2018 Citrus Expo – August 15-16, 2018 North Ft. Myers, FL
UF/IFAS Citrus Educational Sessions
Wednesday, August 15 (afternoon session)
Studies conducted to date indicate that ACP management with insecticides improves yield. [PDF]
Kaolin clay applications are more effective than foliar insecticides in controlling psyllids and reducing number of HLB-infected trees. Rainfall can limit the effectiveness of kaolin applications. [PDF]
Ingestion of bactericides reduces psyllid survival. New antimicrobial treatments are being developed to control the HLB-bacteria and psyllids. [PDF]
Pesticide resistance in psyllid populations is an important problem throughout Florida. Halting use of ineffective products and rotating pesticide modes of action must be practiced. [PDF]
Individual protective covers can provide protection of young trees for up to two years from psyllids and HLB without negatively affecting future productivity of trees once covers are removed. [PDF]
Four years after establishing Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS), results indicate excellent opportunities for specialty fresh fruit growers to achieve annual returns greater than $20,000 per acre. [PDF]
Field studies were initiated to compare growth of young trees propagated from seed, cuttings and tissue culture. Effect of propagation method on root architecture is discussed. [PDF]
Research shows the importance of a constant supply of macro- and micro- soil-applied nutrients. HLB infected tree grows better at a soil pH below 7. [PDF]
Current nutrient recommendations for citrus were developed before HLB was present in Florida. Nutrient recommendations are being revised and the latest findings presented. [PDF]
Tree plantings densities of 145 trees per acre are no longer profitable in the presence of HLB. Higher tree planting densities can be profitable in the era of HLB under the scenarios analyzed in this presentation. [PDF]
This presentation highlights new fresh fruit, processing sweet orange, and rootstock selections with improved fruit quality and disease tolerance. [PDF]
Provided is an update on the progress developing nano-particle zinc formulations for control of HLB. The Zinkicide product is not registered at this time for use in Florida citrus. [PDF]
Studies are underway to determine how soil microbial communities can be manipulated to improve tree growth in the presence of HLB. [PDF]
Trunk injections of bactericides were optimized to improve health and productivity of HLB diseased trees. Trunk injections of bactericides is not registered at this time for use in Florida citrus. [PDF]
Research on culturing the HLB pathogen suggests that switching from phosphite to phosphate fertilizers can reduce the HLB levels in citrus trees and improve the health of HLB diseased trees. [PDF]
Repeated low-dose applications of Homobrassinolides increased the health and productivity of HLB diseased trees in Florida. Homobrassinolides are registered for use in Florida citrus and recommendations for their use will be developed if proven effective. [PDF]
Forecast El Nino conditions could increase PFD in the coming season. A new PFD forecast model is now available to better time fungicide applications. [PDF]