hurricane irma

Citrus Growers Preparing for Hurricane Irma

Daniel CooperCitrus, Weather

Unfortunately, Florida citrus growers are having to prepare for Hurricane Irma, which at this point looks like it will impact the Sunshine State. Mongi Zekri, the multi-county citrus agent in the Hendry County Extension office in LaBelle, says this is especially troubling with harvest just around the corner. Hear more: Read a recent Citrus Industry magazine article by Mongi Zekri, …

rootstock

Biostimulants Have Positive Effects

Ernie NeffBiostimulants

University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant physiologist Ute Albrecht described the use of microbial amendments, specifically biostimulants, at a July 26 seminar in Immokalee. Albrecht works at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, site of the seminar hosted by multi-county citrus Extension agent Mongi Zekri. “Biostimulants come in a wide range of different products” …

Preparing for and Recovering from a Hurricane

Tacy CalliesCitrus, Weather

By Mongi Zekri, Bob Rouse and Jonathan Crane Hurricane preparation for citrus growers this year is the same drill as every year. Each year, growers look forward to the rainy season to help their young trees grow fast and their mature trees produce good crops. This year, growers will be praying for good distribution of rains following a year of …

Sneak Peek: June 2017 Citrus Industry Magazine

Tacy CalliesCitrus, Sneak Peek

There is no doubt that the biggest risk Florida citrus growers currently face is HLB disease. But there are many other risks that can and should be managed effectively. University of Florida’s Ariel Singerman and Steve Futch provide risk management advice for growers in the June issue of Citrus Industry magazine. Their article offers practical information on production, market, financial, …

IPCs

Keys to Gulf Citrus Production

Ernie NeffHLB Management, Nutrition

Several Florida growers recently have said that groves in the Gulf citrus region of Southwest Florida are looking better than most groves in the state. Additionally, statistics indicate production in the Gulf region exceeds production in the state as a whole. Multi-county citrus Extension agent Mongi Zekri, who represents the Southwest/Gulf region, was recently asked why the Gulf was doing …

Research

What Growers Need to Know About BMPs Now

Ernie NeffCitrus, Water

Virtually all Florida citrus growers have signed up to participate in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) best management practices (BMPs) for water quality and water quantity. “They’ve done an extremely good job over the last 20 years that we’ve had BMPs,” says University of Florida researcher Kelly Morgan, the statewide BMP coordinator. “The (state) water act …

Phil Stansly: Psyllid Slayer

Tacy CalliesCitrus, Citrus Health Management Areas, HLB Management, Pests

By Ernie Neff Gulf citrus growers had a CHMA (citrus health management area) before CHMAs were popular — even before they were called CHMAs! Phil Stansly, University of Florida (UF) entomology professor, is among those credited with organizing Florida’s first psyllid- and HLB-fighting CHMA. Others recognized for the achievement include Gulf Citrus Growers Association (GCGA), Florida Cooperative Extension Service and …

Freeze Damage Symptoms and Recovery for Citrus

Tacy CalliesFreeze Protection, Weather

By Mongi Zekri, Chris Oswalt, Steve Futch and Laurie Hurner The extent of cold injury to citrus depends on a number of factors, and its expression may occur over an extended period of time. Factors responsible for freeze damage include minimum temperature, duration of freezing temperatures and stage of tree acclimation. Susceptibility of trees to freezing temperatures can also be …

HLB, psyllids

HLB-Spreading Psyllids: Dormant Sprays and the Edge Effect

Ernie NeffCitrus Greening, HLB Management, Pests

University of Florida entomologist Phil Stansly discusses the use of dormant sprays for HLB-spreading psyllids. He also addresses the fact that psyllid populations are often higher on grove perimeters — the so-called “edge effect.” Stansly says the next coordinated grower spray for psyllids in the Gulf citrus-growing region will be a dormant spray. “The trees are dormant now and that’s …

psyllids

Grower: Don’t Cut Back on Psyllid Control

Ernie NeffCitrus Greening, HLB Management, Pests

Gardinier Florida Citrus General Manager Lee Jones, one of several attending a Gulf Citrus Health Management Area Workshop on November 15 in Immokalee, wanted to share a message with fellow growers. The message: Don’t reduce efforts to control HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllids. “Everybody’s groves this year are looking a little better,” Jones told Citrus Industry magazine immediately after the seminar. …

From Planning to Planting: Establishing New Groves in the Presence of HLB

Tacy CalliesCitrus

By Ute Albrecht Despite the constant threat of huanglongbing (HLB), most growers remain optimistic and are replanting citrus trees to maintain production levels necessary for sustaining the industry. The tax incentive bill under the Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act introduced in December 2015, if implemented, will help growers get back expenses associated with replanting of diseased trees immediately, instead of …

dorian

Hurricane Preparedness

Josh McGillWeather

By Bob Rouse and Mongi Zekri Little can be done to protect trees and fruit from hurricane velocity wind, but we can take steps to protect the people, equipment and supplies that will be needed for the recovery. Below is a checklist for citrus grove managers. Pre-Hurricane Preparation Checklist Personnel assignments: 1. Make a list of all tasks and make …

Complimentary Copy of Citrus Tree Nutrition Book for Growers

Kelsey FryCitrus Greening

Sponsored Content A brand new book, “The Critical Importance of Citrus Tree Nutrition,” recently made its debut at Citrus Expo. Growers who attended the event were able to receive a free copy of the book, courtesy of TKI Crop Vitality. Due to the popularity of the book, TKI is extending the promotion to Florida citrus growers who have not yet …

Citrus Expo

Scenes from Citrus Expo’s Silver Anniversary

Taylor HillmanCitrus, Citrus Expo, Citrus Greening

Citrus Expo 2016 Citrus growers and industry members turned out in full force for the 25th anniversary of Citrus Expo. They came seeking answers on citrus greening and other production challenges, as was evidenced by the large turnout at the “Now Is the Time” seminar program. Sponsored ContentA Simpler, Safer and More Effective Way to Fight HLBOctober 25, 20245 Facts …

New Book to Debut at Citrus Expo

Kelsey FryCitrus, Citrus Expo

Citrus growers now have yet another reason to attend the 2016 Citrus Expo. They can receive a complimentary copy of a brand new book, “The Critical Importance of Citrus Tree Nutrition.” Authored by citrus Extension agent Mongi Zekri, the book will debut at the Citrus Expo Shindig, a special party to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary. The shindig takes place …

What to Consider When Putting a New Grove in Place

Josh McGillCitrus, Water

By: Mongi Zekri There is a high degree of planning and preparation that goes into making a new citrus tree planting successful. Site preparation, installation of an irrigation system, selection of varieties and rootstocks, tree spacing, purchasing trees from reputable nurseries, and tree planting and care are all important. Site Preparation The planting site should be well prepared. Soils at …

Citrus Black Spot Control

Kelsey FryCitrus

University of Florida researcher Katherine Hendricks offered citrus black spot control suggestions to about 60 growers attending a fungal diseases seminar last week in Immokalee. She discussed cultural and chemical controls. The seminar was hosted by multi-county citrus Extension agent Mongi Zekri. Download Audio Sponsored ContentA Simpler, Safer and More Effective Way to Fight HLBOctober 25, 20245 Facts About Fire …

Know the Signs of Freeze Damage

Tacy Calliesfreeze, Tip of the Week

By Amir Rezazadeh It is important to know how cold temperatures impact citrus trees. Citrus trees are native to subtropical and tropical regions. Although some mandarins and tangerines are quite cold-hardy, other citrus trees are not particularly cold-hardy and temperatures below 20 degrees for more than four hours may kill most citrus trees. Chilling damage in citrus depends on several factors. …