Organic acids compared to conventional acidification for improved nutrient uptake and root physiology

Organic acids compared to conventional acidification for improved nutrient uptake and root physiology

Report Date: 07/15/2022
Project: 20-004   Year: 2022
Category: Horticultural & Management
Author: Davie Kadyampakeni
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: Objective 1: Determine effects of lowered soil pH on CLas populations and root physiology including internal root apoplast and vascular tissue pH. Due to a collapse in our inoculum trees, we are re-inoculating trees for these experiments and will start the greenhouse portion of the study at the end of July 2022 because some trees did not turn out positive for CLas in April 2022. All protocols are developed and pretesting for the study is finalized. Objective 2: Field test multiple acidification materials including organic acids for tree response CLas suppression, nutrient uptake, and root and vascular pH changes. In this quarter, we collected soil and leaf tissue samples which show sufficiency in all treatments. We are now evaluating root density, and PCR of selected trees. We also applied all acids and elemental S in the appropriate treatments and are monitoring canopy changes and soil trends as described in the project deliverables, Fruit harvest and fruit quality evaluations were completed in April 2022.  2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: We will apply acids and elemental S in the next quarter. The greenhouse study on effects of pH on root physiology and CLas populations will also be conducted and completed in the next quarter.  3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): The budget is on track and meeting the project milestones. 


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