Johnson recently wrote about Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) and state legislative efforts to help rejuvenate the Florida citrus industry. Johnson described the efforts in a column titled “The Four Rs of Florida Citrus Right Now: Reset. Replant. Renew. Renaissance.” FDOC INITIATIVES Johnson listed the following efforts by the FDOC: WORKING WITH THE LEGISLATURE …
By Lauren Diepenbrock and Nicole Quinn In recent years, a new pest has been added to the ever-evolving scope of pest management in Florida citrus: Bulimulus bonariensis snails. These snails, also referred to as ghost snails or peanut snails, were reported to be clogging irrigation jets in Central Florida in 2020 in limited locations. Now, in 2025, they have spread …
A new pictorial guide can help California growers differentiate between the damages caused by the same pest on different citrus varieties. Comparing the Fruit Rind Scarring That Three Early-Season Pests Cause in Mandarin Species and Sweet Orange was published by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Early-season insect pests — such as katydids, earwigs and citrus thrips — feeding …
Research by the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences aimed at protecting the Florida scrub has spurred a related study of microbes found in the soil of former citrus groves. The citrus research is led by Joshua Fowler, a postdoctoral research associate. The sandy, well-drained soils of the Florida scrub, which support many native plants, also provide ideal …
Tripti Vashisth, associate professor of horticultural sciences with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has been studying the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to improve citrus tree health and fruit retention for several years now. Her work has culminated into a systems approach of when to use a particular PGR at a certain time …
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 9. Access the …
By Alissa Hevesh Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. A minimum score of 70% is required to receive credit. Pesticides are regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of the …
By Peter Chairs The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ (UF/IFAS) commitment to the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) in production agriculture is fueling conversations throughout the citrus industry. For most of us, AI was not even on our radar a few years ago. Today, commercial and nursery growers are excited about the development of …
The 2025 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute had a different setup compared to previous years. Scientists from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) convened at South Florida State College in Avon Park on April 8 to share research that will help shape the future of the Florida citrus industry. Chris Oswalt, UF/IFAS citrus Extension agent who …
A research team led by Jian Ye from the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to HLB. Results of the study were published in Science. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), the team has also developed antimicrobial peptides that offer a promising therapeutic approach to combat the disease. This discovery addresses …
