A whole-systems approach to one University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research project is the focus of the April All in For Citrus podcast. Citrus Research and Education Center Director Michael Rogers said the project is a good example of citrus researchers taking a more comprehensive look at problems in the industry. “We’re starting to put …
PIECES OF THE PAST: A Quatrain to Frame
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette In the July 15, 1933 issue of the Florida Clearing House News, an article by the Committee of Fifty titled “To Fit Demand to Production – ADVERTISE” caught my eye. Advertising has always been the tennis ball in the citrus industry’s battle over how much is enough and whether generic advertising really helps. The Committee of …
The Impact of Soil pH on Nutrients
In the April Central Florida citrus Extension newsletter, multi-county citrus Extension agent Chris Oswalt discussed the fate of the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soils that have elevated pH values. Here’s most of the discussion he presented: Soil pH can affect several reactions involving nitrogen in the soil solution and the efficient use of this nitrogen by plants. Nitrification, …
Above-Average Hurricane Season Predicted
Colorado State University (CSU) researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2021, citing the likely absence of El Niño as a primary factor. Tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are near their long-term averages, while subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are much warmer than their long-term average values. The warmer subtropical Atlantic also favors an active 2021 Atlantic hurricane …
Nematode Identification With AI
Parasitic nematode damage in agriculture totals $125 billion around the world each year. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers hope to alleviate some of that destruction. The UF/IFAS scientists will use artificial intelligence (AI) to try to more rapidly identify nematodes. Some nematodes live in the ground and harm plants, while others are beneficial, so …
Tackling Weeds After Composting
By Ramdas Kanissery The use of compost in tree rows is receiving increasing attention among citrus growers. The use of weed-free certified products can considerably minimize the weed emergence issues associated with compost use. However, eventually, weeds will start to grow in the composted areas in the grove. As compost and similar soil amendments prove to be very rich in …
Antibiotic Delivery Methods: Trunk Injection vs. Foliar Application
By Nabil Killiny and Christopher Vincent The citrus industry has suffered numerous setbacks over the past 20 years because of the devastating effects of huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Many options for controlling the disease are being investigated to make groves as productive as possible under the current HLB pressure. Even small improvements in tree health or yield of diseased trees may …
Managing Lebbeck Mealybug
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock provided an update on lebbeck mealybug during the 2021 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. The pest, first found in Florida commercial citrus in 2019, feeds on and damages citrus, causing up to 70% fruit drop in heavily infested groves. According to Diepenbrock, damaged fruit will not be marketable for …
More Storms in ‘Average’ Hurricane Season
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will issue its initial seasonal outlook for the 2021 hurricane season in late May. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Beginning with this year’s hurricane season outlooks, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will use 1991-2020 as the new 30-year period of record. The updated averages for …
Updates on Irrigation and Nutrient Management
Proper irrigation and nutrient management are necessary to maximize root density and tree health, especially in trees infected with HLB. Davie Kadyampakeni, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor, shared a few irrigation and nutrient research updates during the March episode of the All In For Citrus podcast. IRRIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS Young citrus trees require optimal …
Enzymes: Longevity and Crop Yield
In plants grown for food or other purposes, longer lasting enzymes could translate into increased yields, according to Andrew Hanson, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences eminent scholar and professor. Hanson is the lead author of a recently published study in which researchers present a new benchmark for evaluating the durability of any enzyme. “Replacing enzymes is …
Managing Citrus Root Pests
Nematologist Larry Duncan discussed efforts to control the root pests sting nematode and Diaprepes root weevil in his presentation during the virtual April 6 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. Duncan works at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. The sting nematode and Diaprepes are especially concerning in the age of HLB, …
Everette H. Fischer Remembered
Everette H. Fischer, a citrus grower and former general manager of Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association (WGCGA), died April 5. Fischer, who was born Oct. 9, 1933 in Gotha, Florida, learned the art of citrus caretaking by hand as a young boy working with his uncles. After attending the University of Florida, he worked as a county agent helping farmers …
FDACS Cost-Share Program for Food Safety
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is offering a cost-share program for producers of specialty crops who obtain food-safety certification. Producers who obtained food-safety certification for specialty crop products (fruits, vegetables or tree nuts) through several programs could be eligible for reimbursement of 75% of certification costs, up to $1,500 per producer. Programs include the U.S. Department …
Plan Greasy Spot and Melanose Management
By Megan Dewdney Greasy spot and melanose are two fungal diseases that have long needed the attention of Florida citrus growers. While they are more of a concern for fresh fruit growers, trees for processing can be damaged, too. In terms of management priorities, greasy spot is the greater concern since it reduces tree photosynthetic capacity and causes defoliation. Melanose …
Measuring OJ Marketing Success
For years, the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) measured the success of its orange juice (OJ) marketing programs by comparing year-over-year data, Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Steve Johnson stated in a recent message to growers. The Citrus Commission is the governing board for the FDOC. “Then the (COVID-19) pandemic stopped everyone in their tracks,” Johnson stated. “Suddenly consumers were turning …
Techniques for Improving CUPS-Grown Fruit
For a citrus under protective screen (CUPS) production system to be profitable, the cost of the system must be offset by high yields of premium-quality fresh fruit with strong market prices. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have expanded their CUPS research trials to investigate management strategies that improve fruit quality and yield. …
Soil Moisture Sensor Q&A
By Sandra Guzman Understanding how to obtain and interpret data from soil moisture sensor (SMS) systems is crucial for efficient irrigation management. These systems help create an efficient and informed irrigation schedule based on soil moisture readings collected from the field. Below are answers to some common questions about managing SMS systems, including how to view SMS data on a …
U.S. Citrus Crop Forecast Takes a Tumble
Florida’s Valencia orange crop projection tumbled 12% in the April 9 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop forecast, to 29 million boxes from 33 million boxes in March. The USDA added 200,000 boxes, or 1%, to Florida’s non-Valencia tally, bringing non-Valencias to 22.7 million boxes. In total, Florida oranges dipped to 51.7 million boxes, down 7% from March’s 55.5 million …
Keeping Weeds in Check
Weeds can reduce citrus growth and production, especially in young trees. A management program should be put in place to control weeds in tree rows to minimize competition with citrus, but it is also important to control weeds in row middles to reduce soil erosion. Weed management can be achieved by utilizing a combination of control practices including but not …