The Importance of Soil Sampling
Agronomist Oscar Ruiz with Waypoint Analytical, one of the key presenters at a recent soil testing seminar in Sebring, discusses the importance and basics of soil sampling.
Use of the Cover Crop Weed Index to Evaluate Weed Suppression by Cover Crops in Organic Citrus Orchards
Citrus is one of the most important crops in Florida. During the past decade, increased international competition and urban development, diseases, and more stringent environmental regulations have greatly affected the citrus industry. Citrus growers transitioning to organic production may benefit from premium prices, but they also face many challenges, including development of effective weed management strategies. Cover crops (CC) may constitute an environmentally sound alternative for improved weed management in organic systems. Two field experiments were conducted at Citra in north central Florida from 2002 to 2005, to evaluate the effectiveness of annual and perennial CC to suppress weeds in organic citrus groves. To quantify and compare the effectiveness of CC to suppress weed growth, a new weed suppression assessment tool, the cover crop/weed index (CCWI), was developed using the ratio of biomass accumulation of CC and weeds.
Import tariffs expected to have limited impact on citrus shipments from the southern hemisphere
California’s mandarin supply is gradually winding down and harvest will likely wrap up in the last week of May or the first week of June. “This is in line with what we expected or perhaps a bit earlier,” says Miles Fraser-Jones with Sierra Produce. There is already less fruit available in the market as some California grower-shippers are holding back fruit in order to be able to continue supplying their retail programs into June. “As a result, we are noticing an improvement on the market conditions, which is positive for southern hemisphere citrus,” Fraser-Jones said.
Good volume but smaller sizing on California organic citrus
Organic citrus supply is strong right now. “We’re at the heart of the season for the next 90 days–we’re going on all cylinders on all categories,” says Craig Morris, citrus category director for Homegrown Organic Farms. Those citrus categories include Blood oranges, Cara Caras, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, Navel oranges, and Pomelos. Next month, it will start with Minneolas and Gold Nuggets as well. “From a volume perspective, we’re probably down about 10 percent this year overall and that’s primarily because our size structure is down about ½ to a full size on most commodities. So there are overall boxes lost because of that,” says Morris, adding that this is because it’s been a relatively dry season so far. “Normally, we have a better range of sizes and we’re hoping to make up some ground because we’re a long way from being done.”
Challenges and opportunities in the post-harvest sector for 2025
The post-harvest sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by growing challenges and opportunities for innovation. In 2025, key market players—producers, exporters, and marketers—face pressing issues such as rising energy costs, process optimization, and compliance with increasingly stringent quality standards. In this context, Maf Roda firmly believes that automation and artificial intelligence will be essential drivers to meet these demands.
Re-evaluating citrus properties and benefits
Regular intake of carotenoids in the diet has been associated with the key health benefits of reducing the risk of developing degenerative diseases, cardiovascular issues, and obesity. By informing consumers of these health benefits, as well as recent findings of the carotenoid composition of red (lycopene) oranges, the work of this research team is helping to address the unfortunate decline in citrus consumption.
Eriophyoids – Not all mites are equal
Eriophyoid mites (erios for short) are the smallest of all mites, with adults around 0.5 mm long. Their small size makes it difficult to spot them in the field, even with a good hand lens. They are sporadic pests that cause serious damage during outbreaks. Usually, erios are found because of the symptoms they cause – bud deformation, rusting or galling, depending on the species. Some erio species live on plants without causing symptoms at all.
ClemenGold International shares its citrus
Around 1,000 tonnes of citrus is to be distributed to disadvantaged communities this year Leading South African citrus company ClemenGold International has said that it is teaming up with a relief organisation to deliver some 1,000 tonnes of citrus to help alleviate the plight of people in some of the country’s poorer communities. “Caring for the communities surrounding our partner farms and packhouses has been a value upon which we’ve acted since the establishment of our business,” explained Adéle Ackermann, marketing manager for ClemenGold International.
“Fruit is our business and donating Vitamin C-rich citrus is a logical way of contributing towards helping communities to thrive.” The company has announced a partnership with SA Harvest, a registered non-profit and leading food rescue and hunger relief organisation, whereby 1,000 tonnes of citrus will be donated during the 2023 season.