Why You Need to Be at the 2020 Florida Citrus Show
January 3, 2020 
The center of the tradeshow floor at the Florida Citrus Show is always a hub of activity.
Photo by Frank Giles
There’s no better place than the Florida Citrus Show to get up to speed on the latest research on citrus production in the age of HLB, whether it be from leading scientists or from fellow growers.
The show will take place at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Ft. Pierce on Jan. 22-23.
Plant Breeding Update
New varieties and rootstocks are being developed at a blistering pace in the search for lines that are tolerant to HLB. Researchers and growers don’t have the luxury of vetting new materials for 20 years like in the past.
Grapefruit growers will see new varieties that have improved HLB and canker tolerance from UF/IFAS. There has been a focus on achieving high levels of attractive red pigmentation in the fruit flesh and low levels of furanocoumarins that interfere with prescription drugs.
UF/IFAS also will present findings from ongoing rootstock field trial evaluations that have identified superior candidates for the near future, with some rootstocks showing the ability to recover from HLB when grown with enhanced nutrition, restoring high yields and good fruit quality.
USDA will provide updates on their development of rootstocks and new varieties. And there’s plenty to learn, as its breeding program has generated more than 26,000 unique hybrids in the last decade.
Psyllids and Fruit Drop
Presentations on why psyllid control still matters will focus on how managing the pest promotes tree health and yield even in the presence of 100% HLB infection. Presentations will focus on resistance management, the power of beneficial insects, and the use of new, biological-based insecticides.
Fruit drop has become more of a new normal during the age of HLB. Presentations on HLB-associated fruit drop will feature what we have learned about the problem and will address horticultural practices that can help mitigate drop.
Learn Much More
Education sessions at this year’s show will be packed with much more valuable information you won’t want to miss. Talks will focus on:
- Soil and root health
- How cover crops and compost can build organic matter and benefit tree health
- Maximizing water applications through irrigation management and the use of soil sensors
- New technologies, including precision agriculture, will be featured as well.
There’s also plenty to learn outside the education hall on the tradeshow floor. Vendors will show you how their products and services can help improve your production and profitability during these challenging times.
Don’t miss the chance to win this original painting by Florida Highwaymen artist Kelvin Hair at the 2020 Florida Citrus Show. The drawing will be held during the cocktail reception.
Enjoy Friends, Food, Drink, and More
The chance to network with peers is just as important as the educational program at the 2020 Florida Citrus Show. There will be plenty of time built into the program to catch up with fellow growers and other stakeholders.
We will be serving lunch on both days of the show, catered by Moonswiners Bar-B-Q. And, stick around on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 22) for a special cocktail reception.
DON’T MISS THE 2020 FLORIDA CITRUS SHOW. REGISTER NOW.
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