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Citrus

 

Citrus Black Spot

While all commercial citrus cultivars are susceptible to Citrus Black Spot, the most vulnerable are lemon and late-maturing citrus varieties like Valencia followed by grapefruit.

Although disease symptoms are express clearest on fruit, the risk of spreading this disease through fruit movement is minimal.

The greatest risk of disease transmission lies in the onoculum of fallen, decomposing citrus leaves. Spores are discharged into the air during onset of warm, wet weather, mostly during late spring and summer.

Citrus Black Spot occurs in subtropical regions of the world with summer rainfall, and the disease has been found in Argentina, coastal areas of Australia, Brazil, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, areas of South Africa with summer rainfall, Swaziland, Taiwan, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

The FDACS/DPI Citrus Black Spot pest alert posted. The FDACS/DPI and USDA-APHIS-PPQ will be putting together a regulatory framework inclussding a regulated area as soon as the delimiting survey out to 5 miles is complete. In the interim, all fruit harvested within one mile of positive blocks is being regulated. To date, this has only involved groves with fruit destined for processing.

For more information call FDACS/DPI Public Information at 352-372-3505, Ext. 102.

In the late 1800's, citrus was produced in north Florida. Following the freeze of 1894, citrus moved south to the Gainesville/Ocala area and Palm Beach County Citrusthe east coast of Florida. In the 1950's, 60's, 70's, and 80's, citrus received fairly regular freezes that continued to force it further south within the state. The severe freeze of December 1962 pushed citrus to areas south of Lake Okeechobee interior from both the west coast and the east coast of Florida.

As a result of the major freezes in the mid 1980's, much of the citrus industry in central Florida moved south of the freeze line. This is arbitrarily considered State Road 60 which runs from Tampa to Vero Beach. This significantly changed the dynamics of the citrus industry. New groves were planted much more densely meaning larger crops sooner on these new plantings. The result in the late 1990's has been an excess of fruit produced and reduced prices for the growers.

Palm Beach County CitrusThe Indian River citrus production district makes up a portion of Palm Beach County citrus. Growers within that area have the opportunity to market their fruit as Indian River fruit which, over the years, has received premium prices based on its superior quality. The citrus groves in Palm Beach County are planted generally on raised beds to facilitate drainage and a deeper root system while making them easier to manage.

 

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