2020-’21 UF/IFAS Citrus Production Guide Available

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UF Glow variety of citrus. Photo taken 11-17-17

By: Ruth Borger, 517-803-7631, rborger@ufl.edu

LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — While the coronavirus pandemic has changed much of the University of Florida citrus programming, one annual tradition continues, albeit with some changes. The 2020-2021 UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Production Guide is now available to growers, just as it has in years past.

The difference is that growers usually would have the first chance to pick up their copy at the annual Citrus Expo held in Fort Myers. With that show going virtual because of the pandemic, distribution plans for the guide have been adjusted.

What is the same is the publication which includes the latest technical advice on citrus greening disease, tree nutrition, grove management and other aspects of Florida citrus cultivation. The 264-page document is a comprehensive reference meant to assist growers in development and management of citrus groves in Florida, said Lauren Diepenbrock, a UF/IFAS entomology assistant professor and a member of the guide’s editorial team.

Topics covered in the guide include planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, insect management and disease management, she said. It was previously known as the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide, but the name was changed a few years ago, after the content was expanded, she said. About 50 UF/IFAS personnel contributed to the latest edition.

“Each year, we update the guide with new information as it becomes available, so that we can continue to meet the needs of our growers as we learn about and/or develop new tools and strategies for citrus production,” Diepenbrock said.

Hard copies of the guide are now available at local UF/IFAS Extension county offices (please see chart)

Hillsborough, Polk Counties Polk Office in BartowChris Oswalt

wcoswalt@ufl.edu (863) 519-1052
Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, Collier Counties: Hendry Office in LaBelleMongi Zekri


 
maz@ufl.edu (863) 674-4092
Highlands County Office in SebringAjia Paolilloajiacunningham@ufl.edu 863-993-4846
DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee Office in ArcadiaAjia Paolillo  ajiacunningham@ufl.edu 863-993-4846
St. Lucie, Indian River Office in Ft. Pierce

Amir Rezazadehamir2558@ufl.edu
(772) 462-1628

Orange, Lake, Marion Lake Office in TavaresJuanita Popenoe


 
jpopenoe@ufl.edu
(352) 343-4101 ext. 2727

Sumter County Office in BushnellMatt Smith

 
 smith197@ufl.edu
 (352) 569-6862
Jefferson County Office in MonticelloDanielle Sprague

dsprague@ufl.edu
(850) 342-0187

Taylor County Office in PerryLisa Strangelstrange@ufl.edu (850) 838-3508  

While Extension offices are open, it is always best to email or call the agent ahead of time to check that the office is open and ensure that they have the guides waiting for you. For a directory of citrus agents, visit  http://citrusagents.ifas.ufl.edu/locate/index.shtml.

Another way to access the guide is on-line through the UF/IFAS Extension Electronic Data Information Source library at the EDIS website. It will also be available at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center and the cirtrusresearch.ifas.ufl.edu websites.