University of Florida professor Larry Duncan presented the latest research on using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to control Diaprepes root weevil (DRW) in citrus to approximately 30 growers on June 30 at the Hardee County Extension Service office in Wauchula. The combination of HLB with DRW intrusion has created a situation that will accelerate the destruction of most infected trees. DRW …
New Method Tells Growers More About Citrus Decay
With citrus growers trying to save their groves in the wake of the deadly greening disease, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher has found a new technique that could help growers answer a vexing question – why so much fruit is dropping to the ground prematurely. If we know why fruit is dropping, we can …
Citrus Growers Share HLB Tips
Sharing information, conducting field trials, being efficient, replanting, thermotherapy and managing tree stress are some of the practices five growers think might help manage HLB. The growers were panelists discussing possible ways to survive the devastating disease during Florida Citrus Mutual’s recent annual conference in Bonita Springs. Bill Barber of Lykes Brothers started and ended his presentation with a call …
Citrus Growers Surveyed on Percent of Trees Infected
Florida citrus growers: 80 percent of trees infected by greening By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu Source: Ariel Singerman, 863-956- 8870, singerman@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s citrus growers say as much as 90 percent of their acreage and 80 percent of their trees are infected by the deadly greening disease, which is making a huge dent in the state’s $10.7 billion …
Citrus Growers Can Begin Using Three Bactericides
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, with the concurrence of the Environmental Protection Agency, has issued a Crisis Declaration that makes the use of three bactericides legal as of today. See the Crisis Declaration for details. Growers should make sure to have a copy of the Crisis Declaration and other portions of the attachment in their possession when utilizing these products. …
Legislative Progress for Florida Citrus Growers
In a message below, Mike Sparks, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, reports positive news on the current status of the citrus industry’s agenda items in the legislative session. Dear FCM Board and Members: It’s been a whirlwind 2016 in Tallahassee and with a week left in the scheduled legislative session, I have some very positive news to share. …
Now Is the Time to Knock Back Psyllid Populations
Now is the time for Florida citrus growers to implement management tactics to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect that vectors citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB). ACPs are currently in low populations across Florida’s citrus-producing region. That means growers should act now to protect their crop from the insect’s impact, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida …
Not If Georgia Will Get HLB, But When
Citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), is not yet widespread in Georgia. However, there’s no reason to think that it won’t become more of a problem for the state’s citrus growers. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association (GCA), hopes it doesn’t happen but cautions growers about the disease’s potential beyond Florida. “Something we have to …
Highlands Citrus Banquet Highlights Trunk-Injection Research
The Highlands County Citrus Growers Association hosted its annual banquet on March 6 in Sebring. The event drew a good crowd to catch up on the association’s activities. Two of the featured speakers during the event discussed alternative trunk-injection therapies to the current standard of oxytetracycline (OTC). Tanishka Aglave, a sophomore at Strawberry Crest High School, received the H. Robert …
Last Chance to Preregister for the Florida Citrus Show
Online preregistration for the Florida Citrus Show closes on Sunday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. The event is a great day of networking, learning, food and fun. THE PROGRAM Between the morning general session and breakout seminars dedicated to citrus and vegetables, there’s a lot to learn. Check out the full program here. CEUs AVAILABLE Attendees of the citrus seminar …
The Growth of AI-Based Agroview
A few weeks after Yiannis Ampatzidis started working at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in 2017, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on Florida citrus groves. Growers needed to count their trees with precision to get crop insurance, but it was a laborious, time-intensive task. Ampatzidis, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the Southwest …
From Orange Fights to Industry Leaders
Morgan McKenna Porter, who grew up in a Florida citrus family, remembers having orange fights as a youth with her cousin, Riley. When she started classes at the University of Florida in 2010, she knew she wanted to major in agriculture. Porter took classes in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree …
OTC Optimization Discussed in Podcast
Ute Albrecht, associate professor of plant physiology with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), joined the February All In For Citrus podcast to discuss the latest learnings in optimizing trunk injections of oxytetracycline (OTC) aimed at reducing HLB in trees. She shared what has been discovered over the past few years in terms of application …
Stay Vigilant About Virus Threat
By Ozgur Batuman and Amit Levy Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was first reported on lemon and sour orange trees in Pakistan in 1988. Since then, the disease has been primarily restricted to Asian countries. However, CYVCV was more recently detected in dooryard citrus in California in 2022. While there is no indication that the virus is present in …
Florida Citrus Show: A Day Full of Activities
The Florida Citrus Show is coming up fast. For many, it’s an annual tradition. For those who have never attended, come prepared to experience a full day packed with fun and education. Here is a quick summary of what the event includes: THE EDUCATION The day kicks off with a general session tackling topics that touch all of specialty crop …
California’s Citrus Showcase Set for March 12
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is inviting growers and allied agricultural industry members to the 2025 Citrus Showcase March 12 at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, California. The event will feature informational seminars, free continuing education unit-approved courses, a trade show and an industry luncheon. The event’s morning session will feature Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at …
PIECES OF THE PAST: A Capstone Quote
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette Described as “handsome and affable,” Vernon L. “Cap” Conner, was a board member of Florida Citrus Mutual from the beginning and served on various committees for 23 years. He believed the association was the only hope for growers to get their fair share of consumer dollars for their crop. Conner played a significant role in providing …
What Georgia’s Citrus Industry Needs To Do To Succeed
One Florida citrus industry leader is impressed with Georgia’s burgeoning industry. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, believes Georgia’s industry can continue to grow as long as it manages citrus greening effectively. He stressed eradication when speaking about citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), at the annual meeting on Feb. 25. “Georgia’s potential is bright …
Florida Citrus Mutual’s Legislative Priorities
Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) recently announced its “key advocacy efforts” during the upcoming state legislative session include the following: CITRUS RESEARCH AND FIELD TRIAL (CRAFT) FUNDS The top priority for FCM this legislative session is securing funding to bolster the CRAFT Foundation’s efforts to replant citrus trees. Putting healthier trees in the ground that are apt to be tolerant against …
Proposed Australian Biosecurity Levy Scrapped
Citrus Australia Chief Executive Officer Nathan Hancock recently praised the federal government’s decision to scrap the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy, calling it a fair move and a win for farmers. “Biosecurity remains a shared responsibility,” said Hancock. “It is an essential part of protecting Australia’s agricultural industry, economy, environment and communities, but Citrus Australia has long maintained the now-scrapped levy …