As the CA citrus industry works to fight the HLB disease carrying Asian Citrus Psyllid from destroying the industry, the California Citrus Clonal Protection Program is playing a key role in preparing the industry for battle. Watch this interview with Georgios Vidalakis, Director of the program as he explains. Read more in California Fresh Fruit Magazine.
Category: Citrus Industry
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Microbial Community in Citrus is key to HLB Early Detection Technology
The bacterial causing agent of Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus greening disease threatening CA citrus production, is known as Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). Researchers looking into the change in the microbial community of a citrus tree when CLas takes over can help the industry develop effective early detection technology for HLB when it hits the orchard, according to plant pathologist Johan Leveau. Watch Leveau’s brief interview and read California Fresh Fruit Magazine to learn more.
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CA Citrus Mutual Works Aggressively to Protect Growers in the Industry
With concerns over water rights and increasing regulations, growers’ voices need to be heard in Sacramento and Washington DC, and the California Citrus Mutual has an aggressive agenda this year to support the citrus industry. Watch this brief interview with Joel Nelsen to learn more and read about it in California Fresh Fruit Magazine.
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Fresh Citrus at Risk From Devastating Disease
Davis, Calif., (December 15, 2017) – For the first time in 70 years, California has surpassed Florida in citrus production. Florida groves have been decimated by a disease called huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, that threatens citrus production in California, too.
Over time, fruit of HLB-infected trees begins to turn green and develop a bitter, metallic taste. (Elizabeth Chin / UC Davis) “HLB is not just bad for farmers and the economy,” said Professor Carolyn Slupsky, a biochemist and nutritionist with the University of California, Davis. “The loss of fresh oranges and other citrus is a real possibility and that would seriously impact our health.”
Slupsky and other UC Davis experts are working with farmers and fellow scientists to develop early detection methods, boost tree immunity and find a cure for the devastating disease.
California farmers sold nearly 4 million tons of citrus in the 2016–17 marketing season, compared to 3.5 million tons from Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Florida produced twice as much citrus as California as recently as the 2011–12 season.
Florida didn’t lose its top spot because the Golden State is producing more citrus. In fact, California farmers produced 14 percent fewer fresh oranges this season.
A silent killer – Citrus greening disease is caused by a bacterium that is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. A tree infected with HLB can live for years without symptoms, allowing the pathogen to spread undetected to other trees. Symptoms emerge over time as a tree’s fruit starts to turn green and misshapen with a bitter, metallic taste.
HLB is a global threat. Beyond Florida, the disease has destroyed groves in Asia, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. The disease has been spotted in about 250 backyard trees in Southern California, but so far California’s commercial orchards have been spared. Researchers are hard at work to keep it that way.
An international team of scientists led by UC Davis chemical ecology expert Walter Leal recently identified the molecule that attracts the Asian citrus psyllid, which may help researchers develop a less toxic way to trap the insect to slow the disease’s spread.
Slupsky is taking a different tack. She and her team are using nuclear magnetic resonance technology to study how the pathogen affects the metabolism of the tree. Her research shines a light on HLB’s mode of attack.
“The pathogen seems to cause havoc with a tree’s ability to defend itself from infection,” Slupsky said. “That’s a spectacular discovery, because when we understand the mechanisms behind the attack we have a chance at blocking them and boosting a tree’s natural immunity.”
Working with Kris Godfrey, an associate project scientist at the UC Davis Contained Research Facility, and Michelle Heck at Cornell University, Slupsky found differences in the chemical fingerprint of leaves starting very early in the infection process. With further research, she believes that she can develop a chemical profile to provide a reliable, rapid and early indicator of the presence of infection.
“Early detection is key,” Slupsky said. “If we can catch the disease early in the infection and get rid of the infected trees, we can hopefully slow down the spread of HLB enough to give scientists time to find a cure.”
Disease-resistant rootstocks – Breeders are working to develop HLB-resistant rootstock, which is one of the most promising avenues to a cure. Researchers are also looking at whether they can transform the psyllid to prevent its ability to spread HLB. UC Davis plant pathologist Bryce Falk is leading a search to find and engineer viruses that can induce traits in the insect that prevent it from transmitting the bacterium.
Breeding rootstock and engineering viruses takes time. In the meantime, backyard citrus growers can help keep HLB at bay by monitoring their trees for signs of psyllids or infection and removing trees that are infected or near infected trees.
How can you recognize signs of the disease? This website provides photos and tips on what to look for and how to control the pests.
Slupsky says that together, farmers, gardeners and science can help save citrus and the nourishment it provides.
“From a nutritional standpoint, it’s hard to beat fresh citrus,” Slupsky said. “Oranges provide energy, fiber and a wide variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They’re one of the most consumed fruits in the United States. I can’t imagine life without fresh citrus.”
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Visit Mountain Mandrin Orchards for Tasty Treats
Penryn, Calif., (November 30, 2017) – Nestled in the rolling foothills of Placer County, just northeast of Sacramento, are more than 35 beautiful small family farms growing mandarin oranges. The warm days and cool nights in Penryn, Newcastle, Loomis, Lincoln and Auburn make this area a perfect place to grow sweet, juicy, seedless mandarins. Welsh settlers in the town of Penryn first planted Satusuma mandarin orchards in the 1880s; some of their descendants are still tending Satsuma groves today. These original growers have been joined by other families in providing tree- ripened, hand-picked fruit to Placer County and beyond.
Mandarins ripen from late November through January, just in time to find a favored spot in millions of Christmas stockings and Chinese New Year celebrations. The Mountain Mandarin Growers Association members welcome the public to visit the mandarin groves throughout the winter months when the fruit is at its peak, but during the first and third weekends in December visitors enjoy extra family-friendly activities as part of Mountain Mandarin Orchard Days.
Enjoy Mountain Mandarin Orchard Days – Orchard Days started eight or nine years ago, according to Mountain Mandarin Growers Association President Rich Colwell, owner of the Colwell Thundering Herd Mandarin Ranch in Penryn. Although growers’ association members sell to stores and distributors and at farmers’ markets, they decided to try to celebrate the harvest at the ranches, taking advantage of the example of the Apple Hill Growers Association in nearby El Dorado County. Colwell says, “If they like Apple Hill, we think they’ll love coming up here to see what we have to offer.”
To plan visits on Orchard Days, Dec. 2, 3, 16 and 17, visitors can visit the Mandarin Growers map page to find the groves and a list of activities at each ranch. First, enjoy the beautiful small family farms by taking a walk through the groves. Savor the fresh fruit itself, either by picking your own straight from the trees or by purchasing a bag of just-picked mandarins to take home or give to friends and family. Then sample some of the delightful products made from or infused with mandarins. Products created by the small-scale farmers include oils, sauces, honey, juice, cookies, cakes, fudge and spreads. Orchard Days activities include local wine and ale tasting, artists and crafters, visit with Santa, petting of goats and other farm animals and other winter fruits and vegetables. Visitors can see painted quilt squares on local barns as well as fabric quilts on display.
On Sunday Dec. 3, visitors may join the “Orange is the new Pink” 5K Walk for Breast Cancer, an un-timed walk along part of Penryn’s Mandarin Trail, starting and ending at Mandarin Hill Orchards, 2334 Mandarin Hill Lane. To learn more and register, visit MandarinWalk.org.Nutrition and recipes – As well as being tasty, mandarins are nutritious. According to the California Department of Public Health’s Network for a Healthy California, one average size Satsuma mandarin contains only 47 calories and 39 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Also, in a 2008 USDA study, Placer County Owari Satusuma mandarins showed concentrations of the phytochemical synephrine that were up to six times higher than values previously determined for orange juice. The study concluded that 10 ounces of mandarin juice contains as much synephrine as one over-the-counter decongestant pill.
Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
SALAD:
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup chopped center leaves of Romaine lettuce
1/4 cup sliced red onions
24 sections fresh mandarin segments
TOPPINGS:
Toasted pecans or candied walnuts
Several thin slices of Mandarin orange1 tblsp. feta or blue cheese
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss. Chill. Plate and top each serving with your choice of toppings (see suggestions).
Mandarin Orange Scones – www.aaa-recipes.com
SCONES:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 orange
11 ounces fresh mandarins, chopped
GLAZE:1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 drops orange flavoring
Fresh orange juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
SCONES: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. By hand, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter. Add buttermilk, orange zest and Mandarin oranges. Turn dough onto well-floured board. Add flour as needed. Knead dough; make eight 1-inch round wedges. Score the eight wedges. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes.
GLAZE:Combine confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, orange flavoring and enough fresh orange juice to make a runny glaze. Pour glaze over warm scones.more recipes: (Mountain Mandarin Growers Association website)
Protect the Orchards! – Cindy Fake, UC Cooperative Extension advisor for Placer and Nevada counties, is working with the Mountain Mandarin Growers Association to keep the groves healthy as they face a serious threat.
Citrus from outside Placer County may carry the Asian citrus psyllid. This tiny insect carries the deadly bacterial disease called Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. HLB kills citrus trees and could destroy California citrus production and Mountain Mandarins. The insect is already in Southern California and efforts are being made to keep it out of Placer County.
Help protect the Mountain Mandarin industry by following these guidelines:
- Do not bring any citrus fruit, trees, or leaves into Placer County from other California counties, other states, or countries.
- Buy your mandarins from local Placer County growers.
- Buy only certified disease-free citrus trees from a reputable nursery. Do not share any uncertified citrus rootstock or budwood, as it could carry the disease.
Learn more about this threat to California citrus.
Learn more about visiting California farms and ranches at www.calagtour.org, the University of California Agritourism Directory and Calendar of events.
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California Citrus Nursery Society 2017 Annual Meeting Rec
Temecula, Calif., (November 29, 2017) – The 2017 California Citrus Nursery Society (CCNS) annual meeting was held at the Embassy Suites in Temecula, CA on November 2, 2017. CRB Associate Research Scientist, Dr. Mojtaba Mohammadi and CRB Director of Communications, Carolina Evangelo attended the meeting which was led by CCNS Executive Director, Tom Delfino. The meeting featured talks from the following speakers:
- Bob Atkins,of the California Pest and Disease Prevention Program (CPDPP), provided an update on program outreach efforts.
- Dan Willey, of com, delivered a proposal on how to improve quarantine labeling.
- Chandrika Ramadugu,of UC Riverside, gave a presentation on HLB resistant rootstocks.
- Kelsey Schall, of the Hoddle Lab at UC Riverside, discussed how better Argentine ant control in citrus groves can result in improved ACP control by Tamarixia radiata, a parasitic wasp.
- Frank Byrne, of UC Riverside, gave an update on ACP management in retail nursery stocks through neonicotinoid use.
A Panel Discussion on the effects of the new HLB Quarantine Zone on UC Riverside was a highlight of the meeting. Panel participants included Dr. Tracy Kahn, Dr. Peggy Mauk, Dr. MaryLou Polek, Dr. Mike Roose and Dr. Georgios Vidalakis.
The meeting concluded with a banquet and speech by Dr. Mike Roose highlighting the genetic relationships between citrus species.
On Friday, November 3, a group of meeting attendees headed to UC Riverside where Dr. MaryLou Polek, led a tour of the USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus & Dates. Drs. Tracy Kahn and Mike Roose followed up with a tour of the Citrus Variety Collection (CVC) at UC Riverside. Dr. Chandrika Ramadugu led participants on a tour of ongoing field trials evaluating the horticultural traits of hybrid citrus trees developed for HLB resistance. After lunch, participants traveled to the Citrus Clonal Protection Program’s Rubidoux facility in Riverside. Dr. Georgios Vidalakis, the CCPP director, gave a presentation on the history of CCPP including its mission and ongoing research activities.
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How Farms can Donate Fresh Food for Tax Deductions
Charitable Contributions for Farmers
It is common for businesses to receive tax deductions for cash donations, but did you know that the agriculture community can donate fresh foods for a similar benefit? California farmers and agriculture businesses have the opportunity to donate fresh fruits and vegetables in return for some pretty hefty tax breaks.
How much is the deduction?
In order to calculate the federal deduction and the California credit, your accountant will need to know the cost basis of the donated fruit as well as the fair market value (FMV) of that fruit as of the date it was contributed.
Normally, the federal deduction for inventory contributions is limited to the FMV on the date of contribution or the cost basis of the inventory, whichever is lower. However, there is an enhanced deduction allowed for the contribution of food inventory to a qualified organization that allows for an “above-basis” deduction. This deduction equals the lesser of: (1) the basis of the contributed inventory plus one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date, or (2) twice the basis of the property. As is often the case, there are special rules for certain taxpayers. If you are not using full absorption to account for your inventories, consult with your accountant as special rules will apply.
For farm partnerships, the result of the above calculation would be passed through to the individual partners within the partnership. The deduction is then limited to 15% of their net income from all businesses that made food contributions. This means that their deduction would be limited to 15% of their net income from the farm entity that made the donation. If individual farmers who are also partners in farm partnerships made food contributions to qualified organizations, then the net income of both activities would be added together in determining the 15% limitation. Any unused deduction can be carried over and used in the five succeeding tax years.
California law
Under California tax law, a qualified taxpayer
who donates fresh fruits or fresh vegetables to a food bank located in California is allowed a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost that would otherwise be included in inventory costs. In the case of farm partnerships, the credit would be passed through and used by the individual partners. Any unused credits may be carried forward for seven years. It’s important to note that this credit has expired, however, there is a possibility of extension, so speak with your accountant to learn more.Here’s an example
Partnership A owns a farm that grows fruit. The partnership donates unsold fruit to the local food bank. A determines that the basis of the contributed property is $180,000. A also determines that one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date is $40,000. The deduction would consist of the lesser of: (1) the basis of the property contributed plus one-half the profit = $180,000+$40,000 = $220,000, or (2) twice the basis of $180,000 = $360,000. In this case, the lesser figure of $220,000 would be the enhanced deduction for the food inventory contributed. That deduction would be passed along to the partners of the partnership. The charitable deduction on the partner’s tax returns would be limited to 15% of the income from the partnership that made the food donation.
Please note that if the donated inventory was not included in the opening inventory, but rather was produced during the current year,the donated inventory would be considered
to have zero basis. This means that the enhanced deduction for food inventory would only be $40,000 in the example above, as the $180,000 cost of that fruit would instead be included as part of the cost of goods sold deduction in the current year.If you have questions about charitable food donations or want to learn more about how to claim the deduction, please contact Sensiba San Filippo Partner, John Slater, at 559.437.0700 or at jslater@ssfllp.com.
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California Fresh Fruit Magazine – November/December Issue – Read It Here!
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You can read the PDF version of the November/December Issue of California Fresh Fruit Magazine HERE!
- Orchard Views
Hope Rising From the Ashes of Despair - Bridging the Gape Between Farmer & Consumer
Rodin Farms Providing Fresh Produce & Ag Education - Lake County Enjoys Strong Pear Harvest
Scully Packing Reports Quality Crop - Advances in Cytospora Canker Management
Bacterial Canker Experience in the Sacramento Valley
- Orchard Views
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CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Citrus Pest And Disease Prevention Committee
Sacramento, Calif., (November 2, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing two vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA Secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus specific pest and disease work plan that includes, but is not limited to outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.
The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.
Committee member vacancies exist for a grower representative from the Coast, expiring on September 30, 2019 and a nursery representative, expiring on September 30, 2020. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by November 30, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Victoria Hornbaker.
For additional information, contact: Victoria Hornbaker, Program Manager at (916) 654-0317, or e-mail (Victoria.hornbaker@cdfa.ca.gov).