By Lourdes C. Pérez Cordero Management of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) in the HLB era is incredibly important. This well-known insect can vector and facilitate the spread of the bacterium associated with HLB disease. Therefore, effective reduction of ACP populations can be beneficial for the citrus industry. But how exactly do we manage this pest? Unfortunately, there is not …
Keep Cool in the Heat of Summer
This summer has been a steamy one with some Florida locations breaking record highs. The latest episode of the All In For Citrus podcast took up the hot topic with Amir Rezazadeh, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) fruit and field crops Extension agent. He addressed how heat can affect citrus trees and people working …
Protecting Citrus Trees From Heat Stress
By Anirban Guha Heat stress could take a toll on citrus tree health and fruit yield. In Florida, the hot season lasts more than four months. Long, hot, oppressive summer days can heat up leaves and fruit and make the trees extra thirsty. Also, high soil evaporation, irregular rainfall and poor soil water-holding capacity can often lead to summer drought …
Barriers to Buying Orange Juice
The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) recently heard a report that 13% of consumers surveyed in June said the increased price of buying orange juice (OJ) is a barrier. Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) Director of Economic and Market Research Marisa Zansler provided that information to the FDOC’s governing board. Zansler also reported that 5% of consumers said they were less …
Glyphosate Decision Disappoints Ag Groups
Several national agricultural organizations issued a statement expressing disappointment over the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent glyphosate decision not to hear the case Monsanto vs. Hardeman, which pertains to state glyphosate health warnings. The statement read: “We are disappointed the Supreme Court has decided not to hear this case, which has significant implications for our global food supply and science-based regulation. …
Unlock Soil Nutrients to Benefit Your Citrus Grove
Florida citrus growers are facing a rising mound of challenges these days. With citrus greening disease (HLB) devastating groves, low supply, soaring fertilizer prices and a substantial increase in overall production costs, the current odds are stacked high against citrus growers. This is an industry in crisis. Fortunately, science is catching up with new solutions to combat these urgent issues. …
Citrus Health Benefits Research Update
Florida Department of Citrus-funded research into the health benefits of citrus products was among the highlights of a 2021–22 update the Florida Citrus Commission received in June. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the department, provided the update. The update included three new publications on additional analyses of the Eurecat study on the impact of orange juice (OJ) and …
Combining IPCs and Brassinosteroids to Protect Young Citrus Trees
Research studies show that about 60% of Florida citrus trees are infected by HLB disease within six months of planting. By one year, 100% of citrus trees are infected. For that reason, the use of individual protective covers (IPCs) has become very popular to protect young citrus trees from the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). The covers have proven to be …
Reduce HLB Pressure and Enhance Growth With Kaolin
By Christopher Vincent Kaolin particle film is a non-toxic tool to reduce psyllids and increase tree growth. Particle films are nothing more than a suspension of solid particles that make a “film” on the leaves after they dry. They work mostly by reflecting light. Kaolin is the most common type of particle film because the clay is mined directly and …
Grapefruit Juice Improves Women’s Arteries
A study examining the effects of 100% grapefruit juice reported that consumption led to lower vascular stiffness in women when compared to a control drink. Increased arterial stiffness is primarily a consequence of aging and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Originally published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this randomized …
All In For Citrus Podcast, June 2022
In the June episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, Michael Rogers, director of the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), speaks live and on-the-scene during the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs. He said the great turnout for the event, hosted by Florida Citrus Mutual, is indicative of the fighting spirit of the state’s citrus growers. …
Are Cover Crops Economically Feasible?
Although researchers cited numerous advantages of cover crops during a virtual seminar on June 23, it likely will take more time to determine if they are economically worthwhile. Near the end of the seminar, economists showed a slide stating, “Cover crops could be an economically feasible practice in citrus production.” But an audience member seemed to question that statement by …
Sneak Peek: July 2022 Citrus Industry
HLB continued to contribute to reduced production and lower quality fruit for Florida growers this season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are working to help alleviate these problems by delivering improved rootstocks and varieties. The July issue of Citrus Industry magazine includes an in-depth look at this work. Read “Juice for Florida’s future” to …
Foreign Investors Buying Up American Farmland
Much of what’s happening in the world today has reminded us of the importance of self-sufficiency. With world supply chains in chaos due to COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the term home-grown takes on an especially relevant note. We are blessed in the United States with the capability to feed and clothe ourselves. We have millions of acres that …
PIECES OF THE PAST: Pounding the Pavement
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette I was reading a book about Dundee Citrus Growers Association, “D Is for Diamonds,” by Gordon Smith when I came across a story about Hoyle Pounds. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1986. Pounds had a long career as an innovator. He …
CRDF Recommends Lowering Box Tax Rate
In May, Florida citrus growers voted on whether to continue a research order that allows them to impose a tax on their production to fund scientific studies. The referendum passed with 76% voting in favor of the self-assessment. After the vote, all eyes turned to the June Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) board of directors meeting, which was held …
Juice Company Founder Becomes Hall of Famer
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company founder and CEO Marygrace Sexton has been inducted into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame. Sexton started the company more than 30 years ago with a single, used juicing machine, no contracts and a small production space. Today, the company has two facilities in Fort Pierce, Florida, and distributes its juices in 32 states …
Brix Addressed in Proposed U.S. Legislation
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott of Florida introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act. The legislation would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower the required Brix level of not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%. U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Stephanie Murphy, Kat Cammack, Daniel Webster, Maria Elvira Salazar, Darren …
Selecting the Right Leaves for Sampling
By Jamie D. Burrow and Tripti Vashisth With the increased cost and limited availability of fertilizer, purchasing decisions are more important now than ever. Collecting the right leaves for sampling is the first step to making fertilizer decisions. Leaf samples should consist of 100 leaves that are 4- to 6-month-old spring flush leaves taken from nonfruiting branches. WHY LEAVES FROM …
Preliminary Department of Citrus Budget Approved
The Florida Citrus Commission on June 15 approved a preliminary 2022–23 operating budget for the Florida Department of Citrus of $29.9 million. The preliminary budget includes $19.125 million in general revenue funding from the state of Florida for marketing, research and administration. The majority of the budget will fund domestic marketing programs aimed at driving sales of Florida orange juice (OJ). …





























