Citrus Physiology Research and Extension Program

The Citrus Physiology Research and Extension program was established in 2008 to conduct research that addresses the needs of the Citrus industry in Florida. The program is focused on enhancing mechanical harvesting of sweet oranges through development of understanding of CMNP application for loosening fruit as an aid to mechanical harvesting, and through determining mechanical harvester settings that minimize tree injury and maximize harvest efficiency.

The program is also conducting research to increase understanding of the physiological mechanism of bacterial canker and HLB in citrus.

The Citrus Physiology laboratory is fully equipped for conducting physiology and molecular biology research.

Educational programs are designed to transmit information to the industry through extension publications, popular press articles, seminars, short courses, field days, and to industry advisory groups.