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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “UF/IFAS”
By Jamie D. Burrow and Tripti Vashisth Florida citrus production continues to change, and staying up to date is vital. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo seminars are an opportunity for growers to hear the latest updates from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers. A mix of panel discussions and presentations is scheduled to …
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 …
In Florida, the soilborne phytophthora pathogens — primarily Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytophthora palmivora — are the leading causes of root rot, crown rot and foot rot. Two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers recently wrote about phytophthora management in cold-hardy citrus. The authors are Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Muhammad Shahid and postdoc Carlos Aucique-Perez, …
A newly published study suggests that the use of individual protective covers (IPCs) followed by monthly applications of homobrassinolide (HBr) after IPCs are removed is beneficial. The two-step approach can help young mandarin trees stay healthier longer and produce more fruit in Florida’s HLB-endemic environment. The study, “Combining Individual Protective Covers and Homobrassinolide Treatment Prolongs Tree Health and Increases Fruit …
By Danielle S. Williams Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. A minimum score of 70% is required to receive credit. Pesticides are vital tools in agriculture that help protect crops …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted a bamboo field day in July at Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery in Frostproof. Scientists at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) have initiated several projects to evaluate bamboo varieties and production practices. Phillip Rucks has planted numerous bamboo varieties for evaluation and sells bamboo plants to …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center hosted a workshop on biochar and compost in mid-July. Interest in promoting soil health continues to grow in citrus and other specialty crops, so the event drew a large crowd. The workshop also drew interest because several speakers provided guidance about cost-share dollars available from …
Freezing temperatures remain one of the biggest threats to citrus production, especially in Florida and other regions where sudden cold snaps can severely damage trees. New research suggests that seaweed-based biostimulants may help citrus trees better withstand freezing conditions. The study was published in Scientific Reports. It was led by Ahmed Abdullah, Shahid Iqbal, Alaiha Asif, KeAndre Leaks and Muhammad …
By Jamie D. Burrow and Tripti Vashisth The UF/IFAS Citrus Team conducts ongoing research to improve citrus production management strategies. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is one of the main annual events where the team comes together to showcase the latest research and tools available to citrus growers. For more than 20 years, the citrus team has had a …
By Jamie D. Burrow, Taylor Livingston and Tripti Vashisth Before huanglongbing (HLB), citrus grew well in Florida because of the climate and sandy soil. Trees had strong structural roots and a wealth of feeder roots. Since the continued tree decline caused by HLB, root systems have become smaller and weaker. By improving the physio-chemical properties of the sandy soil, it …
Growers received welcomed news in June when trunk-injection therapy of oxytetracycline (OTC) was cleared for continued applications next season. Some growers have said the treatment has helped save groves from loss due to HLB. Ute Albrecht, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences associate professor, has been one of the lead researchers on OTC applications and its effectiveness. …
By Jamie D. Burrow, Tripti Vashisth and Michael E. Rogers In the early days of huanglongbing (HLB), the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Team realized it needed to bring its HLB content together on a single website to make it more accessible. The website has become outdated, and much more is available today for …
Compost-amended plots (left) had more weeds than those with no compost. A new study published in Scientific Reports examines whether repeated compost applications could improve the health and productivity of young citrus trees growing under endemic huanglongbing (HLB) conditions in Florida. Gabriel Pugina, Caroline Tardivo, Brittney Monus, Emma Dawson, Sarah Strauss and Ute Albrecht of the University of Florida Institute …
The next harvest season may still be months away for Florida citrus growers, but management remains a weekly duty. That involves a plethora of chores for grove owners this summer, says Matt Smith, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent for Lake and Orange counties. “Growers definitely need to keep irrigation in mind. And of course, …
The citrus research team at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) generates a lot of information from the trials and experiments they conduct each year. That information can be a valuable resource to growers who are seeking production guidance for their groves. In the June episode of the All In For Citrus podcast, Michael Rogers, …
By Ute Albrecht, Larissa Nunes and Igor Silva Trunk injection of oxytetracycline (OTC) requires drilling a hole into the trunk and injecting a foreign substance into the tree. Not only does the physical damage from drilling cause injury, but the application of chemicals can exacerbate both the external and internal damage. BARK CRACKING Externally, aside from the drill hole, bark …
By Jamie Burrow and Tripti Vashisth If you haven’t had a chance yet, take a few minutes to explore the new 2026 University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Variety Guide. You’ll find it beginning on page 21 of the April 2026 issue of the UF/IFAS Citrus Magazine. WHAT IT INCLUDES This guide is designed to …
By Ute Albrecht, Gabriel Pugina and Larissa Nunes According to a recent industry survey, 64% of Florida citrus growers have injected their trees for three consecutive years with oxytetracycline (OTC). This article reports the results from three research trials conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Physiology Team at the Southwest Florida Research …
Southeastern residents increasingly support stronger protections against agricultural disease threats as concerns grow over food-system disruptions, say researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Findings from an August 2025 public interest survey distributed to 1,035 Southeast residents reflect growing public concern about how agricultural threats can affect food systems, public health and disaster preparedness. …
By Tripti Vashisth, Taylor Livingston, Meryam Manzoor and Johann Hiller Citrus fruit quality and yield remain major concerns for sweet orange growers in the huanglongbing (HLB) era. These outcomes largely depend on the tree’s ability to support developing fruit throughout the growing season. Leaf area and canopy density are positively correlated with carbohydrate production and allocation to fruit, directly influencing …
