See citrus recommendations for HLB-infected trees due to a weak La Nina weather pattern this winter.

A weak La Nina weather pattern is likely to bring warmer winter temperatures and little rain to Florida this winter, according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, and such patterns can induce “multiple flower cohorts and a very prolonged bloom,” according to the article. The article maintains that “Currently, citrus-producing regions have low flower bud induction, which is low accumulation of inductive hours (temperatures below 68 degrees). Management of flower bud induction is limited at the low induction level,” and that Florida citrus growers should follow UF/IFAS’s flower bud induction advisories. These bi-weekly broadcasts “provide growers and production managers with a complete overview of flowering prediction. Every advisory will aim to deliver recommendations for that period and steps needed to prepare for the flowering season, such as when to begin or stop PGR applications, fertilization, irrigation or sprays for disease and pest management.” The article also shared recommendations for HLB-infected trees. See them below.

Tips for HLB-Infected Trees

The article shared these recommendations for HLB-infected trees:

  • “Do not drought stress HLB-affected trees
  • Do not use flower-enhancing fertilizer for HLB-affected trees
  • With current weather conditions and predictions, gibberellic acid (GA) spray to suppress early flowering is advisable, especially if the crop has been harvested in December. Suppressing early flowering will synchronize flowering and will improve leaf production (thus, better source to sink ratio). Better canopy equals better fruit production on HLB-affected trees. Do not spray GA after Jan. 1 to manage flowering.”

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