Sponsored Content Question: Previous questions have been asked about increases in yield and quality of the citrus crop as groves begin to recover from HLB. Why does it take additional time to get quality to improve? Answer: The ability of any crop to produce both high yield and high quality is an agronomic function of a plant’s ability to intake …
Taking a Closer Look at CRISPR in Citrus Breeding
By Manjul Dutt Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a series outlining how genetic technology can be using in citrus breeding. Traditional methods for improving citrus, such as crossbreeding different varieties, can be time-consuming due to the creation of a random mix of genes from both parents through a process called genetic introgression. In the article last month, …
FFVA Urges H-2A Processing During Government Shutdown
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently urged the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to authorize the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to continue processing H-2A labor certifications during the government shutdown. An Oct. 17 letter from FFVA Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell stated that delays in H-2A certifications caused by the shutdown imminently threaten agricultural production, …
PIECES OF THE PAST: True Blue Goose
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette James S. Crutchfield came into the world on a summer day — July 3, 1874 — in the small farming town of Goshen, Kentucky. His folks, Albert and Hatta, worked the land, and that country know-how ran deep in Crutchfield from the start. He got his schooling in Louisville, then set his sights on Florida in …
Installing and Using Soil Moisture Sensors
By Sandra M. Guzmán and Amir Rezazadeh During Florida’s rainy and hurricane season, accurate water management becomes even more critical for citrus growers. Soil moisture sensors (SMSs) can be used as a baseline tool for making informed irrigation decisions. But to get reliable readings, it is critical to choose, install and use them correctly. WHERE TO INSTALL Proper SMS placement …
Summer Update Informs Growers on Impactful Issues
The annual Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting on Aug. 14 in Valdosta, Georgia, provided cold-hardy growers with updates on several factors impacting the industry. Information on topics ranging from snails to phytophthora to Asian citrus psyllid trapping were presented to growers who are on the cusp of harvesting another season’s crop. Jake Price, University of Georgia (UGA) area citrus agent …
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 …
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 …
New Resource for Citrus Exporters
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) launched a new resource to support American farmers’ access to international trade opportunities. Maximum Residue Limit Quick Reference Sheets provide information about pesticide residue requirements in major export markets for U.S. producers and shippers of fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops. USDA FAS developed the MRL Quick Reference Sheets in partnership …
Biological Control: A Significant Component of Citrus IPM
By Jawwad A. Qureshi All citrus pests in Florida have natural enemies, although some are more effective at biological control than others. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers have been studying the activity and impact of natural enemies on pest infestations in traditional open production systems and protected systems such as citrus under protective screen …
AI to Assess Crop Damage
Imagine using an artificial intelligence (AI) platform similar to ChatGPT to get crop-damage information after a major storm and comparing it to previous seasons. That’s what University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) AI scientist Nikolaos Tziolas plans to provide for farmers. His project will be funded with a new $297,000 grant from the U.S. Department of …
Citrus Funding Appears Promising
Recent reports from Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) and California Citrus Mutual (CCM) indicate that major support is likely forthcoming for the U.S. citrus industry. RECORD FLORIDA FUNDING FCM reports that the Florida Legislature continues to finalize a budget for the 2025–26 state fiscal year with a vote expected in both the Senate and House chambers on June 18. Senate President Ben Albritton, has advocated for record citrus …
Brazilian Biotech Company Targeting Citrus Pathogens
With support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Ideelab is developing more efficient strategies to combat pathogens that threaten citrus. The work of Ideelab, a São Paulo startup company, is based on the principle that plants communicate with microorganisms through specific molecules called effectors. Effectors are peptides and proteins that are produced naturally and interact with the pattern recognition …
Hurricane Season Has Started; Get Prepared
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently urged farmers to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, which began June 1, and offered the following suggestions. In addition to the above tips, USDA offered information about its disaster assistance programs, crop insurance and other programs. Learn more here. Source: USDA Sponsored ContentGrower Results With ReMedium TI® Mirror Researcher ResultsJanuary 21, 2026Take …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Power Panel to Address the Big Ag Issues
There is a lot happening in the world of specialty crops that impact growers’ business operations. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will host a panel discussion with the leaders of three associations to tackle those topics. The panel will include Mike Joyner, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Chris Butts, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Matt Joyner, Florida …
Trunk-Injection Biopesticide for HLB
Ching-Hong Yang, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) biological sciences professor, was recently awarded a $1.5 million federal grant to support research on a compound that suppresses HLB disease. His project is titled Bringing RejuAgro to Market: Development of a Groundbreaking Trunk Injection Biopesticide for Huanglongbing (HLB). The grant is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture …
Florida Citrus Forecast Holds Steady
The 2024–25 citrus forecast released on May 12 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows little change from the April forecast. ORANGESThe Florida all-orange forecast, at 11.63 million boxes, is up less than 1% from last month. If realized, this will be 36% less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 4.58 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, …
Report Citrus Acreage to USDA
The executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association recently reminded fellow growers of the importance of reporting their citrus acreage to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Accurate acreage reporting is more than a box to check. It’s a powerful tool that directly impacts our ability to receive support, shape policy and respond to challenges,” Lindy …
Mechanism of Resistance to HLB Identified
A research team led by Jian Ye from the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to HLB. Results of the study were published in Science. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), the team has also developed antimicrobial peptides that offer a promising therapeutic approach to combat the disease. This discovery addresses …
Florida Southern College’s Malcolm Manners to Retire
Malcolm Manners, Florida Southern College (FSC) professor of citrus science and coordinator of the citrus and horticultural science program, will soon retire after 44 years at the college. Manners’ fascination with plants and horticulture started at a young age. “My parents were always gardeners, and I’ve had an interest in plants my whole life,” he said. After earning a bachelor’s degree …





























