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.
– Individual tree assessment for health and vigor was conducted in June.
– Individual tree leaf samples for PCR analysis was collected and sent to the Southern Gardens Diagnostic Laboratory in June to determine Liberibacter levels.
– PCR leaf data has been received from the HLB testing lab.
– Data analysis has been initiated for the 2025 season to date.
– Summer foliar applications has been made according to the trial protocol.
2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:
– Data analysis and interim report writing will continue.
– The next project milestones will be in October when leaf samples for PCR leaf analysis will be collected, individual tree vigor evaluated, and the fall foliar and soil treatment applications will be conducted according to the trial protocol.
3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):
Quarterly budget of $20,875.00 according to funding schedule.