Evaluation of Potential HLB Tolerant Grapefruit Rootstock/Scion Combinations in Florida

Evaluation of Potential HLB Tolerant Grapefruit Rootstock/Scion Combinations in Florida

Report Date: 08/15/2023
Project: 23-003   Year: 2023
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Mark Ritenour
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:  The overall goal is to discover which of the seven (7) grapefruit scion and six (6) rootstock combinations planted in 41 blocks perform well under the endemic HLB disease pressure in Florida. The objectives are to 1) measure tree growth (using drone technology) and ratings of canopy thickness, yellowing, and HLB disease symptom severity, and 2) estimate fruit drop and tree yields as they come into production through preharvest fruit counts and measurement of fruit weight, size distribution and fruit quality from representative fruit samples.   Work done: Per the project timeline, we have been preparing for September and October grove visits and tree and fruit measurements. We have also developed a contract with Aerobotics to collect drone measurements on all experimental blocks in September and October of this year.     2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: Next quarter will be extremely busy conducting tree measurements (via drone), taking tree measuremnts and, for trees with fruit production, record fruit numbers on sample trees (not including buffer trees) and raking underneath the trees to later measure fruit drop.    3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):  Currently underspending because no field work yet underway this quarter. Heavy use of personelle (and expenses) begin in September (next quarter) and wil continue throughout the winter. In addition, expense for drone measurements have not yet been incurred.    


Your browser does not support pdfs, click here to download the file.