Research conducted in the European Union by KeyPlex at the University of Torino in Italy have determined causes of fruit drop on citrus, and the results will help to guide the citrus industry into the future. While fruit drop was thought to be caused by physiological conditions and other pathogens such as huang long bing (HLB), the research has clearly …
Preliminary Hurricane Losses to Agriculture in Florida
According to preliminary assessments by the University of Florida, the combination of seasonal crops, livestock, nursery and aquaculture products potentially lost as a result of Hurricane Ian will likely range between $787 million and $1.56 billion. “This estimate only accounts for production losses, or changes in expected revenues for the current calendar or market year; citrus, for example, had not …
Yara Expands Southeast Distribution Support
To further support retail partners and growers across Florida, Yara North America will now distribute their flagship calcium-based nitrogen and other Premium Products through Ambassador Services International located at Port Canaveral, Florida. The first Yara vessel was welcomed at Port Canaveral on Thursday, November 5th. The move positions Yara to better serve key markets including citrus, specialty crops and turf …
USDA Trains Dogs to Hunt Citrus Greening
Dogs specially trained by Agriculture Research Service (ARS) scientists have proven to be the most efficient way to detect huanglongbing, better known as citrus greening. Currently, the only solid hope of curtailing the spread of citrus greening is to eliminate trees with the disease as quickly as possible to prevent further spread. Early detection of the citrus greening pathogen is …
Suterra Announces New Navel Orangeworm Control
Here’s some latest news from Suterra. Suterra today announced the launch of CheckMate® Puffer® NOW Ace™, a new aerosol pheromone formulation for season-long Navel Orangeworm (NOW) control in almonds, pistachios, walnuts, figs and other crops where NOW is present. “California tree nut growers are very concerned about the serious and increasing threat Navel Orangeworm poses, with damage costs soaring over …
FMC and AgNet Media Launch Citrus Scholarships
FMC and AgNet Media have teamed up to help the future of the citrus industry by launching a scholarship program for citrus and horticulture degrees. Launched at Citrus Expo 2019 last week in North Fort Myers, the FMC Citrus Ag Production Scholarships (FMC CAPS) will award five $5,000 scholarships to students interested in pursuing a degree program in citrus and …
Saving the Orange
The American Seed Trade Association and CropLife International have launched the first video in a new series about gene editing in plants. The video focuses on the very-real challenge of citrus greening—a devastating disease which has led to a nearly 80-percent decrease in Florida citrus production over the past 12 to 15 years. Profiled in the video, Dr. Fred Gmitter, …
New USDA Program for Producers Hit by Hurricanes
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details this week on eligibility for a new USDA disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). USDA will also provide $340 million through a block grant to the State of Florida specifically for Hurricane Irma losses to citrus production expected during the 2018 through the 2020 crop year to provide reimbursement …
Corn Crop Increase Surprises
USDA surprised many with the crop production forecast out this month estimating a two percent increase from last month for corn. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 175.4 bushels per acre, up 3.6 bushels from the October forecast and up 0.8 bushel from 2016. If realized, this will be the highest yield on record …
Florida Citrus Production Takes Hit From Irma
Just when the Florida citrus industry was hoping to rebound somewhat from the devastation caused by citrus greening in recent years, Irma came along and blew away a good part of this year’s production. The first citrus forecast for the season from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is calling for the all orange forecast for the 2017-2018 season to 4.34 …