Florida Citrus Mutual and the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation held joint board and field meetings in Fort Pierce on Oct. 15. Nearly 70 citrus growers, researchers and industry leaders came together to explore the latest research, emerging technologies and opportunities to strengthen Florida’s citrus industry.
The day began at Picos Farm, an experimental research site at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service. Growers toured Donaldson tree plantings with USDA research geneticist Matt Mattia and rootstock and lemon trials with USDA research geneticist Kim Bowman. Participants received updates on the performance, health and productivity of these varieties and rootstocks, along with insights into their potential role in the future of Florida citrus production.
Following the field tour, Mutual held its board of directors meeting and a series of research presentations. Mattia discussed the Great American Sweet Orange Trial, while additional presentations highlighted progress on the Grove First project, the latest trial data on SuperSour rootstocks and other ongoing research initiatives…