Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “heat stress”
A recent article from Alabama A&M and Auburn universities highlighted the major issues facing citrus growers in southern Alabama’s Baldwin and Mobile counties. FREEZES One of the biggest obstacles that citrus growers face is highly variable weather, including late-season freezes. Jacob Kelley, an Alabama Extension commercial horticulture agent at Auburn University, said winter temperatures that might swing from 80 to …
Huanglongbing (HLB) has already taken a heavy toll on U.S. citrus production, but growers in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley face an additional and compounding challenge — a persistent drought. Current irrigation practices relying on the Rio Grande River as the sole source of water are no longer sufficient to meet the year-round water needs of citrus trees. That is …
By John M. Chater Kaolin clay is used as a crop protectant in many crops, including tree crops like citrus. This clay is often white to grayish white and is commonly used to reduce sunburn on fruit and young trees. Kaolin also has been demonstrated to reduce pest feeding and activity in some tree crops. The albedo from the clay …
Increased rainfall across the cold-hardy citrus region is a sight for sore eyes. Still, citrus growers in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama must stay on top of their trees’ water needs to help ensure a viable crop this season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, spoke on this subject at the recent …
Microjet sprinklers provide the most effective way for producers in the cold-hardy citrus region to protect their trees from freeze damage. Microjet irrigation is even more effective than drip irrigation and overhead irrigation. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, stressed that point during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo at the UGA Vidalia Onion and …
By Tripti Vashisth and Taylor Livingston Florida is currently experiencing one of the most severe droughts in the past 25 years, putting HLB-affected trees under intense water stress. With Florida’s well-draining sandy soils and increased water demand in HLB-affected trees, growers are in a difficult position trying to maintain adequate tree hydration. Soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can …
Jesse Silva, vice president of sales at California’s Kings River Packing, recently discussed the spring and summer citrus season from a grower and consumer and perspective on the AgNet West Radio Network. His observations follow. GROWING CONDITIONS AND COSTS This year’s warmer growing conditions have created both challenges and opportunities. Larger fruit sizes and softer textures require careful handling, but …
Growing global production of citrus offers opportunities for Australia’s little-known six native species, according to a University of Queensland researcher. Doctoral candidate Joel Johnson at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) is investigating the chemical composition and nutritional potential of those indigenous citrus species. They are: C. australasica (Australian finger lime), C. australis (round lime), C. garrawayi …
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers recently explained the benefits of raised bed planting and mulching to improve citrus tree establishment, productivity and resilience against environmental stress. Assistant Professor Muhmmad Shahid and Postdoc Scholar Shahid Iqbal, both of the North Florida Research and Education Center, and Associate Professor Davie Kadyampakeni of the Citrus Research and …
Vulnerability of citrus trees to phytophthora root rot is a concern for cold-hardy growers. But there are precautions that producers can implement that will guard against infection buildup. One of those precautions includes site selection and not planting trees in poorly drained locations, according to Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “Site prep is really …
By Muhammad A. Shahid and KeAndre Leaks Silicon (Si) is an emerging powerhouse in citrus production, offering wide-ranging benefits for plant health, fruit quality and stress resilience. While not traditionally considered essential, silicon was officially recognized as a “plant beneficial substance” in 2012 by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials. Its inclusion as an approved input by the …
Citrus in the cold-hardy region of South Georgia, South Alabama and North Florida encountered below-freezing temperatures and historic snowfall all week. Growers are now taking stock of their groves, surveying damage and preparing for what to do next, which includes managing phytophthora. “Most all of the crop was in, so there was very little exposure there. There’s a little bit …
President Joe Biden declared Sept. 15 to Sept. 21 as National Farm Safety and Health Week. “I call upon the people of the United States — including America’s farmers, ranchers and agriculture-related institutions, organizations and businesses — to reaffirm a dedication to farm safety and health,” the President stated. “I also urge all Americans to express appreciation and gratitude to our farmers, farmworkers …
By Ramdas Kanissery Managing weeds during the summer is crucial for Florida citrus. However, due to the high temperatures typical of Florida’s summer months, several factors must be considered when using herbicides in citrus groves during hot weather. INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS High heat and drought stress can slow plant growth and affect how herbicides move or translocate in weeds. When temperatures …
By Amir Rezazadeh Citrus fruit splitting is an important problem for growers, causing frustration and economic losses. This phenomenon occurs when the rinds of citrus fruits crack open, exposing the inner pulp. Understanding the reasons behind citrus fruit splitting is crucial for growers to implement effective preventive measures. IRRIGATION PRACTICES Inconsistent watering regimes, particularly irregular watering followed by heavy irrigation, …
BRAZILIAN RESEARCH RESULTS IN A UNIQUE PRODUCT FOR HLB MANAGEMENT A groundbreaking study recently conducted by renowned Brazilian agro-science has resulted in a formula for the effective management of citrus greening, a disease that has severely affected citriculture in Brazil and worldwide for a long time. It was in the laboratories of the Citrus Center of the Agronomic Institute of …
By Muhammad Shahid Winter freeze is the main threat to the emerging citrus industry in North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Growers use microsprinkler irrigation as a freeze-protection strategy to protect the graft union of young trees, but it is not very effective in protecting aboveground plant parts in established trees. PLANT PROTECTIONUse of stress-mitigating substances could be an …
Like most speakers in a recent World Citrus Organisation (WCO) climate change discussion, those addressing South America and South Africa focused on potential impacts rather than already observed impacts. SOUTH AMERICA “Whether we are negationist or pro-climate change, we should agree that something wrong is occurring in our sector,” stated a slide from Oscar Salgado, an agricultural engineer and fruit …
By Christopher Vincent, Yu Wang and Nabil Killiny Mild shade reduces stress, increases growth and yield, and may improve pest management under huanglongbing (HLB). It reduces high temperature and water stresses. Shade also may reduce HLB transmission by making trees less visible to Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). Shaded trees have less ACP, and shade appears to reduce the severity of …
A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher recently wrote an article about silicon that included recommendations for its use. The article by Muhmmad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture, appeared in the UF/IFAS Cold Hardy Citrus Connection newsletter. Silicon’s benefits may include improved yield, a strengthened root system and tolerance to abiotic stress, including cold. Excerpts …
