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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Research”
As high temperatures become more common in citrus-growing regions, researchers are searching for ways to help trees better tolerate heat. A new study suggests that two naturally occurring plant hormones — abscisic acid (ABA) and brassinosteroids (BR) — may strengthen citrus trees’ defenses against heat stress. The research was published in the journal Horticulturae by Longfei Jin, Yueting Sun, Yanmei …
As citrus growers continue searching for varieties that can perform under huanglongbing (HLB) pressure, researchers are looking beyond tree survival. Fruit quality, flavor and consumer acceptance are becoming increasingly important parts of the equation. A new study evaluated several HLB-tolerant mandarin hybrids and identified selections that combine disease tolerance with traits that could make them attractive for fresh-market production. An …
Recent research provides one of the clearest pictures to date of how huanglongbing (HLB) disease develops over time and affects different parts of a tree. An article about the research — “Microscopic Atlas of Citrus Huanglongbing Unravels Its Sequential Disease Development Mechanism” — was published in the journal Phytopathology. The authors are researchers Diann Achor, Camila Ribeiro, Jinyun Li and …
When citrus growers think about viruses and viroids, symptoms above ground — such as tree decline, leaf issues and poor fruit production — often receive the most attention. A new study shows that what happens below the soil surface may also provide important clues about how citrus rootstocks respond to these pathogens. The study, “Root Traits Responses of Citrus Rootstocks …
Researchers are studying why some citrus species appear to handle huanglongbing (HLB) better than others. Understanding these differences could help breeders develop more resilient citrus varieties and rootstocks for future production. A new study compared nine citrus species infected with HLB and identified differences in how the plants respond to the disease, including changes in nutrient levels, stress responses and …
A new research platform may help scientists identify potential treatments for citrus greening disease faster, potentially speeding up the search for solutions. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The disease disrupts the tree’s ability to transport nutrients, leading to symptoms such as blotchy leaves, small and misshapen fruit, poor juice …
Many people throw away citrus peels because they are too bitter to eat raw, but this outer layer of the fruit’s skin is a rich source of many sought-after beneficial compounds. The peel is in demand for companies seeking to use those compounds for health and pharmaceutical products. Christina Dorado, lead scientist and chemist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture …
Following the discovery of non-commercial citrus plants resistant to greening disease, Fundecitrus researchers in the field of biotechnology have been working to understand the mechanisms underlying this resistance. The Brazilian scientists also seek to identify viable pathways for transferring these traits to commercial varieties. In 2019, hypotheses were confirmed showing that certain citrus species native to Oceania, such as Eremocitrus …
A newly published study suggests that the use of individual protective covers (IPCs) followed by monthly applications of homobrassinolide (HBr) after IPCs are removed is beneficial. The two-step approach can help young mandarin trees stay healthier longer and produce more fruit in Florida’s HLB-endemic environment. The study, “Combining Individual Protective Covers and Homobrassinolide Treatment Prolongs Tree Health and Increases Fruit …
Freezing temperatures remain one of the biggest threats to citrus production, especially in Florida and other regions where sudden cold snaps can severely damage trees. New research suggests that seaweed-based biostimulants may help citrus trees better withstand freezing conditions. The study was published in Scientific Reports. It was led by Ahmed Abdullah, Shahid Iqbal, Alaiha Asif, KeAndre Leaks and Muhammad …
How much water citrus trees receive during fruit development can have a major impact on fruit size and internal quality, according to new research published in the journal Horticulturae. The study shows that while moderate water stress may improve some aspects of fruit quality, severe drought significantly reduces fruit size and can make fruit much more acidic. Researchers in China …
Citrus peel has long been viewed as a byproduct of juice processing, often ending up as animal feed or compost. New research suggests it may deserve much more attention. Scientists found that pectin extracted from citrus peel has excellent functional properties that could increase its value for use in food, beverage and pharmaceutical products. The study was published in the …
A new systematic review, “Assessing the Value of Sustainability in the Citrus Supply Chain,” published in the journal Sustainability examines whether going green actually makes financial sense for citrus producers. Researchers Mariaconcetta Ganci, Mariarita Cammarata and Alessandro Scuderi from the University of Catania in Italy, along with Adriana Fazio of Colleroni LLC led the study. The research team analyzed 64 …
Postharvest diseases such as green mold (Penicillium digitatum), blue mold (P. italicum) and sour rot (Geotrichum citri-aurantii) cause heavy losses in citrus crops. These fungi thrive in warm, humid regions and have developed resistance to common fungicides such as imazalil, thiabendazole and pyrimethanil, driving up costs and raising environmental and regulatory concerns. A new study offers hope using a simple, …
A naturally occurring predatory soil mite may one day become another tool for helping citrus growers manage citrus nematodes without relying solely on chemical controls. That’s according to a new study published in the journal Biology by Mahmoud M. Al-Azzazy and Suloiman M. Al-Rehiayani of the Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Food at Qassim University in Saudi …
A new study published in the journal PLOS One suggests that higher vitamin C levels in the blood are associated with healthier brain structure and stronger brain network connectivity in older adults. The research provides another reminder of the potential value of vitamin C-rich foods, including citrus fruits and juices. The study — “Plasma Vitamin C Levels Are Associated With …
When most folks think of Florida citrus, orange juice or fresh grapefruit comes to mind. Few appreciate the full diversity of the fruit hidden in its bloom, peel, juices and oils. That is where the Citrus Innovation Center comes in with high-tech approaches to extract more out of Florida’s signature crop. The 30,000-square-foot facility on the campus of Florida Polytechnic …
By Peter Chaires Spring is planning season for most Florida citrus organizations. New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) is no exception. The board recently met with all breeding teams to review 2025–26 sponsored projects and establish research priorities for 2026–27. Though some aspects of these projects will be covered in greater depth in future articles, this month’s column is …
A new study has identified several fungal pathogens associated with preharvest sweet orange fruit spoilage. It provides insights that could help citrus growers better understand and manage fruit rot problems in the grove. The research, “Morphological Identification of Fungi Associated with Preharvest Spoilage of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) Fruit in Bilo Nopha, Southwestern Ethiopia,” was published in the journal …
Huanglongbing (HLB, or citrus greening) disease has been the focus of an enormous amount of scientific research over the past two decades. A new study — “Bibliometric Mapping of Citrus Greening Disease Reflecting Trends, Shifts and Focus Areas” — takes a unique look at that research. It analyzes thousands of scientific publications to identify where scientists have concentrated their efforts …
