A UF/IFAS researcher shared the results of gibberellic acid research showing the benefits of applications during a presentation in mid-January.

Gibberellic acid is showing great promise in combating the effects of citrus greening for Florida citrus growers. At a January 11th presentation, UF/IFAS associate professor and researcher Tripti Vashisth shared the promising results of gibberellic acid research, according to a Citrus Industry article. See them below.

Results of Gibberellic Acid Research

The main points about gibberellic acid research, according to the article, were:

  • “Gibberellic acid (GA) application on Hamlin seems to be more promising than on Valencia.
  • Gibberellic acid -treated trees had significantly higher yield efficiency than untreated trees after two years of GA application. Yield efficiency is important because it accounts for canopy volume (fruit-bearing area) that may exist in trees before the start of experiments.
  • Gibberellic acid plus 2,4-D helped in reducing fruit drop after Hurricane Ian in September 2022.”

Research results from a Valencia trial that spanned from 2016 to 2022 included:

  • “GA applications made from September to January resulted in more fruit…as the GA-treated trees produced a 5-year average of 220 pounds of fruit per tree and 2.4 boxes per tree versus control trees that produced 172 pounds per tree and 1.9 boxes per tree.”
  • “The GA in Valencias also resulted in more vegetative growth, larger fruit, lower fruit drop and overall tree health improvement.”

Research results from a Hamlin study that lasted from 2021 to 2022 included varying amounts of increases and reductions in yield. The article maintained that “Vashisth said the reduction from the first year to the second year in both sites was possibly due to Hurricane Ian.”

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.