Fungal Foliar Disease Concerns for 2019

Abstract

The Florida citrus-growing seasons of 2017 and 2018 were quiet in terms of fungal foliar disease outbreaks. Small pockets of severe disease occurred sporadically, but there were no widespread reports of diseases like postbloom fruit drop, much to the relief of the industry. Greasy spot has flared up in a few locations on cultivars like Valencia, and melanose severity is tied to rainfall in the spring.

HLB continues to be the number-one concern on every grower’s mind, but foliar fungal diseases can nibble away at productivity by reducing overall tree health. In the case of postbloom fruit drop (PFD), it can eliminate a substantial part of a crop.