OJ May Fight Inflammation, Oxidative Stress

Dan Citrus, Research

A new study suggests 100% orange juice (OJ) has the potential to help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in adults, paving the way for further research on the topic. Though limited in scope, the study indicates drinking 100% OJ significantly reduces interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults. Two additional inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were …

Panel Discusses OJ and Health Research

Dan Citrus, Research

The Florida Citrus Commission’s (FCC) Scientific Research Advisory Council (SRAC) on Oct. 13 discussed recent studies and projects addressing the linkage between orange juice (OJ) and health. The FCC governs the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), which spends much effort promoting the health benefits of OJ. PUBLISHED STUDIES Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the FDOC, shared three recently published studies. …

Stay Vigilant on Handwashing and Hygiene

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Coronavirus, Environment, Field Crops, Forestry, General, Labor and Immigration, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops

If you visited any public building or restroom during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have noticed an increased focus on handwashing and hygiene principles reflected in an abundance of signage on doors and in hallways. While it is great that public awareness has increased in the last 18 months, these have always been important principles, especially for all food-related businesses. …

USDA’s New Projections for Corn, Soybeans, Cotton and Oranges

Dan Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Crop Forecasts, Soybeans

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) October crop estimate, both corn and soybean production is up from the September estimate. But a story from Gary Crawford notes it is a different story for cotton. According to USDA, the U.S. season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $5.45 per bushel. The season-average soybean price for 2021/22 is forecast …

New USDA Crop and Livestock Reports Coming

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Field Crops, Fruits, Livestock, Peanuts, Soybeans, Specialty Crops, USDA, USDA-NASS, Vegetables, Wheat

Traders are anxiously awaiting USDA’s next round of reports which should give us a better idea of the size and market prospects for the major crops. And as Gary Crawford reports, USDA will also release revised forecasts for the livestock sector. USDA will release the new round of crop and livestock forecasts on Tuesday, October 12, noon EDT. Sponsored ContentCIR …

Immunity Still a Consumer Priority

Dan Citrus, Coronavirus

Consumers are continuing to seek out foods and beverages that provide immune support during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Jackie Hopkins with Edible told the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) at its Sept. 22 meeting. That search for immunity is a benefit to the orange juice (OJ) industry, since numerous reports indicate consumers link OJ to immunity. Edible is a marketing agency …

Fungus Suppresses Asian Citrus Psyllids

Dan Citrus, Research

The citrus disease HLB, also known as citrus greening, has a formidable enemy in a fungal pathogen, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers reported. The fungus is Cordyceps javanica, strain Apopka, discovered by research scientist Lance Osborne in the mid-1980s. The fungus was isolated from dead insects on plants in a greenhouse at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research …

Citrus Grove Protection Involves Looking Out for Pests

Dan Citrus, Pest/Pest Control, This Land of Ours

The pests to watch out for to protect your citrus grove. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.  Living in subtropical or tropical regions gives you the advantage of growing citrus fruits. But there is a downside – plenty of pests and diseases. And, some of these problems can make growing citrus trees troublesome, if not impossible. Aphids are one …

Irrigation and Nutrient Management BMPs

Dan Citrus, Irrigation

A Citrus Expo presentation about best management practices (BMPs) focused on what growers should be doing now in their irrigation and nutrient management programs. The presentation noted that current BMPs were developed prior to HLB’s discovery in Florida in 2005, and that studies are underway to revise the citrus BMPs for nitrogen and phosphorus. The presentation was created by University …