The citrus seminar agenda for this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo can be found here. The program is packed full of information for growers looking to keep the momentum going after this season’s crop finished on a positive note, despite the freeze earlier this year.
One reason for optimism – and for citrus production and quality improving – has been the use of trunk injection of oxytetracycline (OTC) to reduce HLB bacteria in trees. Lead OTC researcher Ute Albrecht, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor, will participate in a panel discussion with citrus growers Larry Black and Jim Snively. The growers will discuss what they’ve learned about optimizing OTC applications and how the treatment is performing in their groves.
Another source of industry optimism has been the strong presence of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation program, which has aided growers in planting a significant amount of trees. Tamara Wood, CRAFT interim executive director, will give an update on what’s new with the program as new funding becomes available to incentivize planting and existing grove therapies.
A panel discussion will feature new varieties and what growers are choosing for their groves. AgNet Media’s Frank Giles will lead the discussion with John Chater, an assistant professor with UF/IFAS, and Matt Mattia, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
The citrus seminars will provide much more information from a variety of expert speakers. Applications have been submitted for continuing education units and Certified Crop Adviser credits for the citrus sessions.
The event’s trade show will provide grower attendees a chance to see the latest in products and services they need to produce a crop. It will also give them a chance to network with peers.
All preregistered growers will be automatically entered for a chance to win a John Deere gun safe, courtesy of Everglades Equipment Group. Is your company interested in exhibiting? Please visit the exhibitor registration page for information about getting in front of the Southeast’s largest growers!
The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is scheduled for Aug. 12-13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and adjoining Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers.
Complete details for the specialty crop seminars are coming soon. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Fort Myers.