Experts from UF/IFAS shared continuing recommendations for citrus recovery for Florida citrus growers dealing with freeze damage.
Florida citrus growers are looking to expert advise from UF/IFAS for dealing with the aftermath of the recent freeze event in The Sunshine State. We recently shared immediate recommendations for what growers should be doing—and not doing—in regards to their citrus trees; now we share more long-term recommendations for citrus recovery from a Citrus Industry article. See the details below.
Ongoing Citrus Recovery Recommendations
UF/IFAS shared the following :
Fertilizers: “After a freeze, citrus trees require nutrients to support recovery; however, fertilizer must be applied carefully. Do not apply any fertilizer until you see new growth in the spring. Once trees begin to flush, apply nutrients in small, frequent doses based on the extent of the damage the trees received.”
“Micronutrients can help citrus trees recover and regain strength; foliar and root applications of silicon (monosilicic acid) at 150 to 200 parts per million have been shown in research to aid citrus trees in recovering both root and shoot growth after freeze damage.”
Irrigation: “Due to freeze-induced defoliation, citrus trees take up less water than healthy trees. Therefore, irrigation should be reduced. Too much water can wash nutrients away, suffocate young, recovering roots and promote root-rotting pathogens.
Don’t stop watering completely; trees still need some moisture to recover. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy, until trees recover their normal foliage and canopy.”
Pests and Diseases: “After a freeze, protect citrus trees from pests and diseases so they can recover faster. As trees start to regrow in the spring, new tender leaves and shoots are very attractive to pests like aphids and whiteflies. Plan ahead with a comprehensive plant-protection program that includes timely applications of insecticides and fungicides. Usually, one or two fungicide sprays along with nutritional sprays are enough to protect the new flush from infections.”
Pruning: “Avoid pruning immediately after a freeze, because it’s hard to tell how much of the tree is truly damaged. Wait until spring or summer and prune only on living wood to remove the damaged parts safely. If the damage goes below the rootstock/scion union, pruning will just encourage growth from the rootstock. In this case, it’s better to regraft a new scion or replant the tree.”
Weed-Control: “An effective weed-control program after a freeze is critical to support rapid recovery of freeze-damaged citrus trees. Freeze-damaged trees often experience foliage loss, which not only reduces the tree’s ability to capture sunlight but also increases sunlight reaching the ground, which encourages weed growth. Weeds then compete heavily with the recovering trees for water, nutrients and light, potentially slowing or limiting new flush development.”
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.