The research shows that young citrus infected with citrus greening can be recovered using IPCs and brassinosteroids.
“Individual protective covers (IPCs) are now being increasingly adopted in Florida to protect newly planted citrus trees from psyllid colonization,” a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article shared, but “the adoption of IPCs does not occur in all groves…trees are still planted with no protection.” Researchers wondered if young citrus infected with citrus greening could be recovered. See what the research showed below.
IPCs, Brassinosteroids, and Young Citrus Infected With Citrus Greening
Researchers knew that individual protective covers (IPCs) and “treatment with BRs in non-protected trees may delay HLB infection and spread in the grove,” and that “treatment with brassinosteroids (BRs) may induce a strong immune response in young trees by activating the salicylic acid pathway.” They wanted to test if IPCs and brassinosteroids would be able to help young citrus infected with citrus greening.
In 2023, researchers planted 90 Valencia trees grafted on US-942 rootstock without IPCs or any other treatment. After a year, every tree was infected and declining, according to the article. The trees were divided into thirds, with 30 trees acting as a control, 30 trees received IPC covers, and the last 30 trees “received a monthly dose of BRs at a rate of 6.2 fluid ounces per 100 gallons of water.”
Results after a year include:
- “A clear recovery of the trees that were covered with IPCs. They have better canopy density and larger leaves than the control trees.”
- “These effects are maximized in trees that were not only covered with IPCs but also treated with BRs. In this case, bacterial titer has been significantly reduced, and the trees are even blooming for the first time.”
- “Unprotected trees are in clear decline.”
According to the article, “Researchers will continue monitoring the trees for at least one more year to determine if these changes are sustained over time.”
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.