Florida Citrus Packers recently presented IMG Citrus founders Michel and Veronique Sallin with the organization’s highest recognition, the John T. Lesley Award. The presentation was made at the fresh fruit industry’s annual Citrus Packinghouse Day. The award is for individuals making sustained and outstanding contributions to Florida’s fresh citrus industry. IMG Citrus operates more than 11,000 acres of citrus groves …
Participate in Variety Displays and Field Days
By Peter Chaires Each year, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus breeding teams provide opportunities for interested parties to sample fruit from new and recent selections. This is a great opportunity to remain current on research results. Participation from growers, processors, packers, marketers and fruit enthusiasts is desired. Shoppers in produce departments represent a …
Wang Appointed to Graves Eminent Scholar Chair
Citrus researcher Nian Wang has been appointed to the Graves Eminent Scholar Chair in Biotechnology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Wang is a professor of microbiology and cell science at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). He was appointed to the chair because of his work to develop a tree resistant to …
Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery: Innovation and Industry Involvement
By Tacy Callies Before they were married, Nate and Anna Jameson vowed they would one day farm for themselves. They met while attending the University of Florida. Nate graduated with a Bachelor of Science in ag operations management, while Anna earned her degree in animal science. After graduation, Anna worked for Lykes Meat Group and Nate for Ben Hill Griffin …
Federal Disaster Responsibility Act Introduced
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack introduced the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act on Sept. 5. She said the bill, which fully funds the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), ensures that block grants are secured for Florida’s growers, among other things. The grants would make sure growers get the necessary tax breaks from hurricane losses they suffered. The bill …
Highlights From Citrus Packinghouse Day Presentations
Trunk injection for HLB, diplodia stem-end rot (diplodia SER) and citrus under protective screen (CUPS) were among topics addressed at the recent Citrus Packinghouse Day. The event took place at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). TRUNK INJECTION FOR HLBTrunk injection of oxytetracycline (OTC) increases tree health, fruit quality …
Transgenic Efforts Against HLB
Matthew Mattia recently provided an overview of work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) transgenic test site in Fort Pierce. Transgenic refers to an organism that contains genetic material into which DNA from an unrelated organism has been artificially introduced. Scientists at the Picos Farm screen transgenics for suppression of citrus Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), …
Prevent and Recover From Hurricane Damage
By Christopher Vincent, Tripti Vashisth and Gillian Zeng Michalczyk Hurricane Ian harmed citrus trees in much of Florida, especially in areas where sweet oranges are grown. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are tracking the health of trees in groves around the state as they struggle to recover. Fall applications of gibberellic acid before the storm …
Traditions Live on at New Location
Although the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was held at a new location this year, the event’s traditions were alive and well. A large crowd of growers and industry members gathered for two days of education and networking at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa on Aug. 16–17. The event kicked off with the traditional biscuits and gravy breakfast at …
Historically Low Orange Juice Supply
Brazil’s São Paulo and Minas Gerais citrus belt has gone through four low orange production cycles in a row, the Brazilian Association of Citrus Exporters (CitrusBR) pointed out in a recent report on orange juice processing. The association noted that orange production in Brazil’s citrus belt totaled 269 million boxes in the 2020–21 season, 263 million boxes in 2021–22, 314 …
FFVA Endorses Aldicarb Registration
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of the proposed federal registration of aldicarb on Florida oranges and grapefruit. “Prior to the business-strategy decision by the previous registrant to voluntarily remove aldicarb from the market in 2010, this insecticide was considered a cornerstone of immediate and long-term sustainable production …
Replacing Psyllid Host Plants
The secretary of agriculture and supply of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in partnership with Fundecitrus, has launched a campaign to replace plants that are hosts for the HLB-spreading psyllid. HLB disease is also known as citrus greening. The campaign, called Plant This Idea, aims to replace citrus and myrtle plants with fruitful and ornamental plants in rural backyards …
Sneak Peek: September 2023 Citrus Industry
The Florida citrus industry has seen more than its fair share of challenges and changes in recent years. But through it all, Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery has been a constant positive presence. This is due to strong leadership from Nate and Anna Jameson and their ability to adapt to changing times. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently …
Worldwide Citrus Production Down in All Categories
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) recently estimated that world citrus production is down for oranges, mandarins, orange juice (OJ), grapefruit and lemons/limes. For all categories, production will be lower in 2022–23 than in the prior year. OJGlobal OJ production for 2022–23 is estimated 9% lower to 1.5 million metric tons (MMT). Production is down due …
UGA Citrus Research Benefits From Freeze
Research in South Georgia cold-hardy citrus requires freezing temperatures for studies to be effective. When temperatures dropped below freezing for multiple days around Christmas last year, it allowed Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) Lowndes County Extension coordinator, to conduct extensive research into various citrus varieties and rootstocks. He discussed his research during a citrus meeting in early August. “We’ve …
Soil Moisture Sensors Improve Irrigation
By Davie Kadyampakeni, Sandra M. Guzmán and Ajia Paolillo Using soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling can reduce water stress in citrus trees. Sensors that are easy to calibrate and maintain, specifically designed for managing irrigation and fertigation on Florida’s sandy soils, are the preferred choice. These tools enable growers to use their water resources wisely and efficiently. There are …
Citrus Hall of Fame Nominations Needed by Nov. 1
The nomination deadline for potential 2024 inductees into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame is Nov. 1, 2023. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the following year. Eligible nominees are distinguished leaders who made significant contributions to the Florida citrus industry in any of the following fields: pioneering, harvesting, packing, processing, marketing, science and/or education. Nomination forms …
Early Reports: Citrus Fared Well in Idalia
The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge. “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the …
PIECES OF THE PAST: The Power of Pictures
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette This year, John Fuller, the new global marketing manager for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), and Matt Joyner, executive vice president/chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, served on the panel of judges for the Miss Florida Citrus/Miss Winter Haven Competition. It was interesting to introduce them both to this iconic, grassroots promotional program that …
What To Do When Groves Flood
By Mongi Zekri During heavy rains in the summer, excess water must be removed from the root zone. Flooding injury can be expected if the root zone is saturated for three days or more during extended summer rains at relatively high soil temperatures (86 to 95 degrees). Flooding during the cooler December–March period can be tolerated for several weeks at …