In Florida, particularly on the Treasure Coast, citrus greening has severely affected orange and grapefruit production. Travis Murphy, with nearly six decades of experience in citrus farming in the region, has seen his operations significantly impacted by the disease, resulting in the loss of a thousand acres. This issue extends beyond individual cases, affecting the broader state's citrus sector.
However, ongoing research at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) in Fort Pierce presents a glimmer of hope. Dr. Flavia Zambon, an Assistant Professor of Horticulture Production of Citrus at UF-IFAS, shared the development of two grapefruit hybrids, 'Triumph' and 'UF-914', showing tolerance to citrus greening. This breakthrough could potentially revitalize the industry, offering varieties with promising yield and juice quality that meet industry standards.
The introduction of these hybrids into commercial cultivation could represent a significant step forward for the state's citrus growers. Dr. Zambon expressed optimism regarding the mass production of 'UF-914', despite 'Triumph's' challenge with seed content. The focus now shifts to the growers to integrate these new developments into their production strategies, potentially marking a turning point in the battle against citrus greening.
Source: cw34