California Citrus Mutual Opposes Chlorpyrifos Ban

Len WilcoxCalifornia Corner, Regulation

California Citrus Mutual (CCM) has issued a statement opposing the upcoming statewide ban of chlorpyrifos. The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) announced that the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is now working to rescind the approved use of the pesticide, which will effectively ban the pesticide from any use in California. The process could take up to two years. CalEPA …

Technology: Look Before Leaping

Ernie NeffTechnology

New technology can get growers excited about its potential benefits, says John Schueller, a University of Florida engineer and professor. “But before we go out and do something really big, we need to look at various aspects (of the technology),” he says. He suggests five questions growers should consider before going all in. “One is, what are the effects of …

An Important Reminder on Citrus Tristeza Virus

Tacy CalliesDiseases

By Amit Levy and Ozgur Batuman Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is an important citrus pathogen that, in the past, had a dramatic effect on the citrus industry and caused the loss of almost 100 million trees worldwide. These trees were propagated on sour orange rootstock. The disease created a need for tristeza-tolerant rootstocks to sustain the citrus industry, because only …

long-horned beetle

Psyllid Management for HLB

Ernie NeffHLB Management

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock reports on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) management studies being conducted around the world. Her report covers presentations made at the International Citrus Research Conference on HLB in March. She summarized the international scientists’ observations at the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute in Avon Park last month. She shares …

Citrus Black Spot Update

Ernie Neffblack spot, Diseases

Callie Walker with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) recently gave an update on the citrus black spot quarantine in Southwest Florida. Walker is bureau chief of pest eradication and control for FDACS’ Division of Plant Industry and serves as statewide director for the Citrus Health Response Program. She summarizes the presentation she made at the Florida …

Israel’s Dynamic Citrus Industry

Tacy CalliesCitrus

By Stephen H. Futch and Ariel Singerman As home to three of the world’s major religions, Israel is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Besides its cultural diversity and historical importance, Israel is also a major citrus producer and exporter. Israel’s citrus industry began in 1882. As new immigrants moved to the country, they established many very …

HLB: Horticultural Practices

Ernie NeffCitrus, HLB Management

Scientists from numerous countries attending the International Citrus Research Conference on HLB in March reported on studies of horticultural practices that might help growers cope with the disease. Tripti Vashisth, a horticulturist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), summarized their observations at the recent Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. She shares those observations in the …

HLB

Rootstock Solutions for HLB

Ernie NeffHLB Management, Rootstocks

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus breeders are working on both short-term and long-term rootstock solutions for HLB, Fred Gmitter said earlier this year. Gmitter and fellow UF/IFAS citrus breeder Jude Grosser have already identified numerous rootstocks that seem to offer tolerance to the disease. Tolerance would help growers in the short term. Gmitter says …

new york times

May 4 Is National OJ Day

Tacy CalliesOrange Juice

Ray Royce of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association reminds citrus industry members that this Saturday, May 4 is National OJ Day. “You are encouraged to think about how, even in a very small way, you can help assist in reminding your friends, neighbors and business associates that Americans have long had a love affair with orange juice,” says Royce. …

climate

Kaolin Impact on Psyllids and HLB

Ernie NeffHLB Management, Psyllids

Researchers found use of kaolin particle film on trees reduced populations of HLB-spreading psyllids and delayed HLB infection. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher Christopher Vincent and graduate student Juanpablo Salvatierra Miranda report on their findings. Vincent says both white kaolin and red kaolin applications “had very low psyllid numbers” compared to a foliar insecticide treatment …

production

Media Investigating Bactericide Use in Citrus

Ernie NeffBactericides

Potential human resistance to antibiotics as a result of bactericide use to treat HLB is the apparent topic of upcoming media stories. The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) has recently responded to national and local reporters’ questions about the topic. Questions “have mostly touched on resistance in humans,” according to an FDOC spokesperson. The spokesperson said the reporters were with …

Citrus Production Cost Surveys Scheduled

Daniel CooperEconomics, Production

In an effort to continue to gather accurate production cost data for Florida citrus growers, University of Florida economist Ariel Singerman will be conducting two regional surveys. This will be the fourth year that Singerman has met with citrus growers to gather current production cost data. This information is important for a multitude of reasons, including citrus grove valuations for …

PFD

Pathology Research for HLB

Ernie NeffHLB Management

Scientists from numerous countries attending the International Citrus Research Conference on HLB in March reported on pathology research that might help growers cope with the disease. Megan Dewdney, plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), summarized their reports at the recent Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. Dewdney shares the research findings in the current …

Grower Picks Favorites at Rootstock Trial

Ernie NeffRootstocks

Gardinier Florida Citrus General Manager Lee Jones named two rootstocks that looked appealing at an April 25 Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) rootstock field day in Highlands County. “(US) 942 kind of stands out to me,” he said. “(US) 812 looks good,” he added. “What we’re learning as we’re going is we’ve got to spoon feed this (citrus trees) …

California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program Report Released

Len WilcoxCalifornia Corner

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) released the 2018 annual report from the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program (CPDPP). According to the report, California citrus is a $3.3 billion industry, providing 21,600 jobs and covering 268,500 acres. HLB (huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease) is the leading threat in citrus today. In 2018, HLB was found …

Sneak Peek: May 2019 Citrus Industry Magazine

Tacy CalliesSneak Peek

The May issue of Citrus Industry magazine offers something for everyone. The diverse range of article topics in this issue is sure to be of interest to readers. First, growers will want to read the latest research on citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Although this is an old problem in Florida, it’s still a threat today — especially if you are …

plot

Grapefruit Grown Under Protective Screens Maximizes Fruit Yield

Daniel CooperCitrus Greening, CUPS, Grapefruit, Industry News Release, Research

Growers of one of Florida’s signature citrus crops may see more production and possibly less of the deadly citrus greening disease. Researchers have worked for four years growing grapefruit under protective screens on a 1-acre experimental plot at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and they’re seeing encouraging results. UF/IFAS scientists and a few commercial …

june

All In For Citrus Podcast, April 2019

Taylor HillmanAll In For Citrus Podcast

April’s All In For Citrus Podcast has a different format than previous programs. This month’s podcast kicks off with a message from Michael Rogers, center director at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC).  He gives a summary of the recent Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute that took place at the beginning …

soil

Soil and Water pH Play a Key Part in Nutrition

Tacy CalliesNutrition, Water

By Tripti Vashisth, Davie Kadyampakeni and Lushan Ghimire In the past few years, horticultural citrus grove management practices have changed significantly in Florida. It is a common observation across the state that huanglongbing (HLB)-affected trees respond well to complete and balanced nutrition programs. Therefore, citrus growers are currently focusing on intensive management of irrigation and nutrition. HLB-affected trees suffer a …