Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) performance in Florida got a big thumbs up from researcher Arnold Schumann in a virtual presentation on Aug. 7. Schumann, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences professor, reported on findings from his research at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) as well as commercial CUPS in Florida. Schumann’s summary of …
FDA Proposes OJ Brix Reduction
In response to a 2021 Florida citrus industry petition, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed reducing the minimum Brix of pasteurized orange juice (OJ) from 10.5% to 10%. Brix is a measurement of sugar content. The FDA established a standard of identity (SOI) for pasteurized OJ in 1963 to protect the interests of consumers and reflect their …
Less Confidence in Latest Hurricane Forecast
Colorado State University (CSU) on Aug. 6 maintained its forecast for a slightly above-normal 2025 Atlantic basin hurricane season, although noting lower-than-normal confidence in the latest outlook. CSU hurricane forecasters report that sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central Atlantic have anomalously warmed over the past few weeks and are now somewhat warmer than normal. Multiple indicators anticipate likely …
Applications Open for CRAFT Programs
Applications are being accepted for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) seventh program year. Applications must be submitted at the CRAFT website by Oct. 3. Here is a summary of available 2025 CRAFT programs: TRADITIONAL NEW TREE PLANTING PROGRAMThis program evaluates grower recommended rootstock/scion combinations in real-world commercial conditions. FAST TRACK NURSERY STOCK PROGRAMThe CRAFT board has identified …
Changes to Texas Mexfly Quarantines
The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in July made several changes regarding Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantines in Texas. They amended the Harlingen-Sebastian quarantine in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties and the Edinburg-Palmview-Donna quarantine in Hidalgo County. In addition, the Sullivan City quarantine in Hidalgo County …
Managing Psyllids in Groves and Protected Structures
By Jawwad A. Qureshi The impact of the Asian citrus psyllid continues to intensify through devastation of its vectored huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Although there is no permanent solution for HLB yet, psyllid suppression reduces its impact. Chemical control is the most implemented method. Its strategic use helps reduce psyllid resistance and collateral damage to non-target organisms, including beneficial organisms needed …
How Potassium Leads to Sweeter Oranges
Potassium plays a vital role in plant health, affecting photosynthesis, sugar movement and crop quality. In citrus, sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose not only determine taste but also influence market success. While it’s known that potassium boosts sugar levels in fruit, the underlying mechanisms — especially in perennial trees like citrus — are not fully understood. The balance …
Research Renders Reasons to Replant
By J. Scott Angle, jangle@ufl.edu, @IFAS_VP Growing up in Polk County, Emily Worbington saw the groves disappearing. She passed more and more rooftops as she drove around Auburndale. In nearby Eagle Lake, Joe Volpe watched trees vanish, too. In fact, he tore out trees himself in his family’s century-old grove. “It broke my heart,” he says. PERSONAL PURSUITSWorbington and Volpe’s …
Abandoned Grove Ag Classification Period Doubled
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that extended the Citrus Health Response Program’s (CHRP) Abandoned Grove Initiative. The Abandoned Grove Initiative allows citrus growers to terminate their trees but maintain their agricultural classification with the county property appraiser’s office even if the land remains fallow. While the program previously allowed participants to keep their agricultural classification for five years, …
Pesticide Exposure and Response Strategies
By Lisa Hickey Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. A minimum score of 70% is required to receive credit. The Florida citrus industry plays a crucial role in the state’s …
Online Information Hub Launched for Disaster Block Grant
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the launch of a centralized online information hub for the state’s disaster block grant program for agricultural producers impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. The new webpage — FDACS.gov/BlockGrant — will serve as the official source for updates, eligibility criteria and application details as they become available. “Florida’s agriculture industry was hit …
New Tool to Improve Crop Breeding
A new tool has allowed researchers probe the metabolic processes occurring within the leaves, stems and roots of clementine citrus trees. The goal is to improve the yields, flavor and nutritional value of citrus and non-citrus crops. To build the tool, the team — led by the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) researchers — focused on the …
Brazilian OJ: Low Volume, Record Revenue
Brazil’s Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA) recently reported that the volume of Brazilian orange juice (OJ) exported in 2024–25 was historically small, but revenues set a record. CEPEA stated there was limited production of high-quality Brazilian oranges in 2024–25. As a result, the juice industry had difficulty producing juice that is compatible to standards required by international …
CRDF Funding Focuses: ACPs and Trees of the Future
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) met for its July board of directors meeting to discuss a number of research topics. According to CRDF Chief Operating Officer Rick Dantzler, Asian citrus psyllids (ACPs) were on the agenda. “The CRDF board approved funding of a proposal from Lukasz Stelinski, an entomologist and professor with the University of Florida Institute of …
Emerging Trends in Nutrient Rate Studies
By Davie Kadyampakeni, Noor Basar, Alisheikh Atta, Muhammad Shahid, Shahid Iqbal and Alan Wright Citrus trees in Florida impacted by HLB have limited nutrient uptake largely due to limited root mass, compromised physiology and extremely sandy soil. The state’s current nutrient management guidelines were developed based on data prior to the spread of HLB, when trees had dense canopies and …
PIECES OF THE PAST: Beuch From Zeuch (Buy From Zy)!
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette Vero Beach was initially named “Vero” by Sarah Gifford, meaning truth in Latin. Her son, Friend Charles, succeeded his father, Henry, as postmaster for Vero and became a ticket agent when the Florida East Coast Railway established a station there in 1903. He went on to cultivate 160 acres and established the area’s first citrus grove …
New Version of Immigration Reform Bill Introduced
U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Veronica Escobar of Texas, along with 20 other representatives, introduced the Dignity Act of 2025 on July 15. The act is a new version of the Dignity Act immigration reform bill originally introduced in May of 2023. “The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our …
U.S. Farm Security Plan Announced
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of national security. “We’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs or our livelihoods,” Rollins said. The USDA reported that the U.S. Department of Justice recently charged foreign nationals, including …
Trees With Fruit Left During Freeze Have Damage
Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension coordinator, recently wrote about cold damage from leaving fruit on trees during a freeze: Last fall, the Owari satsuma trees at J.L. Lomax produced a tremendous amount of soft fruit that became puffy very quickly. Category 2 hurricane Helene may have contributed to the fruit quality being so bad last year. With all the …
One Big Beautiful Bill a Boost to Specialty Crops
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) weighed in on the budget and tax bill signed into law by President Trump. According to FFVA, the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) delivers a significant boost to the specialty crop industry, with targeted investments that will benefit growers across Florida and the country. Key provisions in the OBBBA include: …





























