Plant pathologist Renato Bassanezi of the Brazilian research organization Fundecitrus talked to Florida citrus growers in recent weeks about the keys to citrus greening disease management in Brazil. In an interview with Southeast AgNet’s Ernie Neff, he says infected trees must be removed to successfully fight the disease long term, and that younger trees succumb more quickly to the disease …

Using Metagenomics to Investigate the Microbial Diversity of HLB-Infected Citrus Phloem LAKE ALFRED, Florida. On February 17, 2010, UF/IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center, Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Citrus Hall will host Dr. Eric Triplett, Professor and Chair of the Microbiology and Cell Science Department, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dr. Triplett will present his seminar entitled “Using Metagenomics …

Asked to look at the top issues facing Florida Citrus Mutual and growers in 2010, CEO Mike Sparks naturally lists citrus greening disease and citrus canker as the top concerns. In the first report, he tells where the funding will come from to fight those diseases. Download Audio In the second report, Sparks says maintaining vigilance against foreign juice dumpers …

Indian River grower and packer Dan Richey was instrumental in getting a new canker rule adopted last fall allowing fresh fruit shipments to other citrus producing states. In the first report, he tells how the new rule benefits the Florida industry. Download Audio In the second report, Richey discusses efforts to have a similar rule adopted in Japan and Europe. …

Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association Executive Vice President Barbara Carlton tells about her association’s Feb. 16 annual meeting and its keynote speaker, former Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden. She also says her growers are thirsty for information about ways to deal with citrus greening disease. Download Audio Post sponsor: Copper coverage with Less Metallic Copper per acre. …