Researchers have proven that Individual protective covers (IPCs) protect newly planted citrus trees from infection from citrus greening by keeping Asian citrus psyllids (ACPs) from feeding on and infecting the new trees. However, once the IPCs are taken off, ACPs are quick to move in and infect the tree. Researchers have been testing using brassinosteroids after IPCs come off, according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. The article shared that brassinosteroids “are a natural group of hormones approved for use commercially in citrus in Florida. BRs have shown promise in reducing pests and diseases.” See the details of the research on combining IPCs and brassinosteroids to help young citrus trees remain free from citrus greening below.

Research Results on Combining IPCs and Brassinosteroids

Details on the UF/IFAS research on combining IPCs and brassinosteroids includes:

• “Testing is taking place using different varieties, including Tango and Early Pride mandarins, as well as Hamlin and Valencia oranges.”
• “This research is now in its third year.”
• “After IPC removal in the third year, following monthly foliar spray applications of BRs at a rate of 6.2 fluid ounces of product in 100 gallons of water, trees remain HLB-negative for about six months.”
• “Fruit yield is increased by 30% on average in BR-treated trees.”
• “Tree growth is significantly increased with monthly applications of BRs.”
• “HLB infection eventually progresses in these trees, but healthier trees may cope better with antibiotic injections.”

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.

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UF/IFAS researchers are developing a citrus tree that can kill psyllids, the vector that transmits citrus greening, according to a UF/IFAS news article. “A citrus tree that produces its own potent defense against the Asian citrus psyllid by preventing this insect from reproducing would reduce or possibly eliminate vector populations,” said Lukasz Stelinski, an entomology professor at UF/IFAS CREC. He added that, “In terms of stopping HLB, this approach could curtail the ability of an otherwise very effective vector from spreading the pathogen.” Researchers have “developed the modified tree in the lab and the greenhouse,” and they now have to prove it in the field. See the details of the research below.

Citrus Tree That Can Kill Psyllids

Researchers have developed the “modified tree” by inserting a gene from a soil-borne bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into a citrus tree. The “gene provides instructions for the new citrus tree on how to make” a protein that kills young Asian citrus psyllids (ACPs).

The ACPs feed on the citrus tree and ingest the protein. According to the article, the protein “binds to specific receptors on the gut wall, causing pores to form. This disrupts the insect cells on the gut wall, ultimately killing the insect.”

Bryony Bonning, an entomology professor who led the research to identify the bacterial proteins used in the research, said “Given the widespread use of Bt proteins for protection of other crops against insect pests, we think we’re on the right track for control of the Asian citrus psyllid. The next step is to prove this method works in the field, so that citrus growers everywhere will no longer have to contend with the insect that transmits this deadly disease. The next stage is to grow these trees in the ground into a more mature stage under natural field conditions.”

The article shared that UF/IFAS researchers “hope to begin testing the trees in about a year.”

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.

The post Citrus Tree That Can Kill Psyllids is in The Works appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

We shared information in our last blog on adding pests like rust mites and thrips to your citrus pest management plan. Find information on scouting rust mites and thrips from the 2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide below.

Scouting and Treating Rust Mites and Thrips

The production guide shared the following information on scouting and treating rust mites and thrips:

Citrus Rust Mites: “The citrus rust mite (CRM) and the pink citrus rust mite (PCRM) are found on all citrus varieties throughout Florida. Although they can coexist on the same leaf or fruit, the CRM is usually the prevalent species. PCRM generally develops to greater damaging populations early in the season (April–May). Both rust mites are important pests of fruit grown for the fresh market. On some specialty varieties (such as Sunburst tangerine), damage may be particularly severe on stems and foliage, causing leaf injury and possible abscission. Fruit damage is the main concern with other varieties. Both mites feed on green stems, leaves, and fruit, with the PCRM being potentially more destructive…”

“Egg hatch occurs within approximately 3 days at 81°F. Newly hatched larvae resemble the adult, changing in color from clear to lemon yellow (CRM) or pink (PCRM) after molting to the nymphal stage. After about 2 days at 81°F, molting occurs. The first nymphal stage resembles the larval stage and requires about 2 days to molt to an adult at the above temperature. CRM adults have an elongated, wedge-shaped body about three times longer (0.15 mm) than wide. PCRM are narrower, smaller, and rounded. CRM is usually straw to yellow in color, and PCRM is usually pink, but color is not always an effective or accurate means of separating the two rust mites. Males and females have an average life span of 6 and 14 days, respectively, at 81°F. In the field, females can live nearly 30 days in the winter. Rust mites develop from eggs to adults in 6 days at 81°F.

PCRM populations can begin to increase in April to early May on new foliage, reaching a peak in mid-June to mid-July, although the time of peak density can vary by several weeks depending on geographical location and weather. PCRM are more abundant in drier weather conditions. CRM population densities increase in May–July, then decline in late August, but can increase again in late October or early November. Mite densities in the fall rarely approach those occurring early in the summer. During the summer, CRM are more abundant on fruit and foliage on the outer margins of the tree canopy. The bottom portion of the north side of the tree canopy is generally preferred and supports the highest mite populations. The least favorable conditions for CRM increase are found in the top portion of the south side of the tree canopy.

Visible characteristics of mite injury differ according to variety and fruit maturity when damage occurred. When rust mite injury occurs on fruit during exponential growth, before fruit maturity (April to September), epidermal cells are destroyed, resulting in smaller fruit. These destroyed epidermal cells fracture as the fruit enlarges, causing a rough form of russeting known as “sharkskin.” Damage to mature fruit creates a brown stain but does not destroy epidermal cells or the wax layer, leading to a polished look referred to as “bronzing.” Fruit damage by rust mites affects the appearance and reduces grade initially but may also lead to reduced size, increased water loss, and increased drop under severe infestation.

Leaf injury caused by feeding of CRM exhibits many symptoms on the upper or lower leaf epidermis. When injury is severe, the upper cuticle can lose its glossy character, taking on a dull, bronze-like color or patches of yellowish discoloration where wounded epidermal cells have released ethylene. Damage to lower leaf surfaces results in collapse of spongy mesophyll cells, appearing first as yellow patches and later as necrotic spots. With the exception of upper leaf epidermal injury to some specialty varieties, such as Ambersweet, Fallglo, and Sunburst, defoliation caused by CRM is rarely severe.”

Thrips: “Thrips are small, elongate insects in the order Thysanoptera, varying in size from less than 0.2 mm to over 2.0 mm in length. They are easily overlooked because of their minute size. The life cycle of a thrips species consists of an egg, two larval feeding stages, a nonfeeding prepupal stage, a nonfeeding pupal stage, and feeding adults. About 14–18 days are required to complete development from egg to adult in some Frankliniella species.”

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.   

The post Information on Scouting Rust Mites and Thrips appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

“Pest management is a year-round challenge in Florida citrus,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. They maintain that pests are always ready for crop plants to be available due to Florida’s tropical climate. However, growers can use the knowledge of pest biology and tree growth to develop a pest management plan for your citrus. The article shares those pests that are most problematic that should be targeted. See the details below.

Pests for Your Pest Management Plan for Citrus

Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Leafminer: “generally increase with flush/new growth development. Therefore, targeting peak flush periods can help keep their populations from exploding.”

Lebbeck Mealybug: “generally occurs with initial fruit setting. Damage from feeding at this stage of fruit development will cause high rates of fruit drop. Protecting developing fruit is key to protecting the crop. For early spring applications, be sure to check the label for use in relation to bloom for pollinator protection. These pests will need to be managed throughout the year, though the extent of management depends on the intended fruit market.”

Rust Mites: “Rust mite damage to fruit can be minimized by targeted management in late spring (April/May), when populations first start to develop. Keeping mite levels low while fruit are in the early stages of development can prevent high levels of damage.”

Thrips: “Thrips can be a challenge, especially for fresh market producers. Flower thrips cause damage during bloom if populations are increasing. This pest should be managed prior to bloom to reduce flower abortion. Orchid and greenhouse thrips cause rind blemishing where they feed on developing fruit.”

Chilli Thrips: “have emerged as a management challenge in screenhouse production. Research into their management is ongoing. Preliminary data suggest that managing non-crop hosts including weeds and other flowering trees can reduce the local population and subsequent migration into citrus under protective screen or nurseries.”

Root Weevils: “Root weevils are present in various life stages throughout the year. Because the primary damage from root weevils occurs underground, it can be hard to time management actions appropriately.” See the Florida Citrus Production Guide on Citrus Root Weevil.

Snails: “In recent years, Bulimulis bonarienses, commonly referred to as the peanut snail or ghost snail, has been wreaking havoc in citrus groves by clogging irrigation and defoliating young trees within individual protective covers. While University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are still learning the seasonal activity patterns of this pest and evaluating management options, they have found that abamectin, which is used for several other pests in citrus, can also have impacts on these snails. In product screening assays, Agri-Mek SC (abamectin 8.0%) used at the maximum labeled rate for citrus had a 100% mortality rate if applied during periods of snail activity (i.e., when snails are mobile, exposed or partially exposed from their shells).”

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.   

The post What to Include in Your Pest Management Plan for Citrus appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

In our last blog, we shared the details of Body Condition Scores (BCS) for beef cattle from a UF/IFAS “askIFAS” article; that same article shared that “There is a direct relationship between cow nutritional status, BCS, and cow herd reproductive performance.” in this blog, the second part in the series, we’re sharing the relationship between BCS and cow nutritional status, and how they affect cow herd reproductive performance. See the details below.

BCS, Cow Nutritional Status, and Cow Herd Reproductive Performance

In the UF/IFAS article, the writers looked at four different studies to drawn conclusions on the relationships between cow BCS and five “important reproductive and productive outcomes” to prove that “improving cow BCS from thin/BCS 3 to moderate/BCS 5 improves every outcome measure.” They are:

1. Calving Percentage: “Calving percentage depicts the number of calves born from all of the cows that were exposed to the breeding program; this include cows that became pregnant and those that did not become pregnant. Calving percentage is a measure of breeding and gestation efficiency.” The data shows that as cows’ BCSs increase, the number of cows that produce calves also increases.
2. Postpartum Interval: “Postpartum interval shows the number of days that occur between calving and the establishment of the subsequent pregnancy. To meet production goals a cow must calve on an annual basis, but calving intervals greater than 85 days mean that the cow will not meet this goal.” The data shows that cows with higher BCSs have a shorter postpartum interval.
3. Percent Pregnant: “The pregnancy percentage demonstrates the number of cows that became pregnant during the breeding season.” The data shows that cows with higher BCSs have a higher pregnancy percentage.
4. Weaning Percentage: “Weaning percentage depicts the number of calves weaned out of the total number of cows exposed to breeding the prior breeding season. Calving percentage is derived from pregnancy percentage, calving percentage, and any post-calving death loss.” The data shows that cows with higher BCSs have a higher weaning percentage.
5. Weaning Weight: “The calf body weight on the day it is weaned outcome is expressed as pounds weaned per cow exposed to breeding in the previous breeding season. This measure takes into account both successful and unsuccessful calving in the cow herd.” The data shows that cows with higher BCSs have calves with a higher weaning weight.

The majority of the data points also showed the advantages of a high BCS taper off or even decrease starting at a BCS of 7 or higher; benefits are found to be the greatest when a cow’s BCS is between 4 and 6.

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.

The post A Look at BCS, Cow Nutritional Status, and Cow Herd Reproductive Performance; Part 2 appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

January 17^th will see the Sweet Corn Conference happen in Belle Glade. According to a Specialty Crop Grower article, “Topics will feature research and expertise pertaining to weed management, insect management, disease management, nutrient management and industry updates. At the conference, there will also be a John Deere precision spray demonstration, depending on the weather and field conditions.” See the details of the conference below.

Sweet Corn Conference Details

Details of the Sweet Corn Conference includes researchers discussing topics like insect, disease, weed, and nutrient management related to growing sweet corn. The details include:

Where:

UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade

3200 E. Palm Beach Road, Belle Glade, Florida 33430.

When:

Friday, January 17^th, 2025

The event starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

Registration, coffee, and breakfast are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; the conference starts at 8:30 a.m.

What:

Events include:

-Sweet corn disease management update.

-Minor plant diseases in sweet corn.

-On-site demo and herbicide trial location. (A map will be included to the site for the demonstration).

-Weed management trial and precision spray demonstration.

-Sweet corn weed management update.

-Industry updates.

-Sweet corn insect ecology.

-UF/IFAS nutrient recommendations.

Lunch will be provided, and pesticide applicator and CCA CEU credits will be provided as well.

How: The event is free to attend.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-sweet-corn-conference-tickets-1122658163789?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

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A UF/IFAS “askIFAS” article maintains that “cow Body Condition Score (BCS) is a subject that warrants attention;” a BCS is an assessment to determine how much body fat a cow is carrying and thus the animal’s nutritional status. The article also shares that “The amount of fat has an influence on the hormones and physiology of the cow, including reproduction, lactation, and calf production. Reproduction and calf weaning weight have profound effects on the profitability of the cow-calf enterprise…” A cow is given a ranking of 1-9 based on their physical appearance. The article breaks down what each ranking looks like. See the details below.

Body Condition Scores

A Body Condition Score (BCS) looks at the following areas:

• back
• tailhead
• pins
• hooks
• ribs
• brisket

The article shares that BCS 1–2, or malnourished, or BCS 7–9, or fat, “rarely occur in commercial cattle enterprises.” Thus, most cows fall somewhere between BCS 3 and BCS 6. These rankings are:

“Body Condition Score 3

• Cattle are categorized as thin.
• Upper skeleton (backbones, hooks, pins) is prominent.
• Ribs are easily visible.
• Body fat is not obvious.
• Weight gain to reach a 5 is 150 lbs.”

“Body Condition Score 4

• Cattle are categorized as marginal.
• Upper skeleton (backbones, hooks, pins) is prominent but less visible.
• Muscle tissue is abundant.
• Fat is beginning to cover ribs, but ribs are still visible.
• Weight gain to BCS of 5 is 75 lbs.”

“Body Condition Score 5

• Cattle are in moderate condition.
• Medium flesh for calving.
• Ideal flesh at weaning.
• Muscle tissue is nearing maximum.
• Hooks and pins visible but not obvious.
• Ribs covered slightly with fat, but the last rib is still visible.
• This is the target BCS to maintain cows.”

“Body Condition Score 6

• Cattle are in good condition.
• Ideal fleshing at calving.
• Muscle tissue volume is at a maximum.
• Hooks and pins become less prominent.
• Fat deposit behind shoulder is obvious.
• Ribs are covered completely with fat beginning to cover rump.
• Weight loss to BCS of 5 is 80lbs.”

See our next blog to explore how BCS affects production.

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.   

The post A Look at Body Condition Scores for Beef Cattle, Part 1 appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

The majority of cattle producers in Florida spend winter in calving season. According to a UF/IFAS blog article, “The major components to a successful calving season are proper herd health, genetic goals with a controlled breeding season, and adequate nutrition.” The article shares information on these three components. See them below.

Tips to a Successful Calving Season

“What is a Calving Season?”

“The definition of a successful calving season can differ from operation to operation, but all should have common goals. Some producers’ success is measured in terms of percentage of live births. For these, the length of the calving season may not be as critical. For others, success is measured in terms of lack of need for assisted births. These programs are often based on dams with strong maternal characteristics bred to bulls with low birth weights. For others success might be measured by the percentage of calves born within the first 30 days or that are all born within 84 days to ensure that cows are truly calving annually.”

“Herd Health”

“Herd health is vital in terms of herd longevity and herd development. Herd health can be achieved by a vaccination program (helps immunity), de-worming and fly control protocols, lower stress handling systems, and record keeping…”

“Breeding Stock Selection”

“Selection of breeding stock is the foundation of a reproductive program in any operation. Each producer will select the breed, style, and characteristics of cattle they prefer. Breeding and selection traits can be achieved through artificial insemination (AI), natural breeding, bull selection, and/or purchase of bred cows or first-time heifers. Important features when selecting and maintaining cows or bulls include, but are not limited to, temperament, body condition score (BCS), culling factors, estimated progeny differences (EPDs) metrics (milk production, ribeye area, birth weight, weaning weights etc.), and Brahman influence (adding ear to herd). Temperament, EPDs, and Brahman influence are genetically influenced, while BCS and culling factors can be genetically influenced and environmentally influenced. Culling is important for many reasons but most importantly if cows are not calving once a year it is money lost to maintain an open cow…”

“Nutrition”

“Nutrition is essential to have healthy cattle all year long who feel their best and can raise a strong calf. Nutritional requirements for cows change throughout the year according to her production cycle… Animal characteristics to also consider are breed, age, state of reproduction cycle, environmental requirements, and BCS. The dominant warm season forage in Florida is Bahiagrass, which goes dormant in the winter so supplementation or a cool season forage option is required.”

“Ultimately, successful calving season inputs begin months prior and should be considered year-round when determining management decisions. Cows should be calving yearly, and bulls should be semen tested yearly to make a profitable cattle herd…”

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.   

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Florida citrus growers have been administering oxytetracycline (OTC) injections for two years, and while some citrus growers are seeing progress, others feel they are not. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article maintained the numerous field trials “found that OTC injections significantly increased fruit yield, fruit quality and juice quality,” while “results varied based on factors such as tree age, tree health status, scion and rootstock variety, trial location and the amount of OTC injected.” Recent hurricanes caused crop losses that diminished positive responses. All these factors can make it difficult to see positive responses, so the recommendation from UF/IFAS is to use a control. See the necessity of controls for OTC injections below.

Controls for OTC Injections

The article shared that “Controls are trees that have not received the therapy (non-injected trees) and that can be compared against trees that have received it (OTC-injected trees).” It added that “Only by comparing treated trees against non-treated (control) trees can an accurate assessment of the impact of a treatment be determined.”

Other comparisons will not be enough evidence. The article maintained that “Comparing one year’s yield and pounds solid against the previous year’s, or comparing one location with another location, will not allow you to determine the true efficacy of a treatment.”

The article shared an anecdotal story to prove the point:

It shares about “a Hamlin trial where two consecutive years of injection were performed. The trial was in the main path of Hurricane Milton and experienced fruit loss of more than 50%. While fruit loss was extensive in both injected and non-injected trees, we still harvested up to 2.5-fold more fruit when trees had been injected. The trees were 18 years old at the time of the first injection…In fact, despite the fruit loss from Milton, trees that received this treatment had the same yield as in the previous year while the yield for the control trees was reduced by half. Fruit were also larger and had more soluble solids.”

The article summarized that “If planning to move forward with OTC injections, or testing other novel treatments, it is therefore advised to leave a group of trees untreated in each location to serve as a control to truly assess treatment efficacy.”

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.   

The post The Necessity of Controls for OTC Injections appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.

We have been sharing the Q&A Series with Tom Johnson, the owner of TJ BioTech, the manufacturer of OTC injections, that have been appearing as Citrus Industry articles. The latest question and answer article looks at questions on whether citrus recovery is occurring or not due to OTC injections; Johnson maintains that citrus roots must first recover before production gains will be see. See the details below.

Q&A on Citrus Recovery

Question: “There have been some mixed results from OTC injections depending on geography within Florida. Is the citrus industry in Florida experiencing a recovery from the effects of HLB or not?”

Answer by Tom Johnson: “Since the release of ReMedium TI^® in January of 2023, the breakthrough of a novel formulation of OTC has allowed millions of trees across Florida to be injected with OTC. The main cause of production decline from HLB is the decline and loss of root structure in the grove. According to University of Florida Professor Emeritus Jim Graham, the decline in production from HLB did not occur first. The decline in roots was happening underground, and the decline in production above ground came later.

So, the recovery is happening, but it has to occur in the root structure below ground first. The production recovery above ground is soon to follow. Again, according to Graham, the root recovery is underway, but the recent hurricanes have reduced root recovery in some areas that were hardest hit by the storms. However, root mass did not decline from hurricane damage as it did before OTC injections.

Recovery is occurring across the state, and the production gains that we all want are happening now in the areas of least hurricane impact. Don’t give up. The best is yet to come.

ReMedium TI^® is performing very well, but please take care to protect your formulated ReMedium TI^® from damage from ultraviolet light and heat to the best of your ability. Mobility is the key to the best outcome from an OTC injection. Breakdown damage not only reduces the amount of active ingredient in the solution, but it also reduces the mobility of the formulation.

ReMedium TI^® has the initial purity, and FLexInject^® injection devices offer the best protection from UV and heat. Both are important to the final outcome.

We are making progress.”

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.   

The post Q&A: Whether Citrus Recovery is Occurring or Not appeared first on Griffin Fertilizer Company.