Seeing Success With Louisiana Citrus Grown Indoors

Josh McGillLouisiana

A three-year Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) study is investigating the pros and cons of growing citrus inside or in containers. “So far, we are finding that the pros are outnumbering cons,” said Anna Timmerman, LSU AgCenter horticulture agent in St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. Early results of Timmerman’s research show that growing citrus indoors produces a high-quality …

Studying Tree Damage From Hurricane Winds

Josh McGillAll In For Citrus Podcast, hurricane

In the latest All In For Citrus podcast, Christopher Vincent, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of tree ecophysiology, discussed a project he is working on in the wake of this season’s hurricanes. He has been tasked to work with growers to survey damage after the storms, specifically how winds harmed groves. Hurricane Ian …

Ian, GMOs and Marketing Discussed at Citrus Commission Meeting

Josh McGillFlorida Citrus Commission, hurricane, Marketing

Many media inquiries about Florida citrus following Hurricane Ian were addressed by Florida Department of Citrus marketing agency Edible. Alex Armentano of Edible told the Florida Citrus Commission during its October meeting that the agency worked closely with Florida Citrus Mutual and other partners to respond to media requests. Edible worked with partners to create materials and messaging and to …

Gibberellic Acid May Help Citrus Trees After a Hurricane

Josh McGillAll In For Citrus Podcast, hurricane

In the latest episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, ways to mitigate damage from Hurricane Ian are discussed by researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). While extensively damaged trees are likely lost, those that experienced less damage can be helped in the recovery process. Tripti Vashisth, UF/IFAS associate professor of horticultural …

Florida Citrus Industry Dodges Bullet With Hurricane Nicole

Josh McGillhurricane

When Hurricane Nicole formed off Florida’s east coast, citrus growers held their collective breath after the beating they took in late September from Hurricane Ian. Nicole made landfall just south of Vero Beach on Nov. 10. Winds near hurricane strength were recorded at multiple weather stations as Nicole came ashore, including 75 miles per hour (mph) in Port St. John and …

Ian/Nicole Overlap Complicates Loss Assessments

Josh McGillEconomics, hurricane

Nicole, which came ashore as a hurricane on Nov. 10 before weakening to a tropical storm, impacted much of the same Florida land area that Hurricane Ian damaged in late September. Christa Court, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program, says due to that overlap, the data her team references …

citrus canker

Post-Hurricane Disease Management Advice

Josh McGillAll In For Citrus Podcast, Diseases

Megan Dewdney, associate professor of plant pathology with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), joined the October All In For Citrus podcast to discuss Hurricane Ian and tips on disease management after the storm. Hurricanes weaken citrus trees and spread disease.  “If a tree has a full canopy, the wind will put a lot of …

post-hurricane

Controlling Pest Pressure Post-Hurricane

Josh McGillhurricane, Pests

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) multi-county citrus Extension agent Ajia Paolillo summarized suggestions for controlling pest pressure after Hurricane Ian in a recent Extension newsletter. Along with horticultural practices and disease control, growers should be monitoring for pests in their groves post-hurricane. UF/IFAS entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock provided some suggested practices for keeping pest pressure as …

florida citrus

Phytophthora Treatments for Hurricane-Damaged Groves

Josh McGillDiseases, hurricane, Tip of the Week

By Megan Dewdney A priority for the Florida citrus industry is evaluating groves for damage and determining the best course of action going forward after the destruction of Hurricane Ian. One of the many considerations is the effect of flooding on root health, particularly if standing water has remained longer than 72 hours. The main diseases are phytophthora foot, crown …

winds

Two Ways to Treat Ian-Stressed Trees

Josh McGillhurricane, Irrigation, Tip of the Week

Give trees a bit of relief with frequent irrigation and kaolin particle film. By Christopher Vincent Hurricane Ian caused damage to orange trees, knocking fruit on the ground, twisting and breaking limbs, stripping leaves off trees and flooding soil. Although lots of damage was visible immediately, the after-effects will continue to rear their ugly heads in the months to come, …

Agriculture Included in Hurricane Funding Request

Josh McGillhurricane

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida released details of his request for a $33 billion major disaster supplemental spending measure. Rubio’s Hurricane Ian emergency supplemental appropriations requests include $2.955 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA funding includes $2 billion for the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to cover agricultural costs from loss of crops, trees, bushes …

Citrus Crop Estimate Luncheon Pivots to Ian Recovery Resources

Josh McGillCrop Forecast, hurricane

Florida Citrus Mutual’s crop estimate luncheon on Oct. 12 included the live announcement of the citrus crop forecast. But the focus of the event was on resources growers can tap into for assistance after Hurricane Ian. Speakers from various agencies shared information that can aid grower recovery efforts. “After the storm, we knew whatever number (for the citrus crop estimate) …

Reporting Hurricane Damage: Q&A

Josh McGillhurricane

Florida Citrus Mutual recently answered questions growers might have about reporting damage from Hurricane Ian: Q: I have crop and tree damage from the hurricane, whom should I call to report damage? A: Insurance: If you have crop insurance for either tree or fruit coverage, you must notify your agent that you are reporting a claim. Federal assistance: All growers …

Rejuvenating Hurricane-Impacted Citrus Groves

Josh McGillhurricane, Tip of the Week

By Tripti Vashisth Hurricane Ian caused extensive destruction on the Florida coast and inland, in both urban and rural areas. The state’s citrus groves had to sustain hurricane-speed winds and flooding. HLB-affected trees undergo a lot a stress, and now the hurricane has added more abiotic stress to trees. High-speed winds caused significant fruit drop and leaf drop. The goal …

Extension Agents Assess Hurricane Damage

Josh McGillFruit Drop, hurricane

“Hurricane Ian has devastated much of Florida’s citrus industry,” said Michael Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. “The harsh reality is that the 2022–2023 season will be one of the most challenging that any of us has faced.” Several UF/IFAS Extension agents made early assessments of the …

Forecast Luncheon to Become Post-Hurricane Meeting

Josh McGillCrop Forecast, Events, hurricane

Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) announced that an Oct. 12 event in Hardee County originally scheduled as the initial crop forecast luncheon will now be a post-Hurricane Ian information meeting. Lunch will still be provided. The meeting, open to all Florida citrus growers, will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Putnam Ranch, 8290 Martin Lane, Zolfo Springs. FCM asks that …

Preventing Further Hurricane Damage in Groves

Josh McGillDiseases, hurricane, Pests

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) faculty recommend actions citrus growers can take to prevent further damage to root systems and future fruit drop following Hurricane Ian. DEAL WITH PHYTOPHTHORAIf standing water has occurred in groves with phytophthora problems, growers should evaluate for root damage and treat accordingly. Floodwaters resulting from heavy rains can severely impact …

5 Tips for Hurricane Reporting and Documentation

Josh McGillAgriculture, hurricane

As growers begin to assess the damage left by Hurricane Ian, there’s some important considerations to keep in mind. Kimberly Lott, with Crop Disaster Recovery, provides five tips. She noted that many growers didn’t receive the full amount of money they could have been eligible for after Hurricane Irma — reporting and documentation are key. 1. REPORT LOSSES, GET INSPECTIONGrowers …

Growers Anxious as Hurricane Approaches

Josh McGillhurricane, Weather

Editor’s Note: This story was written before Hurricane Ian made landfall. Stay tuned for updates on how the storm has impacted Florida’s citrus industry. Citrus producers in South Georgia, North Florida and East Alabama are on “pins and needles” this week, according to grower Kim Jones. While the crop is about a month away from harvest, it is extremely vulnerable …