Fresh picks: The Month’s Classes

We’ve got something new for you! Each month, we’ll be sharing a rapid look at the classes and workshops happening at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. Think of it as your go-to guide for learning something new, meeting neighbors, and getting hands-on with fun, practical skills.

whether you’re curious about gardening, cooking, physical or financial health, youth development, or just want to try something different, there’s always something happening here. Take a peek at what’s coming up this month-you might find your next favorite class!

11/1 – Nov 7 – 4-H poinsettia Pre-Sale (Fundraiser)

11/4 – Fall vegetable Gardening (In Person & Online)

11/5 – Take Control of Your Money for Renters (Online)

11/6 & 13 – First Time Homebuyer Workshop – ENGLISH (Online)

11/13 – Garden Tour (In Person)

11/14 – Advanced Propagation for Gardeners (In person)

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Tags: Classes, Events, extension Education, Learning, ocextension, Orangecountyfl, Ufifasextension

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Orange County IFAS Extension Blog – April 2022

4-H’ers Shine at State Robotics Competition

Congratulations to the Orange County 4-H Robotics Team, the “Circuit Breakers,” for their outstanding performance at the Florida 4-H State Robotics Competition! The team, comprised of youth from across the county, demonstrated amazing teamwork, problem-solving skills, and engineering prowess. They competed against teams from all over Florida in a series of challenging robotics challenges. The Circuit Breakers not only showcased their technical abilities but also embodied the core 4-H values of leadership, citizenship, and personal development. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and accomplishments!

Citrus Under Pressure: HLB and Citrus Greening

Huanglongbing (HLB),also known as citrus greening,continues to be a major threat to Florida’s citrus industry. This disease, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, severely impacts fruit quality and tree health. Our agents are working with growers to implement best management practices, including regular monitoring for psyllids, nutritional programs to enhance tree health, and the use of approved insecticides. New research is constantly being conducted to find more effective solutions to combat HLB. Stay tuned for updates on research findings and management strategies. For more facts, visit the UF/IFAS Citrus website: https://citrus.ifas.ufl.edu/

Landscape Alert: Watch for Fall Armyworms

fall armyworms are back and actively feeding on various turfgrasses and landscape plants. These caterpillars can cause important damage in a short period. Homeowners should inspect their lawns and gardens for signs of armyworm activity, such as irregular patches of chewed grass or foliage. If detected, appropriate insecticide applications can help control the infestation. Contact your local Extension office for recommendations on effective control measures.

Upcoming Events:

* April 12th: Vegetable Gardening Workshop – Learn the basics of growing your own vegetables!
* April 19th: Pruning Demonstration – Proper pruning techniques for fruit trees and shrubs.
* April 26th: Beekeeping 101 – An introduction to the engaging world of beekeeping.

Connect with Us!

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events from the Orange County IFAS Extension by following us on social media:

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCoIFAS

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangecoifas/

Contact Information:

Orange County IFAS Extension
1601 East Plant Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-254-9200
Website: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/

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Citrus Greening: Understanding Huanglongbing (HLB)

Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow shoot, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting citrus trees worldwide. It’s a bacterial disease that has substantially impacted the Florida citrus industry, and poses a threat to citrus production in other regions, including California, Texas, and parts of South America. Understanding HLB – how it spreads, its symptoms, and current management strategies – is crucial for growers and anyone interested in the future of citrus.

What Causes Citrus Greening?

HLB is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). This bacterium is transmitted from tree to tree by the asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a tiny insect that feeds on citrus sap. The psyllid acquires the bacterium when feeding on an infected tree and then spreads it to healthy trees during subsequent feeding. Unlike some diseases that spread quickly through wind or water, HLB relies on the psyllid for transmission, making psyllid control a primary focus of management efforts.

Recognizing the symptoms

HLB symptoms can be subtle at first, making early detection challenging. Here’s what to look for:

• Asymmetrical Chlorosis: This is a key indicator. Leaves on one side of a branch or tree may turn yellow, while the other side remains green. This isn’t a uniform yellowing like nutrient deficiencies cause.
• Mottled Leaf Pattern: leaves often exhibit a blotchy, mottled appearance with irregular patches of yellow and green.
• Stunted Growth: Infected trees show reduced growth and smaller leaf size.
• Bitter Fruit: fruit from HLB-affected trees is often small, misshapen, and has a bitter, unmarketable taste. The peel may also be unusually thick.
• Reduced Fruit Yield: Over time,HLB significantly reduces fruit production.
• Dieback: Branches begin to die back, leading to a decline in the overall health of the tree.

It’s significant to note that these symptoms can sometimes resemble those caused by nutrient deficiencies or other citrus diseases. Thus, laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

How is HLB Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves collecting leaf and twig samples from suspected trees. These samples are then sent to a diagnostic laboratory for testing. Common diagnostic methods include:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This is the most common and reliable method. PCR detects the presence of the CLas bacterium’s DNA in the sample.
• qPCR (Quantitative PCR): A more sensitive version of PCR that can quantify the amount of bacteria present.
• Immunocapture-PCR: Another sensitive method that uses antibodies to capture the bacteria before PCR amplification.

Managing Citrus Greening

Currently,there is no cure for HLB. Management strategies focus on slowing the spread of the disease and mitigating its effects. These include:

• Asian Citrus Psyllid Control: Regular insecticide applications are crucial to control psyllid populations. However, overuse of insecticides can lead to resistance, so integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are recommended. IPM involves using a combination of methods, including biological control (introducing natural enemies of the psyllid), cultural practices (pruning), and targeted insecticide applications.
• Nutritional Management: Providing trees with optimal nutrition can help them tolerate the effects of HLB. This includes balanced fertilization with micronutrients like zinc, manganese, and boron.
• Therapeutic Treatments: Research is ongoing to develop effective therapeutic treatments. Some promising approaches include using bactericides, applying calcium sprays, and employing rootstock breeding programs to develop HLB-tolerant varieties.
• Removal of Infected Trees: Promptly removing and destroying infected trees helps to reduce the source of inoculum and slow the spread of the disease.
• Monitoring and Scouting: Regularly inspecting groves for symptoms and monitoring psyllid populations are essential for early detection and effective management.

The Future of Citrus with HLB

HLB remains a significant challenge for the citrus industry. Ongoing research is focused on developing long-term solutions, including HLB-resistant rootstocks and therapeutic treatments. The future of citrus production depends on continued innovation and collaboration between researchers, growers, and policymakers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can HLB affect all types of citrus?

Yes, HLB can infect all commercial citrus varieties, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes.

Is HLB