1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:
The research objective is to determine if synthetic Plant Defense Inducers could provide additional benefits after a second year of applications for season long suppression of HLB following OTC injections or improve yield and quality of harvest in infected trees. These foliar applications could potentially protect trees during the months where OTC injections are not allowed and provide resistance management for OTC with a different mode of action. In addition to disease assessments, determination of citrus vigor, fruit drop, yield and fruit quality will be important to provide growers with tools for sustainable citrus production under Florida conditions.
– Citrus harvest from the 2024 field trials was conducted at both locations in March 2025.
– Tree canopy height and width was measured to determine if Plant Defense Inducers is having an effect on tree growth.
– Spring spray applications (foliar and drench) has been conducted according to the trial protocol.
2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:
– Individual tree assessment for vigor will be conducted in May
– Leaf samples will be collected for PCR analysis in May to determine Liberibacter titer levels.
– Summer spray applications will be conducted in June.
– Data analysis for an interim report will be conducted in June and July.
3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):
Quarterly budget of $20,875.00 according to funding schedule.