Citrus Research in California & Florida

Numerous research opportunities exist for citrus in California and Florida. Our research program conducts greenhouse and field studies, using newly planted to mature trees. Citrus stands as one of the world’s major fruit crops both in area grown and in economic value. We provide critical research for pest control, yield enhancement and efficiency, and environmental stress mitigation.

Florida traditionally produces citrus for the orange juice industry so commercial focus is on juice quality and yield. Citrus Greening, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a fairly recent problem in the state that has devastated the industry, is a major focus of our staff. Florida Ag Research is equipped to study this pathogen and its vector, Asian Citrus Psyllid, in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.

As an experienced CRO, our research has contributed to the understanding of citrus greening through collaboration with University of Florida and USDA researchers in addition to product efficacy trial work. As citrus greening is affecting virtually all of the citrus in Florida, crop protection trial work is the focus, but crop nutrition, irrigation and general stress mitigation work is common, often with Citrus Greening being an important factor in protocols. Additionally, as Florida has a climate conducive to fungal and bacterial pathogen development, experimental fungicides/bactericides can be thoroughly challenged.

In California, citrus is primarily grown for fresh market sales, so quality of appearance is paramount. Citrus Greening has had minimal impact in California, but we are uniquely qualified to contribute to work on this pest if the situation changes. Currently, the focus of work in California by Pacific Ag Research is in fertilizer, stress mitigation, and crop quality. Navel orange, tangerine, and lemon for fresh market production are commonly studied. Citrus trials can be conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.

Common Pathology Test Systems
California:
Brown Rot / Phytophthora Fruit Rot, Gray Mold, Phytophthora Root Rot, Botrytis [Post-Harvest]

Florida:
Citrus Greening, Citrus Canker, Citrus Scab, Greasy Spot, Alternaria Brown Spot and the soil-borne disease Phytophthora Root Rot

Common Arthropod Species
California:
Ants, Citrus Thrips, California Red Scale, Citrus Red Mite,

Florida:
Asian Citrus Psyllid, Citrus Red Mite, Rust Mite, and Citrus Leaf miner.

Nematode Studies
Research on citrus root nematodes is conducted in both California and Florida. Additionally, the Florida Citrus research program includes studies on sting nematodes.

Agronomy Studies
Biostimulants, fertilizers, PGRs (Plant Growth Regulators), water management technologies, and other inputs are studied for their effects on citrus. Testing can be conducted in both field and greenhouse environments. Biostimulants can be evaluated for their impact on fruit retention, stress mitigation, and yield enhancement, while fertilizer technologies are studied for optimal use patterns, rates, and application methods.