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Citrus Research and Development Foundation

In 2009, the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (CRDF) was formed to coordinate citrus research funding in the face of huanglongbing (HLB, also known as “citrus greening”). While it addresses the full array of citrus research needs, CRDF has focused on HLB because it represents an existential threat to the Florida citrus industry.

Notice to Growers

Hurricane Ian destroyed a rootstock trial that CRDF had planted just two weeks before the storm hit. More than half the trees were killed or mangled beyond an ability to be rehabilitated. However, approximately 1,700 – 1,900 trees, mostly Valencia on experimental rootstocks, survived and appear to be healthy. The trees are southeast of Avon Park in Highlands County.

CRDF wishes to salvage as much of the trial as possible. Consequently, if you have a piece of land that would allow a solid-set planting and are willing to pay for the labor required to pull, replant and care for the trees, it may be possible for CRDF to gift them to you. However, CRDF makes no warranties regarding survivability or performance.

If you wish to review the data on the rootstocks, see the trees, or discuss the possibility of taking possession of the trees, please contact CRDF’s Brandon Page or Rick Dantzler at 863/956-8817.