Young Citrus Trees Benefit from the Use of Biologicals

Giving Young Florida Citrus Trees An Early Fighting Chance With The Use Of Biologicals

Many Florida citrus growers are shifting their focus away from the uphill battle of saving older HLB-infected trees and toward protecting and strengthening their groves with the use of biologicals, before too much damage is done.

This article talks about:

• The vascular system of citrus trees
• The importance of investing in young citrus trees, especially in Florida
• Strategies Florida citrus growers are using to protect their citrus trees
• How agricultural biologicals can support young citrus trees

How Does the Vascular System Work in Citrus Trees?

Citrus trees contain a complex yet efficient circulatory system that manages the uptake, storage and utilization of water and nutrients. Similar to the vascular system in humans, a plant’s network of xylem and phloem tissues extend throughout the plant. They begin at the roots and weave up the trunk, before journeying out into the branches and into every single leaf.

A well-functioning tree vascular system will transport and help absorb water and critical nutrients to the plant for nourishment. HLB destroys the vascular system of citrus trees by blocking the phloem, limiting the tree’s ability to uptake adequate water and nutrients.

Why Invest in Young Citrus Trees?

As there remains no known cure for citrus greening, treatment plans tend to address symptoms rather than tackle the root cause. They also often start too late, after a tree is nearly (or already) entirely infected.

New research highlights the importance of taking preventive measures during key stages of citrus tree development and before HLB-spreading psyllids accelerate their attack.

Shoot development in citrus trees is divided into six phases:

V1: Emergence
V2 and V3: Development
V4 and V5: Maturation
V6: Dormancy

Psyllids prefer V1 to V4 for feeding and reproduction–making these development stages the most vulnerable. The emerging and developmental phases are the best time to focus on a control strategy to reduce the biotic impact of psyllids.

This is the time to invest in building up the strongest root system possible. The longer a grower waits to reinforce citrus trees’ roots, the harder they’ll have to work to repair after significant damage is done.

What Strategies are Citrus Growers Using to Protect Young Citrus Trees?

• Nets: Citrus growers often place nets over young trees to physically separate HLB-spreading psyllids from the tree’s shoots. The nets are kept on the young trees for 1.5-2 years. When the nets are removed, the psyllids will inevitably infect the trees.
• Biologicals: Recently, Florida farmers have combined the use of nets with powerful biologicals, such as Locus AG’s biologicals for citrus trees, which strengthen the roots and support the vascular system of citrus trees.

Reinforcing vascular systems in those early, formative years with biologicals can help make young citrus trees more resistant to the impacts of citrus greening when the nets come off.

How Do Biologicals Strengthen Young Citrus Trees?

Fertile soils require a balanced microbial population performing critical activities, including nutrient utilization and protection against biotic and abiotic stressors.

Soil that lacks enough beneficial microbes can succumb to a range of negative impacts, including an imbalance of soil pH in the rhizosphere, die-off of young and new roots, less nutrient uptake, and greater destruction from citrus greening and other plant diseases.

Using the correct strains of microbes, or biologicals, will help to create a network of trees with hardy root systems, addressing one of the root causes of declining citrus groves. Additionally, certain biologicals contain endophytic strains that reside in plant tissues, encouraging long-term benefits to trees’ roots and overall vascular system functioning into the future.

Read More: What Are Agricultural Biologicals and Why Use Them?

Locus AG’s biologicals have been shown to increase root mass and therefore can be a major piece of the puzzle for establishing a strong foundation, including a strong root and vascular system, in citrus trees.

How Long Will It Take to See the Results of Biologicals in Citrus Trees?

Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery in Frostproof, Florida uses Locus AG biologicals on young citrus trees in his nursery.

In as little as one growing season, Locus AG’s line of biologicals with endophytic strains have been shown to support:

• Considerable feeder root grow-back
• Stronger root systems

Using the correct microbial strains will help to create a network of trees with hardy root systems, addressing one of the root causes of declining citrus groves.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons Why Your Citrus Grove Needs Biologicals (published in Citrus Industry News)

Locus AG Biologicals

Locus AG offers cutting-edge biological products for citrus groves. Our product, Rhizolizer Duo for Vineyards & Orchards, contains a proprietary blend of Trichoderma and Bacillus strains proven to expand roots, enhance plant vigor and improve nutrient uptake and efficiency.

Our biologicals are produced in the US and available for immediate shipment, and are available through many major agricultural distributors and retailers. Contact us today to connect with a sales rep in your region.

Invest in your citrus grove with Locus AG’s Simply Vital biological solutions.