Characterizing HLB-pH interaction to improve management of root function and tree health

Characterizing HLB-pH interaction to improve management of root function and tree health

Report Date: 06/11/2020
Project: 18-041C   Year: 2020
Category: Horticultural & Management
Author: Evan Johnson
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The objectives of this study are to identify optimal pH range for root function and minimize root turnover on HLB-affected rootstocks and how uneven pH levels in the root zone (e.g. irrigated vs. row middle portions of root system) affect the overall health of the tree.  This is being done in a split root system in the greenhouse where pH of different parts of the root system can be controlled an maintained. The following progress reported is based on a April 30th report date.  Modified pH irrigation and image collection and analysis continued through the COVID-19 research pause, but further sampling and testing was delayed as well as the setup of the second experiment.  This pause did allow for root tracing of a backlog of images that was created by the longer than expected time for CLas infection of the inoculated trees.  As research resumes we will initiate the second experiment and perform final sampling and breakdown of the first experiment.      


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