This project is a continuation of CRDF 447 to evaluate effects of Metalized Reflective Mulch (MRM) to protect newly planted trees from the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) with new emphasis to determine if grapefruit trees planted into beds covered with Metalized Reflective Mulch (MRM) come into viable crop production at a younger age than in conventional plantings. Throughout this quarter ACP populations were monitored weekly and two Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flights were made using cameras equipped for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to determine the tree condition for each treatment. Conventional pesticide spray applications were applied based on scouting and according to IFAS guidelines. Similarly, irrigation events were made based tree and field conditions. Representative fruit samples, 20 from each treatment, were measured for fruit weight, fruit color, juice content and juice weight and juice analysis was determined for Brix, Acid, TSS/TA Ratio, and pounds solids. The MRM fruit were significantly higher in juice volume, juice weight, and fruit weight while the bare ground juice exhibited a higher TSS/TS ratio (at P value < 0.05 based on Duncan's multiple range test). Eighty clusters of four trees were randomly selected for each treatment and each tree was individually picked and run through a portable optical fruit sizing machine. Data collected from each tree included the total number of fruit and the weight and diameter of each individual fruit harvested. The diameter data were used to develop a fruit size distribution curve for each tree. The size distribution curve was used to calculate yield as boxes per tree based on state size standard for fresh grapefruit. The data afford by this method was statistically robust in that it encompassed 240 individually sampled trees yielding 195 boxes of grapefruit with the MRM treatment yielding 101% more boxes that the bare ground treatment. The trees receiving the compost treatment had a 38% increase in yield versus bare ground. Similarly the MRM treatment trees produced larger fruit than either compost or bare ground treatments. Leaf Analyses were performed for each of the three treatments all treatments were within optimum IFAS standards except that the bare ground treatment trees were slightly low in calcium. Based on these leaf nutrient concentrations and the above described crop yields, the fertility program, via fertigation, was deemed to be adequate for all three treatments. The MRM treatment continues to offer lower ACP counts for all life stages (eggs, nymphs and adults) based on weekly scouting. A detailed spreadsheet has been created to track all the caretaking expenses for the trial block including all spray foliar spray applications, herbicide treatments, fertilizer applications, soil drenches as well as the associated materials. These caretaking events are entered as they are accomplished and are combined to yield the total production cost for each treatment. Presentations of research results will be made to citrus growers and other scientists at the Florida Citrus Show on January 26, 2017