Now that bloom has arrived, it is time to start thinking about canker management. As the fruitlets develop, they will become susceptible around the end of March to the beginning of April. The spring fruit lesions are particularly concerning because they cause fruit drop. Without proper management, early-season canker can cause 90 to 100% crop loss with favorable spring weather …
Biological Control of the Asian Citrus Psyllid
Managing the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is critical because of its role in spreading huanglongbing (HLB). Biological control is one method for ACP control. It is essential for developing integrated and sustainable pest management strategies. Biological control has always been a vital component of citrus pest management in Florida; understanding its contribution to the mortality of ACP is crucial. Despite …
Improving Root Health in the Era of HLB
Developing and maintaining a healthy root system is crucial for establishment and long-term productivity of citrus trees. The presence of HLB can greatly complicate citrus root-health management. The infection causes severe damage to fibrous roots that amplify the detrimental effects caused by other root pests and pathogens, such as phytophthora root rot. Due to HLB’s widespread presence throughout Florida, root-health …
Keeping Consumers Engaged With Florida OJ
Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) e-commerce activities have strongly aided orange juice (OJ) sales since January 2020, Jackie Hopkins with FDOC marketing agency Edible told the Florida Citrus Commission earlier this month. She reported the e-commerce program has reached $11.6 million in attributed sales of OJ with 513 million impressions and a $5.24 return on ad spend (ROAS). ROAS is the …
Florida Representatives Concerned About EU Grapefruit Tariffs
Twenty-two members of the Florida congressional delegation, led by Reps. Darren Soto and Bill Posey wrote a letter to Acting U.S. Trade Representative Maria Pagan expressing concerns over retaliatory tariffs placed by the European Union (EU) on U.S. agricultural products. The letter focused on the harm the EU tariffs could do to Florida grapefruit. Here’s the full text of the letter: “We …
Canker Treatment Uses Less Water and Copper
An important bacterial disease that affects citrus trees and causes lesions, the citrus canker has been effectively controlled by spraying copper. However, standard management techniques involve spraying excessive amounts of copper and water without consideration for the size of the trees. “This technique resulted in a waste of resources as well as higher costs, detrimental environmental impact, and risk for …
Protecting Young Citrus Trees
Newly planted citrus trees and resets require more care and attention than established trees to ensure the establishment and proper growth. Many growers use tree wraps to protect the trunks of young trees. These protective wraps offer a layer of protection to the bark underneath and can be used during the winter season or year-round. Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension agent …
Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Expands Membership
Drills Down on Policy Recommendations (FACA) — The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) announced expanding membership and new policy working groups focused on developing a set of more specific policy proposals that drill down on the 40+ recommendations released by FACA in November 2020. FACA’s eight founding members — American Farm Bureau Federation (co-chair), Environmental Defense Fund (co-chair), FMI …
Nutrition Basics for North Florida Citrus Growers
An article in the January Cold Hardy Citrus Connection newsletter offered basic nutrition management information for North Florida growers. It was written by Lisa Strange with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Taylor County Extension and Clay Olson, UF/IFAS Extension faculty, emeritus. A grower’s first nutrient management consideration is to have a soil test, the …
Miss Florida Citrus Is Out and About
Miss Florida Citrus, Leila Sabet, is continuing to represent the Florida citrus industry at various events, most recently at the Indian River Citrus League’s Treasure Coast Fun Shoot at the Vero Beach Shooting Club. While there, she helped sell raffle tickets, took photos with the competition winners, and helped promote Natalie’s Orchid Island citrus products. She also attended the first Florida …