Bob Adair of the Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability reports on impressive results from the use of metallized reflective mulch and compost on newly planted trees. An in-depth article about this research will appear in the January issue of Citrus Industry magazine. Download Audio

New Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Ellis Hunt addresses big issues facing the commission and the citrus industry. Abandoned groves and having enough fruit to support the industry’s infrastructure are among his concerns. Download Audio

University of Florida researcher Tripti Vashisth discusses the ABCs of citrus fertilization as well as the application methods. Download Audio

Everyone knows irrigation can help protect young citrus trees from cold; now there’s evidence that it can also protect mature trees. Citrus Extension agent Chris Oswalt reports. Download Audio

At a Wednesday grower forum in Wauchula, 10 citrus growers asked each other many questions about their techniques for dealing with HLB and other issues. Citrus Extension agent Steve Futch summarizes discussions at the forum hosted by the University of Florida Extension Service and Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association. Download Audio

The impact the current El Niño phase may have on citrus and other elements of Florida agriculture is discussed by David Zierden, Florida’s state climatologist. Zierden was a speaker at the recent Winter Weather School, hosted by Extension agent Gary England in Tavares. Download Audio

“Our back’s against the wall,” David Wheeler said in explaining why he tried thermotherapy for HLB-infected trees. He discussed his efforts at a field day Thursday in a grove near Lake Wales. Download Audio

Scheduling citrus tree irrigation based on soil moisture sensors versus evapotranspiration models was addressed by University of Florida researcher Kelly Morgan at a recent irrigation field day. Morgan summarizes the discussion. The late-November field day was hosted by Extension agent Gary England at the Mid Florida Citrus Foundation grove near Winter Garden. Download Audio

The annual Citrus Guide is a major highlight of the December issue of Citrus Industry magazine. It has contact information for many citrus organizations, agencies, researchers and vendors. The December magazine also is a regular issue of Citrus Industry, containing numerous articles of interest to growers. Download Audio

Laurie Hurner, Highlands County Extension director and citrus agent, explains why citrus growers are at a “pivotal point.” She also summarizes grower thinking about fruit drop and postbloom fruit drop, or PFD. Download Audio