 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
A new greenhouse in Corsica, known as ARCHE, is part of an effort to safeguard one of the world’s largest citrus collections in the face of increasing disease and climate threats. The Citrus Biological Resource Centre (Citrus BRC) inaugurated the 1,100-square meter insect-proof facility on Dec. 5. The facility will soon house hundreds of citrus varieties from the Citrus BRC, …
The annual Citrus State of the Industry Survey is back, and Part 1 of the results are in. The citrus section of the January issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine shares what growers have reported on this season’s grove conditions. The report includes information on crop quality, expected yield and oxytetracycline use. Readers can scan the QR code in the …
Mexico has agreed to meet the current water obligations of American farmers and ranchers and to repay the water deficit in Texas as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that the agreement extends to the current cycle and the previous cycle’s water deficit. “Farmers across South Texas have been reeling from the uncertainty caused …
Several Fundecitrus researchers recently made presentations at the Brazilian Workshop on Plant Disease Epidemiology, held in Pirenópolis, Goiás. The scientists discussed studies on disease epidemics affecting agricultural crops and management strategies. CITRUS FLOWER ROT FORECASTING Geraldo Silva Junior addressed the citrus flower rot forecasting system — developed in partnership with Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture University of São Paulo(ESALQ/USP) …
The new Citrus Plant Protection Guide 2025-26 from Australia’s New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is available online. The seventh edition of the guide provides up-to-date information on all aspects of managing pests and diseases in citrus orchards and includes updates on NSW DPIRD projects. Some of the projects are funded by Hort Innovation …
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program partners with farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations. Landowners can learn more about the program and submit applications here through Jan. 23, …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently filed comments with federal agencies supporting continued access to the triazine herbicides simazine and atrazine for citrus and other specialty crops. The comments were submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Environmental Protection Agency regarding FWS’ draft Biological Opinion (BiOp) for Atrazine and Simazine Herbicides. FFVA submitted the comments …
Larry Duncan, professor of nematology with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), recently presented his research regarding the management of sting nematodes and diaprepes root weevils. The presentation was part of an ongoing series of Zoom meetings organized by Mongi Zekri, UF//IFAS citrus Extension agent. STING NEMATODE Sting nematode is an important pest, especially in …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity. “Protecting and improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future success of American farmers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture …
A study in Pakistan shows essential oil from sweet orange peels has possible applications in food preservation and oncology. The study authors are Mahnoor Syed, Saeeda Fatima and Muhammad Bilal Sadiq with Forman Christian College and Moazzam Ali and Khadija Rashid with the University of the Punjab. The research expands the horizons of the way waste materials in the food industry are perceived. Citrus …
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette There are Christmas memories that sparkle like tinsel and some that glow warm and steady, the way sunlight filters through a grove just after dawn. For many Florida families — mine included — Christmas has always smelled faintly of citrus and tasted of oranges fresh from the tree. Before the gifts were fancy and the stockings …
By Taylor O’Bannon, William Mitchell, Morgan Madison, Stephanie Brown, Keith Schneider and Michelle Danyluk The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Produce Safety Extension Team compiled a wish list of food-safety items for citrus growers to prepare for the new year. Some of these items are must-haves straight from the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety …
The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) on Dec. 17 heard about the continued declining sales of fresh Florida citrus and orange juice (OJ). Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), presented the sales reports. The FCC serves as the governing board for the FDOC, which is tasked with marketing, research and regulation of …
Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a series honoring Ben Albritton, the 2025 Citrus Achievement Award winner. This year’s Citrus Achievement Award winner, Ben Albritton, is excited about the future prospects of agriculture in Florida. As Florida Senate President, he’s ready to take the industry’s priorities to Tallahassee for next year’s legislative session. HEALTHY CHOICES Albritton says that …
Florida Citrus Mutual recently hosted a grower information meeting and lunch at Kenny Sanders barn and grove in Zolfo Springs on Dec. 10. Matt Joyner, Mutual’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, welcomed attendees and provided some updates on several key issues. Joyner said one of the most common questions he has been getting lately from growers is: What’s …
By Robin Loftin In 2023, when the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was forced to leave the Lee Civic Center and Fort Myers, AgNet Media shared your disappointment. Like many of you, we hoped and prayed that one day we would have the opportunity to return. Today, we are thrilled to announce that those prayers have been answered. The 2026 …
As 2025 winds down, Michael Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), took time to recognize Chris Oswalt during the December All In For Citrus podcast. Oswalt is retiring from his post as a citrus Extension agent, which he’s held for nearly 30 years. He served Polk …
A recent study has shown that regular orange juice (OJ) consumption can influence the activity of thousands of genes inside immune cells. Many of these genes help control blood pressure, calm inflammation and manage the way the body processes sugar, all of which play an important role in long-term heart health. The study followed adults who drank 500 milliliters of …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) hosted its last scheduled citrus fruit display of the year on Dec. 17 in Lake Alfred. The December display is considered the best of the season due to the number and diversity of varieties available. There were about 25 fresh fruit varieties on …
On Dec. 5, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) officials established a new Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine. Located in La Feria, Cameron County, Texas, it has been designated the La Feria quarantine. FOUND IN GRAPEFRUIT GROVE APHIS and TDA established the new quarantine in response to the Dec. …
