See the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week for dealing with freeze damage in citrus as winter can bring freezing temperatures to The Sunshine State.
Freezing temperatures are not common in Florida during winter, but they are possible. Citrus trees can experience heavy damage to wood, leaves, and fruit when exposed to freezing temperatures, either through a rapid decrease in temperature or an extended duration of freezing temperatures. The UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, published by Citrus Industry Magazine, shares tips for dealing with freeze damage in your citrus trees. See the details below.
Tips for Freeze Damage in Citrus
The article advises Florida citrus growers utilize the Florida Automated Weather Network to “help growers determine if a freeze is coming and how to prepare for it with cultural practices like the use of micro-sprinkler irrigation.”
Tips for dealing wit freeze damage in citrus include:
- “Because it is very difficult to assess damage right after freezing, it is recommended to wait until the spring when the flush is fully expanded and mature.”
- “Therefore, pruning should be avoided until new growth begins and fully develops late in the spring or in the summer.”
- “Until the trees recover to their original canopy size, the fertilizer rate should be reduced but applied more frequently based on the amount of tree damage.”
- “Due to less transpiration, the amount of water required should be reduced.”
- “Weed control is important after freeze damage due to competition between weeds and trees for water, nutrients and light.”
- “Fungicide application is also recommended in order to control greasy spot in May and July.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.
