New research from the University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center demonstrates that supplemental nutrition strategies can help reduce visible HLB symptoms in mandarins, while also improving fruit quality and extending shelf-life.
The study focused on two mandarin varieties, 'LB8-9' (Sugar Belle®) and 'Tango,' both of which are widely grown in Florida and valued for their flavor and marketability. Trees affected by HLB were treated with supplemental nutrition programs designed to strengthen plant health and mitigate disease stress.
Foliar K and B nutrition was shown to mitigate some HLB symptoms, leading to larger, more marketable fruit with good postharvest quality-likely by improving hormonal balance and reducing oxidative stress in the trees. Calcium was shown to help with firmness and storage decay but did not improve commercial quality traits like size or color. In addition, fruit harvested from treated trees had higher overall quality, including improved size, firmness, and juice characteristics. Shelf-life was also extended, offering potential benefits to growers, distributors, and consumers.
These results highlight the importance of nutrition management as part of an integrated approach to sustaining citrus production in HLB-endemic regions. While supplemental nutrition is not a cure for the disease, it can provide meaningful improvements in tree performance, fruit quality development, and postharvest longevity.
According to Dr. Vashisth, "My research program conducts applied research to improve citrus productivity, fruit quality, and tree health under Huanglongbing (HLB) conditions. Based at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) at the University of Florida, my work focuses on citrus nutrition, root health, canopy management, plant growth regulators, and stress physiology."
Tripti Vashisth is Associate Director of the Citrus Research and Education Center at the University of Florida. She is also an Associate Professor of Horticultural Science, and Citrus Extension Specialist.
The full articles can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05500-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
