Despite a predicted drop in citrus production across Florida, orange juice sales are tracking up. And according to the News Service of Florida, the industry wants lawmakers to maintain current amounts of state marketing and research funding next fiscal year. Meanwhile, efforts to combat citrus greening disease could soon lead to a new University of Florida-backed variety of citrus on …
OJ May Fight Inflammation, Oxidative Stress
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 …
Common Diseases to Look Out for to Protect the Citrus Crop
Some common diseases to look out for to protect your citrus crop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing homegrown citrus fruits is great if you have the right climate for it, but make sure you’re ready for these citrus diseases. Citrus canker is a highly contagious bacterial disease that leads to yellow halo-like lesions on the fruits, leaves, …
Citrus Grove Protection Involves Looking Out for Pests
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 …