Antibiotic Delivery Methods: Trunk Injection vs. Foliar Application

Abstract

The citrus industry has suffered numerous setbacks over the past 20 years because of the devastating effects of HLB disease. Many options for controlling the disease are being investigated to make groves as productive as possible under the current HLB pressure. Even small improvements in tree health or yield of diseased trees may help growers survive until either a permanent cure is found, or citrus trees with proven tolerance to the disease are widely available. One of the approaches under investigation has been the use of antibiotics. Our research in particular has addressed the use of foliar applications of antibiotics, and whether these can be improved with the use of commercial adjuvants.