Our Research Focus
Advancing sustainable approaches for managing Huanglongbing (HLB) by exploring the use of Individual Protective Covers (IPCs), brassinosteroids, nutrients, and volatile compounds. Also, research on alternative strategies such as Citrus under Protective Screens and trunk injection treatments.
Individual Protective Covers
Individual Protective Covers (IPCs) are made of a polyethylene mesh, which acts as a barrier preventing psyllids from gaining access to the new flushes and, consequently, preventing Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Clas) transmission. This approach has been proven to be a viable management strategy for newly planted citrus trees in Florida, promoting growth by shading and altering the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) within the canopy and enhancing photosynthesis and vegetative growth. Another benefit of IPCs is their protection against citrus canker and citrus leaf miner.
Brassinosteroids
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are novel phytohormones with pleiotropic effects on plant growth and development. They play a role in seed germination, vegetative and reproductive growth, photosynthetic efficiency, vascular differentiation, fruit yield, quality, and resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. They engage in crosstalk with other hormones like auxin, gibberellins, ethylene and abscisic acid, influencing citrus growth, fruit maturation, and young tree immunity.
Citrus under Protective Screens
Citrus grown under protective screen structures(CUPS), produce disease-free healthy citrus fruit by excluding psyllids using mesh screens. In our facility at SWFREC we test tools to improve fruit yield and quality. These include flower induction, fruit crop management to obtain multiyear consistent yields, and tree rejuvenation through targeted manual canopy management to recover trees declining in production after several years of heavy crop loads.
Nutritional Therapies
Nutritional therapies involve the precise management of essential nutrients to correct deficiencies, optimize plant health, and improve yield and fruit quality. In citrus production, balancing both micronutrients like zinc and macronutrients such as potassium is fundamental because these nutrients interact with plant metabolic processes, influencing tree and fruit growth, as well as improving stress tolerance.
This annual reference guide for the Florida citrus grower offers recommendations on the safest and most effective means of controlling pests of Florida citrus. Includes sections on horticultural practices; mites, insects and nematodes; diseases; weeds; and pesticides currently registered for use on Florida citrus.
Educational Videos
UF / IFAS SWFREC - Immokalee
2685 SR 29 N | Immokalee, FL 34142
(239) 658-3426
- Citrus
Topics Of Interest:
- Aphids
- Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)
- Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Biological Control
- Brochures
- Citrus
- Citrus Black Spot
- Citrus Blight
- Citrus Canker
- Citrus County
- Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing, HLB)
- Citrus Leafminer
- Education
- Fungi
- Hurricanes
- Insects
- Nursery Production
- Orange and Other Citrus Juices
- Pesticides
- Postharvest and Handling
Useful Resources
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Why do oranges have peels? Why is the inside of an orange segmented? Why are lemons and limes so sour? Why do lemons have seeds but limes don’t? Why does fruit have juice? How many oranges are in a gallon of juice? How do seedless oranges reproduce? .... Dr. Fernando Alferez answered questions about Citrus.
Mesh bags protect citrus against greening, may improve tree health and fruit quality later
You may have seen small trees in white shrouds on hills along the highways....
June 4 – UF/IFAS Extension Broward presents free online webinar for residents with citrus in home landscapes
South Florida landscapes are filled with some of the most delicious citrus...
Successful science: Mesh now covers about 1 million citrus trees in Florida, keeping Asian citrus psyllids at bay
As recently as five years ago, Florida citrus growers did not routinely put...
University of Florida/IFAS awarded over $16 million in research grants to fight citrus disease
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. -- University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural...
What Growers Can Do Post-Hurricane Ian to improve Groves
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. --- Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida’s citrus growers is...
Growers can learn more about Plant Growth Regulators and Citrus at Free Webinar
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. --- Florida citrus growers can learn more about the use of...