The only changes made in today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) citrus crop forecast were in Florida. Red grapefruit decreased 3 percent, going from 8.5 million boxes to 8.2 million boxes. The projection for honey tangerines increased from 600,000 boxes to 700,000 boxes, bringing the overall Florida tangerine total to 1.5 million boxes. Download Audio February USDA Citrus Crop Forecast …
Fixing Magnesium Deficiency
Noting that magnesium (Mg) deficiency is a problem in Florida citrus, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) offers the following information about its symptoms, cause and solutions. SYMPTOMS AND CAUSE Trees with inadequate Mg supply have no symptoms in the new spring flush, but leaf symptoms will develop as the leaves age and the fruit …
Turning Orange Peel Into Heart-Healthy Gold
For every gallon of Florida orange juice produced, nearly an equal amount of peel is left behind. Traditionally, this material has been used for cattle feed or compost. New research from Yu Wang and Hyun Jeong Jung at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center suggests a far more valuable use. …
Safeguarding Citrus Biodiversity
A new greenhouse in Corsica, known as ARCHE, is part of an effort to safeguard one of the world’s largest citrus collections in the face of increasing disease and climate threats. The Citrus Biological Resource Centre (Citrus BRC) inaugurated the 1,100-square meter insect-proof facility on Dec. 5. The facility will soon house hundreds of citrus varieties from the Citrus BRC, …
Sneak Peek: January 2026 Citrus Industry
The annual Citrus State of the Industry Survey is back, and Part 1 of the results are in. The citrus section of the January issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine shares what growers have reported on this season’s grove conditions. The report includes information on crop quality, expected yield and oxytetracycline use. Readers can scan the QR code in the …
Disease Research Discussed at Brazilian Workshop
Several Fundecitrus researchers recently made presentations at the Brazilian Workshop on Plant Disease Epidemiology, held in Pirenópolis, Goiás. The scientists discussed studies on disease epidemics affecting agricultural crops and management strategies. CITRUS FLOWER ROT FORECASTING Geraldo Silva Junior addressed the citrus flower rot forecasting system — developed in partnership with Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture University of São Paulo(ESALQ/USP) …
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Accepting Applications
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program partners with farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations. Landowners can learn more about the program and submit applications here through Jan. 23, …
Support for Citrus Access to Triazine Herbicides
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently filed comments with federal agencies supporting continued access to the triazine herbicides simazine and atrazine for citrus and other specialty crops. The comments were submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Environmental Protection Agency regarding FWS’ draft Biological Opinion (BiOp) for Atrazine and Simazine Herbicides. FFVA submitted the comments …
Can Physical Barriers Improve Sting Nematode and Root Weevil Management?
Larry Duncan, professor of nematology with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), recently presented his research regarding the management of sting nematodes and diaprepes root weevils. The presentation was part of an ongoing series of Zoom meetings organized by Mongi Zekri, UF//IFAS citrus Extension agent. STING NEMATODE Sting nematode is an important pest, especially in …
Holiday Wish List for Food Safety
By Taylor O’Bannon, William Mitchell, Morgan Madison, Stephanie Brown, Keith Schneider and Michelle Danyluk The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Produce Safety Extension Team compiled a wish list of food-safety items for citrus growers to prepare for the new year. Some of these items are must-haves straight from the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety …
An Exciting Time To Be Involved in Agriculture
Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a series honoring Ben Albritton, the 2025 Citrus Achievement Award winner. This year’s Citrus Achievement Award winner, Ben Albritton, is excited about the future prospects of agriculture in Florida. As Florida Senate President, he’s ready to take the industry’s priorities to Tallahassee for next year’s legislative session. HEALTHY CHOICES Albritton says that …
Update on Disaster Block Grant Progress
Florida Citrus Mutual recently hosted a grower information meeting and lunch at Kenny Sanders barn and grove in Zolfo Springs on Dec. 10. Matt Joyner, Mutual’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, welcomed attendees and provided some updates on several key issues. Joyner said one of the most common questions he has been getting lately from growers is: What’s …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo: You Spoke; We Listened!
By Robin Loftin In 2023, when the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was forced to leave the Lee Civic Center and Fort Myers, AgNet Media shared your disappointment. Like many of you, we hoped and prayed that one day we would have the opportunity to return. Today, we are thrilled to announce that those prayers have been answered. The 2026 …
All In For Citrus Podcast, December 2025
As 2025 winds down, Michael Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), took time to recognize Chris Oswalt during the December All In For Citrus podcast. Oswalt is retiring from his post as a citrus Extension agent, which he’s held for nearly 30 years. He served Polk …
Greenie Gains Attention at Citrus Fruit Display
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) hosted its last scheduled citrus fruit display of the year on Dec. 17 in Lake Alfred. The December display is considered the best of the season due to the number and diversity of varieties available. There were about 25 fresh fruit varieties on …
How To Reduce Spray Drift
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) provided the following tips for reducing spray drift in citrus groves: Source: UF/IFAS Sponsored ContentTake Advantage of Rising Temperatures to Treat for Fire AntsJuly 1, 2025Take the Sting Out of Fire AntsJune 1, 2025A Simpler, Safer and More Effective Way to Fight HLBOctober 25, 2024
CRAFT Issues Program Updates
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation recently reported it has already issued more than $12 million in grower payments for CRAFT Year 7 programs and completed more than 600 contracts. Executive Director Steven Hall issued the following program updates: FAST TRACK PROGRAM CYCLE 7 TRADITIONAL PROGRAM EMERGING VARIETIES PROGRAM CRAFT expects to begin issuing contracts for the Emerging …
Second Freeze This Season Hits Cold-Hardy Citrus Region
The second major freeze event of the season occurred this week in the cold-hardy citrus region. It is still too early to gauge the long-term impact of temperatures dropping to the mid-20s in the early morning hours on Monday and Tuesday. However, if growers did not implement freeze-protection measures, this event could be more serious than the first freeze that …
Herbicide Safety Around Young Citrus Trees
By Ramdas Kanissery Young citrus trees are highly sensitive to herbicides. Even small amounts of drift onto green bark or foliage can significantly impact tree growth (Figure 1). Taking a few practical precautions during herbicide applications can help protect young trees and keep them growing strong during their early establishment years. AVOID HERBICIDE CONTACT WITH GREEN BARK The greatest risk …
Update on Citrus Tariffs
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) recently reported on the changes to citrus tariffs as a result of President Trump’s executive order modifying the scope of the administration’s reciprocal tariffs. Lemons and mandarins remain subject to reciprocal tariffs, ensuring continued tariff parity during the domestic growing season. Oranges and limes were newly exempted, and grapefruit was exempted only during the month of …