Thermotherapy has proven effective in limited field trials.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Nearly 200 citrus industry members gathered in the groves of Indian River Wednesday to learn more about how thermotherapy can be used to battle citrus greening.
Hosted by the USDA Fort Pierce facility and sponsored by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, the Citrus Thermotherapy Field Day highlighted research being conducted on the use of tree covers to trap solar heat and speed up the process of greening treatment.
By using heat – high enough to kill bacteria but low enough to protect fruit and foliage from damage – thermotherapy has proven effective in limited field trials.
The event Wednesday included a look at different application methods and a grove where thermotherapy has been in use for almost three years. Scientists and engineers onsite provided demonstrations and provided details on cost, effectiveness and practicality.
About the Citrus Research and Development Foundation
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation is a non-profit corporation organized under Florida State laws as a Direct Service Organization of the University of Florida. The Mission of the Foundation is to “advance disease and production research and product development activities to insure the survival and competitiveness of Florida’s citrus growers through innovation.” More information on the event can be found at Citrusrdf.org.
