By Ramdas Kanissery and Robert Riefer Pre-emergent herbicides, also known as residual herbicides, are highly effective in the long-term suppression of weeds in citrus tree rows. These herbicides remain in the soil and prevent susceptible weeds from germinating. In order to achieve the best weed control results, pre-emergent herbicides need to stay within approximately the top 5 inches of soil, …
South African Lemon/Lime Production to Jump
South African lemon and lime production in 2023–24 will increase by 10% compared to the prior year, to 720,000 metric tons (MT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) forecast. ACREAGE The area planted with lemons/limes in South Africa has more than doubled over the past seven years, driven by global demand and rising global prices. However, …
U.S. Citrus Popular in China; Private Labels Grow
In a recent report on China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) included sections titled “U.S. Citrus” and “Private Label Citrus – A New Trend in China.” Those sections are copied below. U.S. CITRUSU.S. citrus products enjoy a good reputation in the China market because of the premium quality and healthy benefits. Sunkist brand is well …
New Light Shed on HLB and Fertilization
The effort to help huanglongbing (HLB)-impacted citrus trees has taken another step forward. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study examined the relationship between fertilization, root health and fruit yield. Researchers focused on Valencia orange trees with HLB. Associate Professor Davie Kadyampakeni led the effort at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. The study, …
Australia Is Key Market for U.S. Fresh Fruit
Australia is a crucial market for U.S. citrus and other fresh fruits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). A recent report from the agency says the United States has benefited from a well-established reputation for producing safe, quality fruit. The report suggests ways U.S. fruit exporters can access the Australian market. Demand for …
Good Times, Good Food, Great Company
Get ready to tailgate at the Florida Citrus Show! This one-of-a-kind event is returning to the Treasure Coast on April 3. In between seminar sessions, the trade show will become a tailgate party that you won’t want to miss. The day will kick off with breakfast and coffee in the tailgate hub. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk the …
Aging Farmers Contribute to Japan’s Citrus Downtrend
Japan’s citrus planted area and production are on a long-term downward trend. Reasons cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) are aging farmers, labor shortages and a lack of successors for running farms. In a December annual report, USDA FAS summarized production, planted area and trade for each of Japan’s citrus varieties. TANGERINES/MANDARINS After a …
Registration Now Open for Florida Citrus Show
The Florida Citrus Show returns on April 3! Registration is now open for the 2024 show. Join us for a trade show full of the top agricultural companies, informational seminar sessions and an exciting tailgate party. This isn’t your average trade show. In between seminar sessions, growers can mingle with exhibitors and sample their tailgate dishes. Be sure to visit …
Expansion of Medfly and Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantines
Federal and California officials have expanded a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) quarantine in Los Angeles County and an Oriental fruit fly (OFF) quarantine in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The actions were taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The expansion of both …
Emergency Funding Approved for Exotic Fruit Flies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) is using $103.5 million in emergency funding to respond to the threats associated with growing outbreaks of exotic fruit flies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack approved the transfer of the funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to APHIS to directly support emergency response efforts domestically and …
Ag Employers Want H-2A Wage Methodology Amended
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has petitioned Acting Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su to amend the regulatory methodology for determining adverse effect wage rates in the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. “America’s farm and ranch families and American consumers continue to bear the brunt of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) misuse of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s …
California Fruit Fly Quarantines Continue to Expand
Federal and state officials have expanded Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata; Medfly), Zeugodacus tau fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni; QFF) quarantines in California. The actions were taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The Medfly and tau fruit fly quarantines …
California Leads U.S. Grapefruit Production
For the third season in a row, California led the nation in grapefruit production again in 2022–23. Over the past decade, the title of top grapefruit-producing state has alternated between Florida, California and Texas. But the Florida citrus industry continues to decline, and Texas grapefruit producers experienced a major setback in February 2021 with Winter Storm Uri. California produced 160,000 …
Frost Season Arrives in California
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) recently reported that the 2023 frost season is underway for the state’s San Joaquin Valley citrus growers. “That means growers will be closely monitoring weather forecasts to prepare for any cold spells that may sweep through the valley in the coming months,” the citrus growers’ trade association stated. Although long periods of below-freezing temperatures are of …
Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees Named for 2024
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2024 inductees. They are Robert M. “Bob” Behr of New Smyrna Beach, George H. Streetman of Vero Beach and Leland K. Young, formerly of Bartow. They will be inducted March 1, 2024, along with the Class of 2023 inductees. The induction ceremonies and a luncheon will be held at …
Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Expanded in California
The Oriental fruit fly (OFFor Bactrocera dorsalis) quarantine in San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California was expanded in October and November by federal and state agriculture authorities. The actions were taken on Oct. 12, Nov. 3, Nov. 9 and Nov. 17 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the California Department of …
Medfly Quarantine Expanded
Federal and state authorities in early November expanded the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) quarantine in the Leimert Park area of Los Angeles County, California. The action was taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on Nov. 1 and again on Nov. …
Florida Citrus Show – Exhibit
HomeAttendSeminarsHotelExhibitSponsorExhibit at the 2026 Florida Citrus Show! The 2026 Florida Citrus Show is excited to once again bring you a tailgate gathering. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring tailgate-style food items to share with growers and industry attendees. The trade show, which will take place in the parking lot between the USDA and UF/IFAS buildings, will open to growers for breakfast …
Florida Citrus Show
HomeAttendSeminarsHotelExhibitSponsor2026 Florida Citrus Show Mar / 2026A Bright Future Ahead: Florida Citrus Show Celebrates Growers and Innovation Mar / 2026Last Chance to Preregister for the Florida Citrus Show The Florida Citrus Show brings together growers, researchers, and industry partners for a high-energy day of education and networking in a relaxed, tailgate-style setting. Hosted at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and …
Updates on Medfly and Psyllid Quarantines in California
Agriculture officials recently established a Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) quarantine and expanded an Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) quarantine, both in California. MEDFLYFederal and state agriculture officials on Oct. 18 established the Medfly quarantine in California’s Los Angeles County. The action was taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and …



























