According to the USDA, the state of “Florida’s share of U.S. citrus production was 77.3 million boxes in the 2018-2019 season, up 55 percent from the previous season’s 49.7 million boxes.” Meanwhile Florida citrus growers have been faced with a multitude of challenges over the past couple of decades including diseases, pests, hurricanes, economics, and now increasing citrus fruit drop.

Latest Development from University of Florida  

In an article by the Citrus Industry Magazine* , Ashley Robinson discusses the latest research by Fernando Alferez, citrus horticulturist for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.  Alferez states that his preliminary findings indicated a correlation between zinc deficiencies that caused stress to the tree and growth inhibition, fruit drop, and poor fruit.  

While a 10-15% drop in citrus fruit is considered normal for a healthy tree, some growers are battling up to a 50% drop. Data from the National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS-USDA) reports an increasing average preharvest drop.

Alferez observed in the trial that, when treated with zinc and indole acetic acid (IAA) in June and October, that there was less fruit drop. However, an August treatment increased fruit drop. Alferez states that the timing of application is critical and must be defined for each variety. Alferez is very encouraged by the results so far.

TriYield’s Commitment to Citrus Growers

TriYield based out of Arcadia, FL may have the answer for frustrated citrus growers. Chris Kamberg, owner of TriYield, is one of the largest dealers of Aqua-Yield nanoliquids, and has helped many of Florida’s citrus growers with past and current issues.

A graduate of Florida Southern College, Kamberg focused his studies on citrus and business. Some of the early success of Aqua-Yield  is attributed to helping citrus farmers fight diseases. “Growers have been very responsive and see the impact it makes to their crops and bottom line.” Kamberg has seen some of the best responses of applying Aqua-Yield nanoliquids to citrus, watermelons, and sod.

Polk county citrus that was applied with NanoZn® had 63% better uptake than the grower standard conventional material according to tissue samples. 

 
Tissue Testing Results

 
The advantages of Aqua-Yield nanoliquid technology has made a big impact on citrus growers for several years now. Could it be the solution to fruit dropping? In recent tissue tests conducted by TriYield, the citrus crop that had NanoZn^® applied tested “sufficient” for zinc versus the crop that didn’t have zinc applied which tested “low”.

Aqua-Yield Nanoliquid Technology

Aqua-Yield nanoliquids are very clean, highly compatible products that can be easily incorporated into any fertility program at the low use rate of 2-6 oz/ac.

NanoZn delivers a boost of zinc, energized by NanoShield^®  Technology. Zinc mobility is often limited, but NanoZn makes delivery of zinc possible when selective plant uptake restricts zinc absorption by the roots during critical growth. NanoZn supports healthy development while improving tree metabolism, quality, and cold tolerance.

NanoPack™  delivers sulfur, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc energized by Aqua-Yield  NanoShield  Technology. NanoPack  brings critical micronutrients to plants when soil levels are low. When applied throughout the growing season, NanoPack prevents nutrient deficiencies that limit crop yield while boosting plant metabolism and overall health.

 
For more information on adding zinc nanoliquid to your citrus crop, contact a TriYield or Aqua-Yield representative.

* https://citrusindustry.net/2021/02/19/new-solution-for-fruit-drop/