Algal spot had rarely been seen in Florida groves until fairly recently, Megan Dewdney reported in a virtual Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute presentation. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences plant pathologist said she started hearing from concerned orange growers within the past five years. Those growers told her that copper, the historical recommendation for the disease, …
Understanding the Fate and Persistence of Herbicides in Soils
By Ramdas Kanissery, Rachel Fenn, Biwek Gairhe and Davie Kadyampakeni Chemical weed control, using herbicides to manage weeds, is an important production practice in citrus groves. Herbicides applied in groves can end up in the soils from direct spray hits, indirect or non-target spray movement (also known as drifts) or release from the dead weeds and vegetation. In soil, the …
H-2A Program Updates
When the U.S. government announced its decision to suspend visa processing in Mexico on March 18 to combat the spread of COVID-19, growers around the country immediately expressed concerns that the action could have a major impact on agriculture and the U.S. food supply. The concern, of course, was due to the vital role that foreign workers play in the …
Indian River Variety Trial Attracts Visitors
Forty-nine growers and others participated in a self-guided, drive-through tour of the Millennium Block variety performance trial at the Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) on Oct. 9. “Several growers highlighted trees are off to a good start, and despite the fact they’re young, they could see clear differences,” said host and IRREC researcher Rhuanito “Johnny” Ferrarezi. Ferrarezi works …
Varieties and Rootstocks Reviewed
In his virtual Citrus Expo presentation, Jude Grosser reviewed varieties and rootstocks showing promise for productivity in the face of HLB. Grosser is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant breeder. His presentation was based on work done by him and fellow UF/IFAS researchers Bill Castle and Fred Gmitter. Grosser said UF/IFAS released OLL-20 “based …
Irrigation Scheduling to Optimize Tree Performance
By Davie Kadyampakeni Proper irrigation scheduling applies an appropriate volume of water to a citrus grove at the appropriate time based on tree need, soil properties and weather conditions. Applying water in the right amount, right quantity and at the right time is very important for getting the best out of citrus trees. Several tools are available for determining when …
Prospects for the 2020–21 Growing Season
Marisa Zansler, Florida Department of Citrus director of economic and market research, gave an update on fresh citrus prospects for the 2020–21 growing season during the recent virtual citrus Packinghouse Day meeting. Florida fresh citrus movement increased during the 2019–20 season, which was largely attributed to increased production, Zansler said. In addition to increased production, COVID-19 concerns served to move …
Maintaining Orange Juice Momentum
The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) normally launches minimal programs during the first quarter of the fiscal year and instead focuses on strategic planning. This year, though, in order to continue to build upon the momentum of 2019-20, the FDOC and its advertising agency, Edible, launched a robust campaign to drive sales of 100 percent orange juice (OJ) at retail. …
Is Parson Brown the Better Early Orange?
The old Parson Brown sweet orange variety is showing some characteristics that could make it more attractive than Hamlin, which has long been Florida’s leading early-season orange. “Observations made in commercial blocks in Polk and neighboring counties illustrate an improved canopy density, improved mature fruit retention and higher yields in the early-maturing Parson Brown sweet orange when compared to adjacent …
Commissioner Fried on Citrus Forecast
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement on the initial citrus crop forecast for the 2020-21 season released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): “When Americans think of wellness and health, their thoughts turn to Florida orange juice and fresh citrus, especially during these unprecedented times. Despite the challenges that Florida’s citrus growers have faced as a …
Get the Science on Climate Change
“Our climate is changing and, with that, comes more extreme events,” said Ashley Smyth, an assistant professor of soil and water science at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead. The center is part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Just look at the most recent hurricanes. As they cross the Gulf, they …
Artificial Intelligence System Wins UF Honors
UF Innovate | Tech Licensing recently recognized an artificial intelligence (AI) system known as Agroview as a UF Invention of the Year. The AI system was invented by Yiannis Ampatzidis and his research team at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC). The system utilizes images from drones and satellites …
Advice for Cold-Hardy Citrus Growers
North Florida citrus growers who are new to the industry received some marketing advice and background information recently from Vero Beach grower and packer Dan Richey. He gave a presentation during a virtual annual meeting of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association on Sept. 23. Richey, president and CEO of Riverfront Packing, urged the growers to have a plan and to …
More COVID-19 Protection Needed for Ag
The nation’s essential agricultural industry has worked relentlessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food is put on the tables of American families. Agricultural employers recognize that the health and safety of their employees are imperative to the success of their operations. These employers also recognize consumer demand for fresh, safe and nutritious produce. For years, agricultural employers have adhered …
Living With Greening by Improving Soil Health
By Ronald G. Doetch I am a lifelong farmer/agronomist and, at the age of 73, have worked with many different crops through the many changes in agriculture challenges and production practices. I moved to Florida four years ago to grow a few oranges and have a firsthand look and understanding of the relationship of soil health to tree decline and …
First Crop Forecast of the Season Is Oct. 9
Industry members will have several ways to hear the first official U.S. citrus crop forecast of the 2020–21 season. Agricultural Statistics Administrator Bill Curtis of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will deliver the forecast at 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, Oct. 9. His live report will be broadcast on the Southeast AgNet Radio Network, online …
HLB Research Featured on Website
By Madison Sankovitz, Barbara Alonso, Monique Rivera, Lukasz Stelinski, Sara García-Figuera, Peggy G. Lemaux and Beth Grafton-Cardwell The bacterial disease huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease and has caused massive losses to the U.S. citrus industry. The disease vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, is currently in all U.S. citrus-producing states, and the disease continues to exert a severe impact on …
Diversifying Citrus Pest Management
The use of chemicals for HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) and other pests has raised several concerns, Jawwad Qureshi reported in a virtual Florida Citrus Growers Institute presentation. Those concerns include pest resistance, costs and diminishing biological control of pests, as well as concerns about health and the environment. Qureshi, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …
Hall of Fame Call for Nominations
Nominations are being sought for potential inductees to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame (FCHOF). Eligible nominees are industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the Florida citrus industry in any of the following fields: pioneering, harvesting, packing, processing, marketing, science and/or education. Those chosen will be inducted in ceremonies Friday, March 5, 2021, at Florida Southern College in …




























