Find information about what Florida citrus diseases, like black spot, are problematic in the grove right now.
In our last blog, we looked at a Q&A with UF/IFAS plant pathologist Megan Dewdney on Florida citrus diseases affecting Florida citrus groves, namely citrus canker. The information came from a Citrus Industry article; it also touched on black spot and other diseases making the rounds in Florida groves. See the details below.
Florida Citrus Diseases Q&A on Black Spot and More
The article shared the following questions and answers concerning Florida citrus diseases like black spot and algal spot in Florida right now:
“Q: What are the latest updates on citrus black spot?
A: Dewdney: Citrus black spot has been moving again. Last year, Manatee County was the newest county to have a find. This year, it was found in DeSoto County. Fortunately, there do not appear to be many affected blocks in either county. We still recommend fungicide applications starting in May at monthly intervals. It appears that the early-season applications are the most important. So, if growers are interested in just keeping fruit on the trees rather than trying to reduce the disease to a minimum, concentrate on the three early applications. With the dry weather this season, starting in May is sufficient. In wet springs, I recommend starting in April.
Q: Besides HLB, are there any other diseases that have been challenging for growers in recent years? What are the best management tips for those?
A: Dewdney: Algal spot seems to be getting more common around the state. This is the cause of the bright orange-red donuts or patches seen on branches. It can affect scaffold branches and twigs, with the potential to kill them. In my trials, I have not found any products that have worked better than phosphite fungicides. I recommend a 0.5 gallons per acre rate twice — in the beginning of May and the end of June.”
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