1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:
Specific objectives are:
1) To determine the right timing for Zn and K treatments to minimize fruit drop.
Analysis of auxin content in Hamlin is almost finished.We see IAA increase around late October following Zn and Zn+K treatment that stays high well into December with these treatments. This supports our hypothesis that maintaining high auxins at the end of maturation will result in better fruit retention, and that this can achieved with Zn treatment.
We have been performing gene expression analysis in these samples (genes related to auxin synthesis and signaling (ARF and BIG), as well as ethylene synthesis and signalling (ACO and EIN2), and interestingly we see overexpression of ARF and downreulation of ACO and EIN2 with the zink treatment, wichadds some more evidence to the hypothesis of a direct link between Zn, auxin and fruit retention, by not only increasing IAA levels but also inhibiting ethylene action. This is an exciting result that will require some more experiments in the future.
2) To determine effects of GA3 and 2,4D applications on fruit retention when applied at different times during fruit development.
The new set of treatments finished and data is being analyzed, we expect to have all data collected and analyzed by July.
3) To develop a strong and proactive outreach program.
-SWFREC Citrus Field Day, April 10.
2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:
We asked and got a non cost extension so we can finish the treatments and analysis in Valencia in the next quarter. We harvested Valencia by March/April and we will have the analysis finalized by July. At least one paper will result from this study.
Results will be presented by a Ms student at FSHS annual meeting
3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):
Budget continues on track