What Growers Can Do Post-Hurricane Milton to Improve Groves

Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida’s citrus growers is still being assessed, but growers can take action now to protect their groves from further damage. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences citrus faculty at the Research and Education Centers recommend quick attention to prevent further damage to vulnerable root systems and future fruit drop.

Flood waters resulting from heavy rains can severely impact roots already diminished because of HLB (Huanglongbing or citrus greening) disease. Phytophthora is a pathogen that attacks citrus tree roots, which are already weakened by HLB. Wet conditions, especially flooded groves, increase the possibility of phytophthora infection in groves with historical problems. If standing water has occurred in groves with phytophthora problems, growers should evaluate for root damage and treat accordingly.

Hurricane Milton caused damage that resulted in fruit drop and the fruit left on the tree is more vulnerable to accelerated drop in the coming weeks due to canopy damage. Tripti Vashisth, associate professor of horticulture, recommends applying gibberellic acid in the next few weeks to support the tree’s ability to hold on to its fruit.

“Extensive leaf loss is going to stress already stressed trees. It is quite likely that extensive leaf loss with good soil moisture will induce new growth. GA application at this time can help with rehabilitating the trees and improve the leaf growth,” Vashisth explained.

Some growers are already using GA in a series of applications to improve fruit production and should continue to do so. Growers not using GA in this way are encouraged to make at least one application to encourage leaf growth lost to the hurricane, which will support future fruit production.

Tree defoliation also poses the risk of Asian citrus psyllids being attracted to any new flush that the trees will produce. It would be wise to watch for pest flareups associated with intense flushing in those areas that were heavily defoliated by Milton.

UF/IFAS engages in several efforts related to disaster response and recovery in the aftermath of natural disaster events, including Hurricane Milton. One of those efforts is to collect and provide information on the impacts of natural disasters on affected agricultural operations.

The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program has deployed an updated, streamlined version of our assessment tool to assess the impacts of Hurricane Milton. The UF/IFAS Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessment survey was distributed via UF/IFAS social media pages immediately after the hurricane and will continue to be shared via Florida Cooperative Extension and with collaborating industry associations. The assessment tool will be open for several weeks to allow for data to continue to come in from areas that have experienced the most intense impacts.

Additional information regarding post-hurricane measures, including information on insurance and disaster relief claims, may be found in the Hurricane Preparation and Recovery in the Southeastern United States: Citrus Producers’ Guide written by UF/IFAS assistant professor Fernando Alferez and Mongi Zekri, UF/IFAS Extension citrus agent.