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.
Citrus Timelines*
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA Hamlin:
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