Citrus Black Spot Spreads in Polk County

Josh McGillDiseases

Citrus black spot (CBS) disease was confirmed at a second location in Florida’s Polk County in March. The new find was in a grove near State Road 60 and Indian Lake Estates, east of Lake Wales. The only prior CBS infestation in Polk County was near U.S. 27 on the Highlands County border. But that location was turned into an …

Using Gibberellic Acid in California Citrus

Josh McGillCalifornia Corner, PGRs

Craig Kallsen, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) citrus and pistachio farm advisor for Kern County, offered suggestions for the use of gibberellic acid (GA3) on citrus in the San Joaquin Valley. Highlights follows: See Kallsen’s full article on gibberellic acid use here. Source: UCANR Sponsored ContentTake Advantage of Rising Temperatures to Treat for Fire AntsJuly 1, 2025Take …

cups

Long-Term Research Proves CUPS Performance

Josh McGillCUPS, Research

Arnold Schumann, a professor of soil fertility and water quality with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), led the effort to study the effectiveness of citrus under protective screen (CUPS) in protecting trees from HLB. The work resulted in growers having confidence in the practice. Today, Florida CUPS plantings are closing in on 1,000 commercial …

Seminar Speakers Share Latest Citrus Research

Josh McGillEducation, Events, Research

The citrus session at the Florida Grower Citrus Show started off with a special award acknowledgement by Ron Cave, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC). Cave recognized Pasco Avery for his induction into the 2022 class of the IPM Hall of Fame from the Southern IPM …

What To Do When You’ve Been Exposed to a Pesticide

Josh McGillCEU

By Matt Smith Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. “In retrospect, I would rather have been a poet. Or a farmer.” Instead, British Special Air Services Agent John Patrick …

Bill to Prohibit Chinese Citrus Imports Reintroduced

Josh McGillInternational, Trade

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube of Florida on April 6 reintroduced the U.S. Citrus Protection Act to prohibit the importation of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit originating from China. “Floridians annually produce millions of cartons of citrus fruits, millions of gallons of citrus juices and hundreds of thousands of citrus byproducts, right here in the USA,” Steube said. “It’s unacceptable that we allow our adversary to import …

Sweet New Discoveries Open Up Opportunities for Citrus Industry

Josh McGillFlavor, Research

By Xixuan Tang, Yu Wang, Fred Gmitter and Jude Grosser Citrus fruits and juices are commonly consumed worldwide due to their health benefits and flavor. However, recent trends in reducing carbohydrate intake have raised concerns from consumers about citrus products because of their relatively high levels of sugar content. This concern discourages repeat purchasing and consumption of citrus fruits and …

Heller Bros. Packinghouse Closes

Josh McGillPacking

Heller Bros. Packing Corp.’s packinghouse in Winter Garden, Florida, has ceased operations. The 50,000-square-foot facility had operated since 1939. “It’s a big loss for the citrus industry. It’s a big loss for Winter Garden,” said Jim Garceau. His company, Orlando Citrus, bought fresh grapefruit, oranges and tangerines from Heller Bros. from 1992 to 2020. He sold the fruit to farmers’ …

Don’t Miss the Florida Grower Citrus Show

Josh McGillEvents, Indian River, Tip of the Week

By Ron Cave In 1946, leaders with the University of Florida and the Indian River Citrus League ascertained the need for an event where growers, the trade organization and researchers might network and attend educational sessions presented by scientists. So began the first-ever Indian River Citrus Seminar, which would later become the Florida Grower Citrus Show. In the 1960s, Florida’s …

Reduce Pests With Natural Enemies

Josh McGillPests, Research

By Jawwad Qureshi A wide range of pests colonize citrus crops. Most of these species target tree canopies, and a few feed on the roots. Damage is either direct through feeding on the plant tissues or it can be twofold if the pest is also responsible for transmitting the pathogens of a disease or making conditions favorable for the disease …

policy

Crop Insurance Deadline Nears

Josh McGillInsurance

The final date to apply for Florida citrus tree and fruit crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is April 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the April 15 to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk …

PIECES OF THE PAST: Once a Farmer, Always a Farmer

Josh McGillPieces of the Past

By Brenda Eubanks Burnette While passing through St. Augustine one weekend, I came across a sign in the Washington Oaks Historic District that made me stop and take a photo so I would look into it at a later time. In 2009, the National Register of Historic Places designated Washington Oaks as a national historic district. The Friends of Washington …

Citrus Institute: One-Stop Learning Opportunity for Growers

Josh McGillEducation, Events, Tip of the Week

By Ruth Borger Keeping up with the latest news and research findings that impact how growers can successfully produce citrus in the HLB era can be an overwhelming task. Tracking down the right information at the right time for the changing conditions that face citrus growers takes time, effort and persistence. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …

Showcasing Research Results

Josh McGillResearch

By J. Scott Angle, jangle@ufl.edu, @IFAS_VP Overnight success comes after years of hard work. In science, that means the “eureka” moment isn’t a moment at all. It comes after years of research that can cost millions of dollars. That’s a level of resources that the federal government helps deliver. We’re fortunate that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of …

mandarin

Benefits of Increasing Citrus Hybrids in Orange Juice

Josh McGillOrange Juice

Allowing citrus hybrids with certain criteria in orange juice (OJ) was one of several issues addressed in a recent workshop about potential changes to OJ’s standard of identity. Peter Chaires, executive director of the New Varieties Development and Management Corp., discussed benefits of increasing the hybrid allowance in OJ. Chaires presented a consumer study of juices conducted by University of …

OJ Standard of Identity Discussed

Josh McGillFlorida Citrus Mutual, Orange Juice

No action was taken after numerous speakers discussed potential changes to the standard of identity for orange juice (OJ) at a March 1 public workshop. Taking place at Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) headquarters in Bartow, the workshop was titled “Continuing the OJ Standards Conversation.” FCM Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner offered background on the standard of …

Drones for Pest Control Effective in Some Situations

Josh McGillPest Management, Technology

Technological advancements in recent years allow drones to perform precise agricultural work efficiently. One of the tasks in greatest demand is the application of phytosanitary products in a quick and timely manner. Drones can be used for extensive applications in a short time and are ideal for ultra-low-volume interventions. With drones, very specific sectors, such as sources of disease or …

Celebrate Sunkist Citrus Day

Josh McGillCalifornia Corner, Industry News Release

Sunkist Growers is celebrating its 130th anniversary and California roots with Sunkist Citrus Day on March 1. In anticipation of the day, the fresh citrus cooperative discussed its history and products. Sunkist began in 1893, making it the longest-standing agricultural co-op in the United States. Sunkist’s first advertisement was published in Des Moines, Iowa, in March 1908 to promote the California …