Research progress for integrated canker management

摘要

Crop losses from citrus canker in 2013 for Hamlin oranges due to premature fruit drop or for grapefruit from unacceptable levels of fruit lesions were substantially higher than in the 2012 season due to more rain coincident with early fruit development from late April to early May. During this period, fruit are at the most susceptible stage of expansion — 0.25- to 0.5-inch diameter for Hamlins and 0.5- to 0.75-inch diameter for grapefruit.In 2013, huanglongbing (HLB) caused premature fruit drop in Hamlins that overshadowed loss due to canker. Far less HLB-induced fruit drop occurred with grapefruit, but higher canker incidence in 2013 was among the major challenges for pack-out of fresh grapefruit.To protect fruit against losses from canker, disease management for the most susceptible cultivars of grapefruit includes windbreaks, stringent leafminer control, and copper sprays to protect fruit during the entire expansion period from April to October. The purpose of this report is to update growers on performance of these tactics in grove trials testing integrated canker management.