blood oranges

Blood Oranges May Be Option for Cold-Hardy Region

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Varieties

Blood oranges could provide citrus growers with another variety to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region. But further research is needed to verify its effectiveness in the Southeast, says Ali Sarkhosh, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor. “We harvested those fruit in Quincy at the North Florida Research and Education Center. We still don’t …

planning

Planning Pointers for Cold-Hardy Citrus Production

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Production

Crop planning is an essential part of the citrus production process. What are you going to grow? Where are you going to market? How are you going to overcome HLB (huanglongbing or citrus greening)? John Chater, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, discussed the different factors that …

Growers May Comment on Farm Bill at Listening Sessions

Web AdminFarm Bill, Legislative

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will host two farm bill listening sessions Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. A U.S. Congress member from Florida will be at each session. The sessions will allow Florida’s growers and ranchers to voice recommendations for the 2023 U.S. farm bill and related agricultural issues. The farm bill sets the legal framework for U.S. agricultural …

FFVA Supports Aldicarb Registration

Web AdminCitrus

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of the proposed federal registration of aldicarb on Florida oranges and grapefruit. “Prior to the business-strategy decision by the previous registrant to voluntarily remove aldicarb from the market in 2010, this insecticide was considered a cornerstone of immediate and long-term sustainable production for citrus …

UF/IFAS Leader: Plant Pathology Department Has Broad Reach on Variety of Crops

Web AdminFlorida, Research

By Clint Thompson Mathews Paret’s appointment as the new head of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathology department starts on Sept. 15. It is a critical time for Paret to take over the department considering the plethora of plant diseases that specialty crop growers must manage every year in Florida. “It’s a department …

Aug. 24 Marks Citrus Packinghouse Day

Web AdminCitrus, Events

Topics of interest to Florida’s fresh citrus industry will be addressed at Citrus Packinghouse Day on Aug. 24 in Lake Alfred. The event will be held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. The free event in Ben Hill Griffin Hall will include an educational program, exhibitors and networking opportunities. …

Possible Paths Forward for Sustainable Citrus Breeding

Web AdminCitrus

By Peter Chaires It was my good fortune to recently witness two unique scenarios in the search for HLB-tolerant marketable varieties. These experiences highlighted opportunities before us and clearly identified some challenges in resurrecting, rebuilding or reinventing Florida’s storied citrus industry.  The roadmap forward is yet to be fully defined, and the paths will vary for each fruit type and …

UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim Senior Vice President for …

UF/IFAS to Feature Sessions, Educational Booth at Florida Citrus Expo

Web AdminCitrus and Specialty Crop Expo, Events, Florida

LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers and Extension program staff will provide multiple educational programs at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo, scheduled for Aug. 16-17. Faculty and staff will participate on both days of the Expo, sharing the latest research updates and engaging activities for commercial growers. UF/IFAS Interim …

Tri-County Agricultural Area: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Web AdminAgriculture Technology, Citrus, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Frank Giles There are a few farming regions in Florida and around the country that have carved out unique identities and are quickly recognized by their names. The Tri-County Agricultural Area (TCAA) is one such place. Comprised of St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties, the TCAA has roots dating back to the very beginning of agriculture in the state. …