By Clint Thompson Rooting issues in citrus containers were a major problem this year for producers in Georgia. Kim Jones, who farms citrus in Georgia and Florida, implores producers to inspect their trees extensively before planting in the future. He said there were various reports of j-rooting and circle-rooting in container plants. The trees would be more vulnerable to high-stress …
Psyllid Control? Fungal Pathogen Effective Against Citrus Greening Vector
By Robin Koestoyo FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Asian citrus psyllid transmits the bacterium associated with the most serious citrus disease worldwide — and now it has a formidable enemy in a fungal pathogen. The citrus industry at its zenith was spread across about 950,000 Florida acres. Citrus greening reduced it to today’s approximate 400,000 acres. The fungus is Cordyceps …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
Disease Development: Phytophthora Root Rot a Concern in Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson A saturated summer across the Southeast means more potential for development of phytophthora root rot disease in citrus trees. The impact on Georgia’s young trees could be devastating, says Jonathan Oliver, (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. Oliver implores Georgia’s citrus producers to stay vigilant in their fungicide sprays, as the wet conditions have not let …
Decreased Production: Citrus Output Drops in All Citrus States
Citrus production in the 2020-21 season dipped in California, Florida, Texas and Arizona compared to the previous season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) recently reported that total U.S. output of 6.9 million tons of citrus was down 12% from 2019-20. Florida Florida’s total utilized production was down 21%. Oranges were off 22% and grapefruit dipped …
UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab Offers Free Sampling for Citrus Greening
By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab is a key resource for Georgia citrus growers hoping to stay sustainable. The lab is located on the UGA Tifton Campus. While it is a fee-based service lab for the UGA Department of Plant Pathology, it provides free testing for citrus producers concerned about citrus greening, says Jonathan …
FDACS Budget Proposal Addresses Specialty Crops
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Legislative Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 includes proposals for various specialty crops. Included is $8 million for citrus greening research, funded in the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund. Funding will be passed through to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation. There is also a request for $1.45 million for Citrus Crop …
UF/IFAS to Offer Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar in Lake Alfred
LAKE ALFRED, FLA — The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is offering a Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar at the UF Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida on Oct. 26. Proper nutrition for citrus trees damaged by various diseases is essential to extending their productivity. Growers can learn more about UF research into …
Asian Citrus Psyllid Management Key for Georgia Producers
By Clint Thompson The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is not yet well established in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist Jonathan Oliver wants to keep that way. The psyllid vectors citrus greening disease (HLB), which has decimated Florida’s citrus production. Oliver encourages producers to scout their orchards regularly to avoid a similar fate happening in …
So Far So Good: Grapefruit Yielding Well in UF/IFAS CUPS Research
By Clint Thompson An innovative way to manage huanglongbing (HLB) disease is producing impressive results in University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research. According to Arnold Schumann, UF/IFAS professor at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), citrus under protective screen (CUPS) production systems have increased yields with zero effect from HLB. He shared research results …