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Title: Citrus production systems to survive greening – horticultural practices

Author
item MORGAN, KELLY - University Of Florida
item SCHUMANN, ARNOLD - University Of Florida
item CASTLE, WILLIAM - University Of Florida
item Stover, Eddie
item SPYKE, PETE - Arapaho Citrus Management
item KADAYAMPAKENI, P - University Of Florida
item ROKA, F. - University Of Florida
item MURARO, R. - University Of Florida
item MORRIS, R. - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2009
Publication Date: 1/1/2010
Citation: Morgan, K., Schumann, A., Castle, W., Stover, E.W., Spyke, P., Kadayampakeni, P., Roka, F.M., Muraro, R., Morris, R.A. 2010. Citrus production systems to survive greening – horticultural practices. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 122:114-122

Interpretive Summary: Citrus production in Florida is threatened by citrus greening and citrus canker. Even where trees may be lost to disease at a fairly early age, or production of marketable fruit declines in later years, greater early and sustained production on groves with more trees per acre may permit profitable citrus production. The use of automated pulse irrigation systems and intensive nutrient management may be especially important tools for optimizing tree growth and yield in Florida's sandy soils, using practices known as the Open Hydroponic System (OHS). The system must be adapted for the Florida summer rainy season and sandy soils so that current fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) are not exceeded and nutrient leaching is not increased. Current OHS management practices utilized around the world are reviewed and compared to proposed Advanced Production Systems practices for high density citrus plantings in Florida.

Technical Abstract: Fruit yield is a critical component in the long-term profitability of citrus growers in Florida. Increasingly, two factors outside the control of the growers are forcing Florida citrus growers to re-evaluate the sustainability of their current operations. These factors are: 1) impact of canker and greening diseases on tree health and yields and 2) continued urbanization within the state. A key to increased profitability may be improved early and sustained production on high density groves. Improved early and sustained yields may allow growers to reach earlier return on investment and thus, better deal with potential decreased production due to tree loss from disease. The use of automated irrigation systems and intensive nutrient management may provide critical enhancement to production systems for achieving increased tree growth and yield. A widely discussed approach for maintenance of soil moisture and nutrient concentrations in the tree root zone near optimum levels is known as The Open Hydroponic System (OHS). The system must be adapted for the Florida summer rainy season and sandy soil characteristics so that current fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) are not exceeded and nutrient leaching is not increased. Current OHS management practices utilized in selected citrus producing countries around the world will be reviewed and compared to proposed Advanced Production Systems practices for high density citrus plantings in Florida. Practices considered will be nutrient ratios and application timing, irrigation scheduling and methods, root density distribution, and girdling. Adoption of these intensive citrus management practices has the potential of conserving water, improving nutrient use efficiency, reducing leaching in addition to improving tree growth and yield.