1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: Objective 1. Assessing tree growth and absence of psyllids and HLB disease symptoms (including CLas bacteria titer) under protective covering (i.e., IPC). As in the last quarter, we have continued monitoring trunk diameter and canopy area as well as flushing and blooming dynamics in the new plots (700 trees planted last year). After IPC removal in the original plot in August 2020, we have been monitoring CLas infection of the uncovered trees in real time. We are now processing these samples for real time PCR CLas detection so we can document the rate of infection once IPCs are removed from trees. Objective 2. Assessment of alternative netting approaches involved in targeted, alternated or patterned setup of IPC in groves for more cost-effective protection. We have continued monitoring the new 700 trees mentioned in the Objective 1 planted last year that are arranged in an alternated pattern we are monitoring for CLas in trees adjacent to the IPC-covered trees. Also, we have continued working with several commercial collaborators who are also evaluating different netting layouts under the CRAFT program. Objective 3. Monitoring the transition from vegetative to reproductive stage in the covered trees as compared to the uncovered. We are continuing data collection on Bingo, Early Pride, and Tango trees. This is the second year in documenting blooming on these varieties. We have also documented different blooming rate in the trees from our first experiment that were uncovered last August. These trees are blooming more profusely than the always-uncovered trees. We are counting flowers and we will assess fruit set in the coming weeks. Objective 4. Comparing IPC with CUPS-like systems. We have performed for the second year deficit irrigation. As in last year, we have induced more bloom. We are also finishing regular quality analysis from fruit that matured this year. Outreach for this quarter: -Batuman, O. Individual and direct contact with CRAFT applicants to establish and evaluate IPC trials for psyllid and HLB control. -Gaire, S., Albrecht, U., Batuman, O., Qureshi, J., Zekri, M., Alferez, F. 2020. Horticultural performance of citrus trees grown under Individual Protective Covers (IPCs). Crop Protection, under review. -Individual Protective Covers’ by Alferez, F, Gaire, S., Albrecht, U., Batuman, O., Qureshi, J., Zekri, M., 2021-2022 Citrus Production Guide, EDIS. Under Review. -Gaire, S. Evaluation of individual protective covers for preventing vector transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and effects on growth and physiology of young citrus trees. Master’s Thesis Defense, March 11 2021, UF, Horticultural Sciences Dept. -Gaire, S. Evaluation of individual protective covers for preventing vector transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and effects on growth and physiology of young citrus trees. Oral Presentation at the Southern Fruit Workers 3 Minute Thesis Competition, ASHS, 2nd Prize winner. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: Objective 1.We will continue monitoring parameters described in the first section. Also we will continue monitoring HLB progression after IPC removal in the first experiment.and fruit yield and quality to compare fruit from IPC and non-IPC trees.Objective 2. We will continue collecting data on psyllid populations and HLB incidence in the different netting layouts.Objectives 3 and 4.We will start collecting data on on bloom and fruit set for this second season of deficit irrigation treatments. Outreach:-Alferez, F. Invited speaker at the Citrus Institute 2021. Virtual. April 6.Individual Protective Covers (IPCs) influence on tree performance, fruit production, pests, and diseases. 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): As mentioned in the last report, we are on track with activities and spending after the COVID pause. Budgeted amounts for salaries and student stipend and tuition are being spent as predicted.