Strigolactones types of growth regulator to combat HLB in Florida

Strigolactones types of growth regulator to combat HLB in Florida

Report Date: 05/05/2016
Project: 899   Year: 2016
Category: Horticultural & Management
Author: Ed Etxeberria
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

In January 2016, we continued with the planned treatments both in the greenhouse and field. We followed the proposed plan of work with the following experiments. I: Effect of drenching application of SL on HLB-infected trees. Soil in potted Valencia trees was drenched with SL at the predetermined concentration. Tree characteristics were noted and changes recorded on a bi-weekly basis. The second drenching treatment was applied in February as planned and data continued to be collected. II: Effect of spray application of SL on HLB-infected trees (Repeat experiment). This is a repeat of the experiments involving spraying SL on Valencia potted trees in the greenhouse. Tree characteristics were noted and changes recorded on a bi-weekly basis. Second spray treatment was applied in February and data on flowering, flushing and fruit set recorded biweekly. III: Effect of SL + Fungicides on Phytophthora growth in HLB-infected trees. This treatment has been postponed. IV: Effect of spray application of SL on other varieties of citrus in groves. ‘Midsweet’ was selected as a second variety to be tested for SL effect on tree health. Tree physical characteristics and fruit drop are being monitored throughout. Data on fruit drop was completed after application of spring treatment. V: Effect of spray application of SL + other promising compounds on citrus in groves. Additional natural organic such as organic acids, sugars, amino acids, and few other compounds were applied to trees. So far, diluted sucrose solutions have been effective in enhancing new flush in trees with advanced stages of HLB. Sucrose has been applied to trees in a monthly basis and some recovery has been observed. For all treatments, data is being collected on the appearance of new growth, flowering, fruit drop and vegetative growth in general.


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