Nematicide treatments for the final spring season were applied. Sting nematode populations were monitored monthly in row middle treatments of cover crop or native vegetation. Results to date were reported at the Florida Citrus Show in May and in the June issue of Citrus Industry. The primary information conveyed to both outlets is that 1) during two years, perennial peanut reduced the number of sting nematodes in row middles by more than 90%, which may be beneficial as the trees grow and root systems expand, 2) to the extent that the different nematicides reduced sting nematode numbers, the trees responded with increased vegetative (fibrous roots and trunks) growth, 3) during the first two years of production, tree growth rate was inversely related to number of fruit, 4) preliminary observation of tree growth in groves heavily damaged by sting nematode indicates that tolerance of sting nematode herbivory is likely conferred by blocking HLB occurrance via use of individual protective covers.
Our project is examining phloem gene expression changes in response to CLas infection in HLB-susceptible sweet orange and HLB-resistant Poncirus and Carrizo (a sweet orange – Poncirus cross). We are using a recently developed methodology for woody crops that allows gene expression profiling of phloem tissues. The method leverages a translating ribosome affinity purification strategy (called TRAP) to isolate and characterize translating mRNAs from phloem specific tissues. Our approach is unlike other gene expression profiling methods in that it only samples gene transcripts that are actively being transcribed into proteins and is thus a better representation of active cellular processes than total cellular mRNA. Sweet orange, and HLB-resistant Poncirus and Carrizo (sweet orange x Poncirus) will be transformed to express the tagged ribosomal proteins under the control of characterized phloem-specific promoters; tagged ribosomal proteins under control of the nearly ubiquitous CaMV 35S promoter will be used as a control. Transgenic plants will be exposed to CLas+ or CLas- ACP and leaves sampled 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks later. Ribosome-associated mRNA will be sequenced and analyzed to identify differentially regulated genes at each time point and between each citrus cultivar. Comparisons of susceptible and resistant phloem cell responses to CLas will identify those genes that are differentially regulated during these host responses. Identified genes will represent unique phloem specific targets for CRISPR knockout or overexpression, permitting the generation of HLB-resistant variants of major citrus cultivars.During the 2nd quarter of the third year of our grant, the Stover lab has completed production of the transgenics needed for this project. Many lines have been sent to the Rogers lab and the last few are growing well in the greenhouse and will be large enough to sent soon. The Rogers lab has continued small-scale no-choice psyllid inoculation experiments. ARS facilities are still at a maximum of 25% occupancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic; we are teleworking the remaining time. This continues to slow down progress on grant milestones. We are very much hoping to be allowed to move to the next phases of reopening soon, which will allow for much more rapid progress. In addition, the grant-funded post-doc, Dr. Tamara Collum has accepted a permanent position; her last day will be July 2, 2021. We wish her well and are glad she isn’t going far and will be available to answer questions while we hire another post-doc to continue most of the day-to-day work of this project.
In the last quarter, CLas inoculations of experimental trees occured and 2 and 7 week samples have been taken for RNAseq and metabolomics by the postdoc in Dr. Johnson’s and Dr. Wang’s labs respectively. Soil samples were also collected from around the sampled roots for metabolomic analysis of root leachate. These samples are currently being stored at -80 degrees celsius. The second sampling was taken at 7 weeks instead of 6 weeks to allow enough root growth for sampling as a root flush was actively occuring. Biweekly samples have been taken to assess CLas infection of the roots. Once positive trees are confirmed metabolomic and RNAseq analysis of the appropriate collected samples will begin.
HLB is known to make citrus roots more susceptible to Phytophthora root rot. It also reduces the efficacy of chemical management of Phytophthora root rot, creating a difficult management scenario. Current Phytophthora management recommendations are based on pre-HLB work done in the 1980s. These three conditions raise the question of whether yield improvement from Phytophthora management is enough to pay for the management costs themselves. The goal of this project is to develop new soil propagule density managment thresholds and recommendations for chemical management of Phytophthora root rot based on ecomonic analysis of yield responses in different soil conditions. Yield was collected on the Valencia plots in the last quarter. Irrigations systems for chemigation treatments has been installed and the spring treatment has been put out. In all but one treatment the first treatment of the year is phosphite. We have begun HLB inoculations of Phytophthora postive rootstocks for a greenhouse experiment to determine if the newly labeled chemistries have the same limitation on HLB-affected plants as fosetyl-Al and mefanoxam have shown. Many of the new chemistries are directly effective against Phytophthora in the soil rather than acting after uptake by the roots, so this is likely to reduce the limitations of Phytophthora management in HLB-affected groves and test the hypothesis.
Objective 1. To illustrate whether application of bactericides via trunk injection could efficiently manage citrus HLB and how bactericides via trunk injection affects Las and HLB diseased trees. 1.1. Determination of the in planta minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of bactericides against LasThis has been completed for both streptomycin and oxytetracycline against Las. A manuscript entitled: “Residue dynamics of streptomycin in citrus delivered by foliar spray and trunk injection and effect on Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus titer” was accepted for publication by Phytopathology.1.2. Effect of bactericides via trunk injection on citrus HLB disease progression, tree health, yield and fruit quality in different aged trees with a different disease severityThe field experiments were performed at four different groves on different aged trees with a different disease severity. They are one located in Avon Park, FL, 3-year old Valencia trees; one in Bartow, FL, 2-year old W. Murrcot trees; and one in Auburndale, FL, 7-year old Hamlin trees (planted in 02/2012). The last one is in CREC-, Lake Alfred, FL, 20-year old Hamlin trees. The HLB disease severity and tree size (canopy volume and trunk diameter) in the four groves were estimated immediately prior to treatment application. For the field tests, the experiment design is a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for 9 treatments, including 6 injection treatments (3 different doses for OTC or STR), 2 spray treatments (OTC or STR spraying), and one No treatment as a negative control. Each injection treatment consisted of 9 or 15 trees divided into 3 blocks of 3 or 5 trees each. Each spray treatment consisted of 30 trees divided into 3 blocks of 10 trees each. For all the four field trials, the injection treatment applications were completed by the end of April 2019. The 1st application of spray treatments were completed during spring flushing in February or March 2019, the 2nd applications were conducted in late June to early July 2019, and the 3rd applications were conducted in early to middle October 2019. Leaf samples have been collected from the treated trees at the following time points: 0 (pre- injection), 7, 14, 28 days, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months after treatment (MPT). The estimation of Las titers in these leaf samples are ongoing with qPCR assays. The first estimation of HLB disease severity and growth performance (height, trunk diameter, and canopy volume) of immature trees after treatment were performed in May 2019 (three months after the injection) and continued in a 3-months interval. Fruit yield and quality data were collected for the Bartow trial (W. Murrcot), Auburndale trial (Hamlin), and CREC trial (Hamlin) in January 2021. We investigated the effect of10 adjuvants on oxytetracycline absorption via foliar spray. Four adjuvants including Flame slightly increased the antimicrobial effect of OTC on Las.Objective 2. To examine the dynamics and residues of bactericide injected into citrus and systemic movement within the vascular system of trees and characterize the degradation metabolites of bactericides in citrus. Leaf and root samples have been collected from OTC or STR treated trees in the Avon Park grove at the following time points:0 (pre- injection), 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 days, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months after injection. The samples have been processed for OTC or STR extraction, and the concentrations of OTC and STR in these samples were determined by HPLC assays. Fruit samples were collected for the Bartow trial (W. Murrcot), Auburndale trial (Hamlin), and CREC trial (Hamlin) during harvest in January 2020, and for the Avon Park trial (Valencia) in April 2020. The samples were processed for OTC or STR extraction, and the concentrations of OTC and STR in these samples were determined by HPLC assays. We have collected data for 60 and 360 days post treatment. We have analyzed the residues of OTC and STR for fruit samples harvested in January 2021. Objective 3. To determine whether trunk injection of bactericides could decrease Las acquisition by Asian citrus psyllids (ACP)Twenty 1.5-year old citrus (Valencia sweet orange) plants were graft-inoculated by Las carrying buds in February 2020. These plants are being tested for Las infection and 4 plants were confirmed with Las infection (Ct values are between 34.0 and 35.0) at 4 months after grafting. They will be subjected to OTC or STR treatment by trunk injection and ACP acquisition access for 7 to 14 days. We have determined the time points to test OTC and STR treatment on ACP acquisition of Las. Objective 4. To monitor resistance development in Las against bactericides and evaluate potential side effects of trunk injection of bactericides Monitoring resistance development in Las against bactericides. Leaf samples for this test have been collected from 5 trees injected with OTC and 5 trees injected with STR at the highest doses in each of the three groves at 6 and 9 months after the injection, respectively. PCR-sequencing analysis on Las 16SrRNA gene showed there was no mutation compared with the reported sequence. We are further confirming the results. Evaluation of potential side effects of trunk injection of bactericides have been completed. We have collected another set of samples to monitor Las resistance against OTC and STR. The samples were sent out for sequencing to monitor the mutations of OTC and STR resistance related genes.
1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:1. To determine how many leaf nutrient sampling per year are required to effectively capture the tree nutritional statusand adjust fertilizer accordingly.2. To establish the relationship of leaf nutrient concentration with yield, fruit drop, and canopy density3. To determine how the leaf nutrient (all 14 nutrient) levels change in the tree throughout the year.4. To evaluate how the leaf age affects the leaf nutrient status.The project started this quarter. The main goal for this quarter was to identify sites, mark trees, and collect baseline data.We surveyed 10+ sites to finalize the 4 sites for this trial, two sites are on Ridge and 2 are in southwest.. Ine ach site morethan 100 trees were manually screed for canopy density and disease index rating to identify trees as Mild and Severe. Thefinal data trees were tagged and tree health data such as canopy volume, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll, leaf size andweight, root density been collected. Leaf samples for starch quantification and leaf, root and soil for nutrient analysis hasbeen collected are being processed. The spring flush has been tagged on the trees. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:1. Data analysis and interpretation2. Processing samples for starch3. Tagging summer flush4. Collecting samples for nutrient analysis5. Applying fertilizer treatments based on leaf results 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): Currently, the project is still in the set up phase.The budget is spent as per the plan where major funds have been used for nutrient anlaysis. We have found dedicatedpersonnels to work on this project starting this quarter.
1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:1. To determine how many leaf nutrient sampling per year are required to effectively capture the tree nutritional statusand adjust fertilizer accordingly.2. To establish the relationship of leaf nutrient concentration with yield, fruit drop, and canopy density3. To determine how the leaf nutrient (all 14 nutrient) levels change in the tree throughout the year.4. To evaluate how the leaf age affects the leaf nutrient status.The project started this quarter. The main goal for this quarter was to identify sites, mark trees, and collect baseline data.We surveyed 10+ sites to finalize the 4 sites for this trial, two sites are on Ridge and 2 are in southwest.. Ine ach site morethan 100 trees were manually screed for canopy density and disease index rating to identify trees as Mild and Severe. Thefinal data trees were tagged and tree health data such as canopy volume, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll, leaf size andweight, root density been collected. Leaf samples for starch quantification and leaf, root and soil for nutrient analysis hasbeen collected are being processed. The spring flush has been tagged on the trees. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:1. Data analysis and interpretation2. Processing samples for starch3. Tagging summer flush4. Collecting samples for nutrient analysis5. Applying fertilizer treatments based on leaf results 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): Currently, the project is still in the set up phase.The budget is spent as per the plan where major funds have been used for nutrient anlaysis. We have found dedicatedpersonnels to work on this project starting this quarter.
Objective 1 – Determine the effect of the ratio and concentration of Fe2+ + organic acid on hydroxyl radical production and stability. Objective complete. Objective 2 – Determine the phytotoxic levels of Fe2+ + organic acid solutions on citrus. Objective complete. Objective 3 – Determine the effect of Fe2+ + organic acid solutions on HLB titer using a rapid greenhouse, HLB-infected citron, rooted shoot bud assay. Continuing work to develop a rapid greenhouse screening system. Current systems are not yet ready for screening methods to cure or manage HLB. No CRDF funds being used for this research. Objective 4 – Requires screening system – see objective 3 discussion.Objective 5 – Requires screening system – see objective 3 discussion. Objectives 6 and 8 (Note: there is no 7) – These are the field tests for the various ferrous iron (Fe2+) and citric acid treatments on HLB status and horticultural measures for both mature (HLB symptomatic) and nonbearing (non-symptomatic) trees. Throughout this quarter (Jan 1 – Mar 31) as well as the project timeline, conventional pesticide spray applications for non-bearing grapefruit trees were applied to all the treatments in the trial and were based on scouting and were in accordance with IFAS guidelines. Similarly, irrigation events were made based on tree and field conditions as determined by soil feel and appearance, tensiometer readings, water table observation well measurements and visual assessment of tree canopy. Fertilizer applications were made via fertigation and were `spoon fed’ with frequent small applications bi-weekly. No dry fertilizer was used. All 7 experimental treatments were applied to the trial block as per the protocol. There was one cold front that impacted the trial location in Indian River County on 02/04/2021 with a low temperature documented at 35.97 . F. Only very minor leaf drop occurred 5 days after the cold weather. Rainfall over this quarter was 5.79 in. with on 0.33 in. recorded in March 2021 requiring frequent irrigation events. Visual assessments of tree condition were made on 01/14/21 using a numerical rating of 1-4 for each tree quadrant and were averaged for each tree. Other field measurements included fruit counts (01/28/2021) and trunk caliper measurements (03/31/2021). Leaf sampling for PCR analysis was performed on 01/27/2021. As in prior quarters, a ground application of herbicide was made, and plant material was removed in preparation for a 03/06/2021 UAV flight to collect aerial imagery for canopy area determinations. Aerial images were taken with a UAV equipped with a 20 MP digital camera on 3/6/2021. A set of overlapping images were taken at two altitudes – 75 and 150 feet. Images taken at 75 feet are for photo-documentation (0.27 inch/pixel) of the experiment and will be made available at the completion of the project. Images taken at 150 feet (0.53 inch/pixel) were processed by segmenting the image into trees and background using machine learning image analysis. Once the trees were segmented (identified and separated from the background), various measures were made/calculated including canopy area, density, perimeter, convex hull area and perimeter, and minimum and maximum caliper diameters. These measures, as well as the ground measures, will be correlated (statistical analysis) with the iron treatments to determine their effects.
Objective 1 – Determine the effect of the ratio and concentration of Fe2+ + organic acid on hydroxyl radical production and stability. Objective complete. Objective 2 – Determine the phytotoxic levels of Fe2+ + organic acid solutions on citrus. Objective complete. Objective 3 – Determine the effect of Fe2+ + organic acid solutions on HLB titer using a rapid greenhouse, HLB-infected citron, rooted shoot bud assay. Continuing work to develop a rapid greenhouse screening system. Current systems are not yet ready for screening methods to cure or manage HLB. No CRDF funds being used for this research. Objective 4 – Requires screening system – see objective 3 discussion.Objective 5 – Requires screening system – see objective 3 discussion. Objectives 6 and 8 (Note: there is no 7) – These are the field tests for the various ferrous iron (Fe2+) and citric acid treatments on HLB status and horticultural measures for both mature (HLB symptomatic) and nonbearing (non-symptomatic) trees. Throughout this quarter (Jan 1 – Mar 31) as well as the project timeline, conventional pesticide spray applications for non-bearing grapefruit trees were applied to all the treatments in the trial and were based on scouting and were in accordance with IFAS guidelines. Similarly, irrigation events were made based on tree and field conditions as determined by soil feel and appearance, tensiometer readings, water table observation well measurements and visual assessment of tree canopy. Fertilizer applications were made via fertigation and were `spoon fed’ with frequent small applications bi-weekly. No dry fertilizer was used. All 7 experimental treatments were applied to the trial block as per the protocol. There was one cold front that impacted the trial location in Indian River County on 02/04/2021 with a low temperature documented at 35.97 . F. Only very minor leaf drop occurred 5 days after the cold weather. Rainfall over this quarter was 5.79 in. with on 0.33 in. recorded in March 2021 requiring frequent irrigation events. Visual assessments of tree condition were made on 01/14/21 using a numerical rating of 1-4 for each tree quadrant and were averaged for each tree. Other field measurements included fruit counts (01/28/2021) and trunk caliper measurements (03/31/2021). Leaf sampling for PCR analysis was performed on 01/27/2021. As in prior quarters, a ground application of herbicide was made, and plant material was removed in preparation for a 03/06/2021 UAV flight to collect aerial imagery for canopy area determinations. Aerial images were taken with a UAV equipped with a 20 MP digital camera on 3/6/2021. A set of overlapping images were taken at two altitudes – 75 and 150 feet. Images taken at 75 feet are for photo-documentation (0.27 inch/pixel) of the experiment and will be made available at the completion of the project. Images taken at 150 feet (0.53 inch/pixel) were processed by segmenting the image into trees and background using machine learning image analysis. Once the trees were segmented (identified and separated from the background), various measures were made/calculated including canopy area, density, perimeter, convex hull area and perimeter, and minimum and maximum caliper diameters. These measures, as well as the ground measures, will be correlated (statistical analysis) with the iron treatments to determine their effects.
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.We are preparing plant material for CLas inoculation to initiate these experiments Objective 2: Field test multiple acidification materials including organic acids for tree response CLas suppression, nutrient uptake, and root and vascular pH changes We have identified multiple candidate field sites and are currently working on assessing soil characteristics to make sure they fit within the desired starting conditions, especially pH, for the trial. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: In the next quarter we anticipate inoculating greenhouse trees with CLas for objective 1. In the next quarter we anticipate finalizing field site selection, layout of plots, preliminary plot data collection, and initiation of treatments for objective 2 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): The budget is in underspend because we need final field site selection before determining the injection equipment and amount of chemical for application based on row length.
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.We are preparing plant material for CLas inoculation to initiate these experiments Objective 2: Field test multiple acidification materials including organic acids for tree response CLas suppression, nutrient uptake, and root and vascular pH changes We have identified multiple candidate field sites and are currently working on assessing soil characteristics to make sure they fit within the desired starting conditions, especially pH, for the trial. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: In the next quarter we anticipate inoculating greenhouse trees with CLas for objective 1. In the next quarter we anticipate finalizing field site selection, layout of plots, preliminary plot data collection, and initiation of treatments for objective 2 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): The budget is in underspend because we need final field site selection before determining the injection equipment and amount of chemical for application based on row length.
The purpose of this project is to assess nitrogen (N) fertilization rates for high-density plantings of different scion and rootstock combinations in four commercial citrus growers. The overall approach is to 1) determine the appropriate N rates needed to support tree growth and productivity, 2) compare data obtained with existing UF/IFAS N recommendations, and 3) revise best management practices (BMPs) for N application in young trees planted in high-density plantings affected by Huanglongbing (HLB).
The PhD student and Research Assistant for the project were hired with a short delay due to covid-19, but already started working on the project.
We contacted the grower collaborators participating: IMG Citrus (Brian Randolph), Peace River Citrus (Larry Black Jr.), Agromillora Florida/ Lost Lake Groves (Clay Pedersen), Graves Brothers (David Howard), and scheduled/performed site visits to all locations. The planting densities and variety/scion combinations were chosen, maps generated, experimental units identified with permanent signs, and the current information regarding N fertilization requested to proceed with the treatment applications. We anticiapate ordering the fertilizer by the end of this month to proceed with the May/June fertilization as scheduled. The first tree size data collection will happen in the next quarter. We contacted AgerPoint to potentially collect tree size data using Lidar sensors but cost was prohibitive. The project is on schedule.
The purpose of this project is to assess nitrogen (N) fertilization rates for high-density plantings of different scion and rootstock combinations in four commercial citrus growers. The overall approach is to 1) determine the appropriate N rates needed to support tree growth and productivity, 2) compare data obtained with existing UF/IFAS N recommendations, and 3) revise best management practices (BMPs) for N application in young trees planted in high-density plantings affected by Huanglongbing (HLB).
The PhD student and Research Assistant for the project were hired with a short delay due to covid-19, but already started working on the project.
We contacted the grower collaborators participating: IMG Citrus (Brian Randolph), Peace River Citrus (Larry Black Jr.), Agromillora Florida/ Lost Lake Groves (Clay Pedersen), Graves Brothers (David Howard), and scheduled/performed site visits to all locations. The planting densities and variety/scion combinations were chosen, maps generated, experimental units identified with permanent signs, and the current information regarding N fertilization requested to proceed with the treatment applications. We anticiapate ordering the fertilizer by the end of this month to proceed with the May/June fertilization as scheduled. The first tree size data collection will happen in the next quarter. We contacted AgerPoint to potentially collect tree size data using Lidar sensors but cost was prohibitive. The project is on schedule.
The contract executed between CRAFT and CRDF was effective March 18, 2021, however work began on Cycle II projects beginning in July 2020 and deliverables executed during that period will be reported herein. CRAFT PARTICIPATION APPLICATION PROCESS: The CRAFT Technical Working Group, USDA/ARS and CRAFT staff were all involved with preparing the CRAFT application content for the Cycle II online application experience. The application period was open to Florida citrus growers from July 20-September 4, 2020. CRAFT received 86 applications representing 4,411 acres, including 3,014 acres for solid set plantings and 1,397 acres for reset plantings. The geographic distribution represented 11 counties and all citrus-producing regions in Florida. PROJECT SELECTION & DEVELOPMENT:After review of all projects submitted, it was determined by the Technical Working Group based on fulfillment of minimum requirements and scientific merit that 63 of the projects would be recommended for further development of experimental designs while the remaining 23 would be placed on a waitlist for future consideration dependent on funding availability. Based upon the projects presented, grower participants were organized within subgroups of similar projects (for purposes of replication) and assigned a group leader to help develop the project design. The groups are as follows:1. Rootstock/Scion2. Soil/Tree Fertility3. Pest Management4. Biostimulants5. ResetsAll of the applications approved for grower contract finalization during the reporting period are available upon request. Pre-audits of each project are used to confirm the planting of trees and compliance with contract to date. The project designs for each contract are also available upon request. As of March 31, 2020, 50 applications representing 2,062 acres have been approved by the CRAFT Board of Directors and are finalizing contracts and planting. Following completion of planting, growers are expected to report production data in real time or at least quarterly in to the USDA-CRAFT Data Portal. The data portal will include a separate entry point for data/ measurements from third party partners such as FDACS/DPI and Aerobotics. Data entered by participants and third parties for each project will be visible initially by the growers for their individual projects. Data with actual production inputs by growers is expected for the first five projects prior to the next quarterly report.In addition to execution of contracts and commencement of projects, CRAFT staff continued communications and outreach efforts including, articles in multiple industry and general publications; updating of the CRAFT website (craftfdn.org); public meetings of the Technical Working Group and Board of Directors; and more. A full list of communications efforts is available upon request.
The contract executed between CRAFT and CRDF was effective March 18, 2021, however work began on Cycle II projects beginning in July 2020 and deliverables executed during that period will be reported herein. CRAFT PARTICIPATION APPLICATION PROCESS: The CRAFT Technical Working Group, USDA/ARS and CRAFT staff were all involved with preparing the CRAFT application content for the Cycle II online application experience. The application period was open to Florida citrus growers from July 20-September 4, 2020. CRAFT received 86 applications representing 4,411 acres, including 3,014 acres for solid set plantings and 1,397 acres for reset plantings. The geographic distribution represented 11 counties and all citrus-producing regions in Florida. PROJECT SELECTION & DEVELOPMENT:After review of all projects submitted, it was determined by the Technical Working Group based on fulfillment of minimum requirements and scientific merit that 63 of the projects would be recommended for further development of experimental designs while the remaining 23 would be placed on a waitlist for future consideration dependent on funding availability. Based upon the projects presented, grower participants were organized within subgroups of similar projects (for purposes of replication) and assigned a group leader to help develop the project design. The groups are as follows:1. Rootstock/Scion2. Soil/Tree Fertility3. Pest Management4. Biostimulants5. ResetsAll of the applications approved for grower contract finalization during the reporting period are available upon request. Pre-audits of each project are used to confirm the planting of trees and compliance with contract to date. The project designs for each contract are also available upon request. As of March 31, 2020, 50 applications representing 2,062 acres have been approved by the CRAFT Board of Directors and are finalizing contracts and planting. Following completion of planting, growers are expected to report production data in real time or at least quarterly in to the USDA-CRAFT Data Portal. The data portal will include a separate entry point for data/ measurements from third party partners such as FDACS/DPI and Aerobotics. Data entered by participants and third parties for each project will be visible initially by the growers for their individual projects. Data with actual production inputs by growers is expected for the first five projects prior to the next quarterly report.In addition to execution of contracts and commencement of projects, CRAFT staff continued communications and outreach efforts including, articles in multiple industry and general publications; updating of the CRAFT website (craftfdn.org); public meetings of the Technical Working Group and Board of Directors; and more. A full list of communications efforts is available upon request.
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