See the recommendations for spraying for citrus canker in Florida citrus groves in the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week.
The citrus bloom has arrived, and the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week maintained it’s time to think about spraying for citrus canker in an accompanying Citrus Industry article. According to the article, developing fruitlets become susceptible to citrus canker around the end of March to the beginning of April. Canker can cause fruit to drop, with loses upwards of 90 to 100 percent if not treated. See the advice for citrus canker spraying from UF/IFAS scientist Evan Johnson.
Spraying for Citrus Canker
In the article, Johnson advised that “Copper sprays on a 21-day interval provide the best protection currently available. The 21-day interval maintains a protective layer, replenishing the copper layer that slowly degrades from rainfall and fruit.”
Additional advice based on specific varieties includes:
Valencias: “three sprays in spring should be sufficient.”
Hamlins: “will need continued applications until late June or through July.”
Susceptible fresh market fruit where rind blemish is a concern: “applications are recommended throughout the rainy period, often into October.”
For canker management, Johnson advised that “0.5 pounds per acre is usually sufficient, but higher amounts will be needed when appropriate for fungal pathogens,” in the article.
For reducing leaf lesions on new plantings, Johnson advised using acibenzolar-S-methyl (Blockade), applied before conditions become favorable for canker infection. Johnson advised that time is now. Reducing leaf lesions is aimed at avoiding canker-induced defoliation and minimizing future canker.
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.