Georgia citrus growers need fertilizer recommendations that are specific to the state’s production. This would allow growers to make better decisions concerning crop management. That is one of the reasons Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, was hired in August 2024. She is conducting research that will benefit Georgia growers who need to mostly …
Summer Update Informs Growers on Impactful Issues
The annual Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting on Aug. 14 in Valdosta, Georgia, provided cold-hardy growers with updates on several factors impacting the industry. Information on topics ranging from snails to phytophthora to Asian citrus psyllid trapping were presented to growers who are on the cusp of harvesting another season’s crop. Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent …
Insect Pests To Watch for in Georgia
Georgia citrus growers are a couple of months away from harvest season. If producers are going to maximize this year’s crop, they need to protect it from insect pests. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia assistant professor of entomology at the Tifton Campus, discussed insect pests during the Southeast Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia on July 24. He focused on a …
Preventing Citrus Greening Establishment in Georgia Groves
Citrus greening disease has yet to find its footing in Georgia. But that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t eventually. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, discussed the ramifications of citrus greening during the recent Southeast Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia. “If we get greening established here, we’ll start seeing lower and lower production on …
Honeymoon Phase for Georgia Citrus Production
Georgia citrus growers are still in the honeymoon phase of production with regards to disease, said Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. While established groves in Florida have had to deal with disease buildup for decades, disease has yet to be problematic for South Georgia citrus production. But that could be changing. “With respect …
Trees With Fruit Left During Freeze Have Damage
Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension coordinator, recently wrote about cold damage from leaving fruit on trees during a freeze: Last fall, the Owari satsuma trees at J.L. Lomax produced a tremendous amount of soft fruit that became puffy very quickly. Category 2 hurricane Helene may have contributed to the fruit quality being so bad last year. With all the …
CSU Decreases Hurricane Forecast Slightly
Colorado State University (CSU) on July 9 decreased its Atlantic seasonal hurricane forecast slightly and now calls for a slightly above-normal 2025 Atlantic basin hurricane season. CSU anticipates a slightly above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean. Information obtained through June indicates that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will have …
Citrus Rust Mites in Georgia
By Jake Price There are two types of rust mites, the citrus rust mite (CRM) and the pink citrus rust mite (PCRM). The CRM is one of the biggest citrus pests in Georgia on fresh fruit. I don’t know that I have seen the PCRM in Georgia, but it is probably here. Every year, CRM is a problem at the …
Management Methods for Alternate Bearing
Practices that might help with alternate bearing were recently addressed in a report by Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. Alternate bearing, a common problem in many mandarin varieties, is the tendency of a tree to produce a heavy crop one year followed by a light crop the subsequent year. A slightly edited version …
Innovation and Sustainability: Lessons From California for Georgia Citrus
By Lindy Savelle In mid-April, members of the Georgia Citrus Association (GCA) traveled to California’s Central Valley to study the systems, innovations and strategies that have made the state a powerhouse in citrus production. Our goal was clear: to bring back ideas, solutions and inspiration that can help shape the future of Georgia’s growing citrus industry. Our group included growers, …
The Causes of Alternate Bearing
Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, recently wrote about the causes of alternate bearing in Georgia groves. Alternate bearing is a common problem in many mandarin varieties. A slightly edited version of Sutton’s report follows. CARBOHYDRATES During photosynthesis, leaves produce sugars that are either exported and utilized for growth or stored as starch in …
Georgia Student Honored for HLB Research
Carlton Collins recently was named top master’s researcher in the E. Broadus Browne Research Awards for Outstanding Graduate Student Research competition at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He was recognized for his research on huanglongbing (HLB) disease, also known as citrus greening. Collins, born in Jamaica, was introduced to citrus production on a small …
Report Citrus Acreage to USDA
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 …
What the Georgia Citrus Association Learned in California
By Clint Thompson and Nick Papagni The Georgia Citrus Association’s trip to California last week allowed industry leaders to look for opportunities to advance citrus in the cold-hardy region. One of the focuses was learning about the different varieties produced in California that could have a potential future in the Southeast. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association …
University of Georgia Honors Jake Price
Jake Price, who has helped introduce cold-hardy citrus to Georgia, was recently honored by the University of Georgia (UGA). He is one of five UGA faculty and staff members recognized for their commitment to public service and outreach. Price won a Walter Barnard Hill Award, named for UGA Chancellor Walter B. Hill. Each award recipient receives a medallion, a permanent …
Alternate Bearing of Georgia Satsumas
Jake Price and Mary Sutton of University of Georgia Extension recently wrote an article about alternate bearing of satsumas in Georgia. Edited excerpts follow. Satsumas tend to alternate bear, which can be a problem in commercial production. The freeze at the end of 2022 contributed to the majority of satsuma trees in Georgia having a light crop in 2023. This …
Juice Market Brings Questions for Georgia Citrus Growers
Expansion into the juice market may unlock a profitable marketing opportunity for Georgia citrus growers. But questions remain before growers can start planning this new course of action, says Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Hamlins and perhaps some early-season Valencias would work here in Georgia,” Savelle said. One question Georgia growers have about entering the juice …
Georgia Citrus Association Planning California Citrus Tour
The Georgia Citrus Association (GCA) is organizing an educational tour of citrus operations Kings River Packing and AC Foods in California April 14–17. Kings River Packing is a family-owned citrus grower rooted in California’s Central Valley, with a legacy dating back to 1853. Eight generations later, Kings River Packing has expanded from its original 160-acre homestead to encompass 3,500 acres …
Not If Georgia Will Get HLB, But When
Citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), is not yet widespread in Georgia. However, there’s no reason to think that it won’t become more of a problem for the state’s citrus growers. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association (GCA), hopes it doesn’t happen but cautions growers about the disease’s potential beyond Florida. “Something we have to …
Where the Research Fruit Goes
Those involved with the University of Georgia (UGA) citrus research plot in Valdosta are often asked what they do with the fruit once it is harvested. All of the citrus is donated to various groups, reports the team of Jake Price, Mary Sutton, Doug Collins, Jacob Kalina, Josh Dawson, Holly Anderson, Michasia Dowdy, Sara Curry, Ben Reeves, Tucker Price and …