California Ag Network

Category: Citrus Industry

  • Kern County Spring Citrus Meeting – March 8

    The University of California Kern County Cooperative Extension is holding a spring citrus meeting on Friday, March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kern County Cooperative Extension auditorium. Meeting topics include the latest Asian citrus psyllid treatment strategies, the 2019 Kern County ACP coordinated treatment plan and more. The meeting is open to all citrus growers and affiliates.

    Continuing Education (CE) units or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) units are not available for this meeting. A full list of speakers and topics is provided below.

    8:30 a.m.
    Registration

    9 a.m.
    Latest Treatment Strategies for Asian Citrus Psyllid
    Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell, director, Lindcove Research & Extension Center

    ACP-HLB Update and 2019 Kern Coordinated ACP Treatment Plan
    Judy Zaninovich, Kern County ACP-HLB Grower Liaison

    Are You Applying Imidacloprid Properly?
    Rick Leonard, Bayer

    What Should We Do About California Red Scale?
    Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell, director, Lindcove Research & Extension Center

    Spider Mites of Concern in the Lower San Joaquin Valley
    David Haviland, Kern County Cooperative Extension entomologist and Farm Advisor

    Noon
    Adjourn

    Meeting details:
    Friday, March 8
    8:30 a.m. to Noon
    Kern County Cooperative Extension Auditorium
    1031 S. Mount Vernon Ave.
    Bakersfield, CA 93307

    For questions, please contact: 
    Judy Zaninovich
    Kern County ACP-HLB Grower Liaison
    jsleslie@msn.com

  • International Citrus Research Conferences Come to Riverside

    To explore and discover solutions to plant diseases impacting the global citrus industry, the 21st Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists (IOCV) and the 6th International Research Conference on Huanglongbing (IRCHLB) are taking place at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside from March 10-15, 2019.

    Co-organized by Citrus Research Board, the conferences will bring more than 500 attendees – from leading researchers and regulators to citrus growers – representing over 22 countries to Southern California, the birthplace of California’s iconic citrus trees. This is the first time the IOCV and IRCHLB conferences will be held in conjunction.

    The IOCV conference returns to Riverside for the first time since the inaugural Citrus Virus Diseases conference in 1957, which was organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Citrus Experiment Station at the University of California, Riverside in 1907*.

    The IOCV conference will take place from March 10-12, and features presentations on citrus leprosis, tristeza, yellow vein clearing and the de novo discovery of citrus viruses, as well as citrus viroids and diagnostics. In addition, for the first time in the history of IOCV, the conference will include sessions on non-graft-transmissible diseases of citrus.

    Taking place March 12-15, the IRCHLB will feature research presentations and interactive sessions on the global status of Huanglongbing (HLB), a summary of current HLB research efforts and the vision for long-term sustainable HLB management practices. HLB has killed hundreds of thousands of citrus trees in Florida and other countries, and is one of the biggest threats facing California’s commercial citrus industry.

    “California’s citrus community is honored to be hosting the Joint Conference of the IOCV and IRCHLB and hosting citrus researchers from around the world. We’re looking forward to learning about breakthroughs from our fellow scientists and collaborating with them to find sustainable solutions to the disease threats facing the citrus industry,”said UC Riverside Professor Georgios Vidalakis, chair of the Joint Conference. “On behalf of the conference, we are grateful for the support of Citrus Research Board – one of the leading citrus research organizations – and the staff that took the lead on organizing and hosting the conference.”

    Save the date

    About the Joint 2019 IOCV-IRCHLB Conferences

    The 21st Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists and the 6th International Research Conference on Huanglongbing is organized by the Citrus Research Board; the University of California, Riverside; and the United States Department of Agriculture’sAgricultural Research Service in collaboration with numerous citrus industry, state and federal government, and university partners. Learn more at www.iocvirchlb.com

    About Citrus Research Board

    Citrus Research Board administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 enabling the state’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • Central Valley Citrus Growers Manage through Mid-Season Freeze

    Exeter, CA, February 11, 2019 – Temperatures once again fell below freezing across the Central Valley citrus belt last night with overnight lows around 28 in the coldest areas. Growers report running wind machines in order to raise grove temperatures as much as 3-5 degrees to prevent freeze damage.

    Central Valley Citrus Growers Manage through Mid-Season FreezeWhile the temperatureswere within manageable ranges, there is some concern that rain on Saturday and Sunday in combination with the cold temperatures last night may impact the external quality of the fruit. However, if there is damage it will not materialize for at least a couple of weeks. Generally, afternoon sun and breezy conditions on Sunday helped to dry the fruit before temperatures dropped, which growers hope will be enough to mitigate any damage. As an added precaution some growers used wind machines to dry the fruit before temperatures started to dip into the low 30s.

    Central Valley Citrus Growers Manage through Mid-Season Freeze

    Wind machines were mostly utilized for the less cold tolerant mandarins and lemons, but the temperature did not drop low enough to cause concern. Navel orange varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 27-28 degrees before wind machines are needed. Mandarins and lemons are less tolerant of cold temperatures due to their size, or in the case of lemons, low sugar content. For these varieties wind machines are utilized at temperatures as high as 32 degrees.

    Generally, last night’s temperatures are not a cause for concern for Valley citrus growers. In the coming weeks growers will be assessing the external quality of the fruit and implementing standard protocols to ensure blemished and damaged fruit does not enter the market.

    ***

    About CCM – CCM is the only advocacy organization representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most. We are a voluntary, non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of the CA citrus industry by advocating for sound, reasonable policy that allows for fair competition in the market place. Our 2,500 members represent 75% of California’s 320,000 acre, $3.8 billion citrus industry.

  • Challenges and Successes for the California Citrus Industry

    With all the regulatory and economic challenges facing our agricultural industries, California growers understandably have a lot to grunt and complain about; however, if growers see these challenges as opportunities and work together to overcome them, so much more can be accomplished, as has been done in the California citrus industry.  Check out this brief video interview with former President of the California Citrus Mutual, Joel Nelsen, as he explains. Read more about it in the coming issue of California Fresh Fruit Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the publication?  Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-fresh-fruit-subscriptions/.

  • California Citrus Mutual Appoints Casey Creamer as President/CEO

    CCM appoints current Executive Vice President and veteran agriculture industry representative.  Current President, Joel Nelsen to step down after 37 years at the helm and assume new role within the organization.

    Joel Nelsen Steps Down After 37 Years of Dedicated Service as President of the California Citrus Mutual

    The California Citrus Mutual (CCM) Board of Directors has named current Executive Vice President Casey Creamer as its new President and CEO effective February 1st.  Creamer came to CCM last February after a national search process to eventually assume the role of President.  He succeeds Joel Nelsen, who has guided CCM for the last 37 years.

    “The citrus industry is very fortunate to have had an individual of Joel’s caliber the last 37 years.  That kind of loyalty is not only rare, it’s unheard of,” stated Board Chairman Curt Holmes.  “Joel has taken a relatively small industry and has given us a huge voice.  We’ve faced many challenges over the years and have addressed them head on with his energy and passion leading the way.  We are incredibly grateful to him for his service and we appreciate his willingness to stay engaged in the industry.

    “We are also very excited to have Casey on board as our new President and CEO,” continued Holmes.  “The Board conducted an extensive search process and interviewed viable candidates from across the country.  We ultimately found the right person in our own backyard.  His prior experience working for a sister commodity organization and his work representing growers on water issues made him an ideal selection.  Over the last year his knowledge of the citrus industry has greatly expanded and he has quickly become a valuable member of the CCM team on behalf of the industry.”

    “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve,” stated Creamer.  “I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with some of the best leaders over my career and have nothing but respect and admiration for the job that Joel has done advancing issues important to the citrus industry.  I’m looking forward to carrying on the many successful traditions at CCM, while constantly seeking new ideas and pathways to address the significant challenges we face.  With the enthusiasm and commitment that exists in this industry, I am confident that together we tackle any obstacle thrown our way.”

    About CCM – CCM is the only advocacy organization representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most. We are a voluntary, non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of the CA citrus industry by advocating for sound, reasonable policy that allows for fair competition in the market place. Our 2,500 members represent 75% of California’s 320,000 acre, $3.8 billion citrus industry.

  • CA Detections of Citrus Disease HLB up 160 Percent

    HLB infected Tree

    Stakes at All-Time High for Backyard & Commercial Trees in 2019

    Detections of Huanglongbing (HLB), an incurable plant disease that kills citrus trees, increased by 160 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year, signaling the growing threat to the state’s iconic citrus trees, landscape and economy.

    HLB is spread by a small pest called the Asian citrus psyllid as it feeds on citrus tree leaves. The disease is not dangerous to humans or pets, but it is fatal for citrus trees and has no cure. Once a tree is confirmed with the disease, it must be removed from the property in order to protect neighboring citrus trees.

    The disease was first discovered in California in 2012 in Hacienda Heights. HLB was detected in 269 trees in 2017 and 699 trees in 2018, with a majority of these occurring in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The disease has not yet been detected in a California commercial grove.

    HLB has devastated commercial citrus production in Florida. Over the course of 10 years, Florida’s commercial citrus industry lost $7.8 billion in revenue, 162,200 citrus acres and more than 7,500 jobs due to HLB. Should the disease spread from backyard trees in Southern California to nearby commercial citrus groves, the livelihood of California’s citrus production could impact about 3,900 farmers and 292,000 acres of citrus production in the state. Commercially grown citrus contributes $7 billion in economic impact to the state and employs more than 22,000 individuals.

    “The livelihood of California’s commercial citrus industry and the generations of families it supports is at risk because of HLB,” said Jim Gorden, a citrus grower in the San Joaquin Valley and chair of the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Committee. “We are at a crossroads, and we must all work together to do what is necessary to protect our citrus.”

    Asian Citrus Psyllid Adults

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has established quarantines throughout the state that limit the transport of citrus across state and international lines, and between areas where the psyllid and disease have been found. Additionally, CDFA has agriculture crews canvasing the state to inspect backyard citrus trees for the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB.

    “The Department is committed to our partnership with California’s commercial citrus industry and residential citrus growers to fight HLB,” said Victoria Hornbaker, interim director of the citrus program at CDFA. “With more than half of California residences estimated to have a citrus tree on their property, and California citrus production supporting billions of dollars in our state’s economy, we all play an instrumental role in protecting our citrus.”

    California residents play an important role in protecting the state’s citrus trees. Residents should: 

    • Proactively inspect their citrus trees for the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB monthly, and whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending trees.
      • Adult Asian citrus psyllids are brown, about one-eighth of an inch long, and feed with their body at a 45-degree angle on citrus leaves.
      • Symptoms of HLB include blotchy and yellowing leaves, premature and excessive fruit drop, lopsided fruit, and bitter, inedible fruit.
    • Call the state’s pest hotline at 800-491-1899 if the pest or disease is spotted.
    • Cooperate with agriculture officials who may ask to inspect or treat their citrus tree.
    • As part of tree maintenance, visit a local nursery or garden center to get advice on products that can help protect citrus trees.
    • When pruning citrus trees, be sure to dry out citrus clippings or double bag them before removing the plant material from the property.
    • Refrain from moving citrus plants, foliage or fruit as doing this may unknowingly spread the pest.

    More information and photos of Asian citrus psyllids and HLB symptoms are available at CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.

  • California Fresh Fruit Magazine – December Issue – Read It Here!

    The PDF File may take a minute to load.  Thank you for your patience!

    [flipbook pdf=”http://www.californiaagnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FF-LOW-RES-PROOF-1.pdf”]

  • Huanglongbing Eradication Status in California Citrus

    To date, the deadly citrus greening disease Huanglongbing or HLB has not been found in California’s commercial citrus orchards; however, it’s only a matter of time. HLB strikes continue to be detected in residential areas, and its vector has spread all over the state. Watch this brief interview with Victoria Hornbaker, head of the CDFA’s statewide citrus program, as she shares the current status of the spread of HLB and its vector the Asian citrus psyllid, and CDFA’s eradication efforts. Read more about it in California Fresh Fruit Magazine. Don’t currently receive California Fresh Fruit Magazine? Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-fresh-fruit-subscriptions/.

  • Citrus Crop Update with Central Valley Grower Arlen Miller

    Harvest of the 2018-2019 citrus crop is underway, and growers are excited to reap the fruits of their labors.  Watch this brief interview with third generation  Central Valley citrus grower Arlen Miller as he shares his perspective on the coming crop and read more about him and his many diverse varieties of citrus in the coming issue of California Fresh Fruit Magazine.  Don’t receive California Fresh Fruit Magazine?  Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-fresh-fruit-subscriptions/.

  • California Fresh Fruit Magazine – November Issue – Read It Here!

    The PDF File may take a minute to load.  Thank you for your patience!

    [flipbook pdf=”http://www.californiaagnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CFF-LOW-RES-PROOF-1.pdf”]