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.
– Research trial plot maintenance continues on a monthy basis.
– Individual tree leaf samples for PCR analysis was collected and sent to the Southern Gardens Diagnostic Laboratory in October to determine Liberibacter levels.
– PCR leaf data from the June sample date has been received from the HLB testing lab.
– Data analysis continues for the 2025 season to date.
– Fall applications have been made in October according to the trial protocol.
2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:
– Data analysis and interim report writing will continue.
– In December leaf samples for PCR Liberibacter titer analysis will be collected. Also in December individual tree vigor and canopy volume (tree height and width) will be determined
3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):
Quarterly budget of $20,875.00 according to funding schedule.