Citrus breeders have increased the volume of varieties in development over the years in the search for HLB-resistant lines. This work has yielded results, but also more selections for growers to evaluate.
For the past several years, John Chater, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor of horticultural sciences, has been charged with acting as a conduit between citrus breeders and growers seeking information on new varieties and rootstocks to plant.
Chater has worked with growers to evaluate new varieties planted in the real world. This has given him unique insights on where new varieties might fit best in various situations. During the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, AgNet Media Editor-in-Chief Frank Giles will join Chater for a conversation about what he is seeing with new varieties and rootstocks and his work with growers.
Matt Mattia, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research geneticist, will also be part of the panel discussion to provide insights on new varieties and rootstocks under development at USDA. The conversation with Chater and Mattia will provide valuable information for both processed and fresh fruit growers.
Beyond the educational sessions, the Expo’s trade show floor offers an opportunity to engage directly with companies serving the agricultural industry. Exhibitors will showcase innovations in crop protection, plant nutrition, irrigation, equipment, technology, financial services and other solutions designed to help growers operate more efficiently and effectively.
Networking remains one of the event’s greatest strengths. Throughout the two-day Expo, growers can exchange ideas with their peers, connect with researchers and consultants, and develop relationships that often continue long after the event concludes.
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.
Registration is complimentary for commercial growers, commercial grove/farm owners and managers, certified crop advisers, grower association executives, government, legislative and universities.
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!
Complete details about the seminar sessions are coming soon. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Fort Myers.