Column

Equine skin tumors are relatively common in horses and can vary in terms of appearance, behavior, and treatment. As a responsible owner, it is essential to be aware of the different types of skin tumors that can affect horses, as early detection and proper management are crucial for the health and well-being of your horse. […]

Florida citrus growers have been hit hard by HLB, or citrus greening. For the 2023-24 season, the USDA estimated Florida citrus growers had harvested 17.96 million boxes of oranges. Compared to the 244 million boxes harvested in the 1997-98 season, it’s easy to see that Florida citrus is in dire straits. While growers wait to

I’ve always been an entrepreneur, regardless of the industry. Whether helping to bolster the community’s workforce or giving hunters a way to safely process their wild game, my priority is identifying possibilities and turning them into opportunities.  Florida excels in the hospitality and entertainment industries, there’s no denying that. Its expansive theme parks and ever-growing

It’s August, and that means it’s time for the Citrus Expo! As one of the sponsors of the event, everyone at Tree Defender is particularly excited this year. Why? First, we are moving to a new booth location (#701) that is quite a bit larger than we’ve had in previous years. This 20 foot-by-20 foot

Most people are not aware that citrus nursery entities are the most regulated in the United States. As a matter of fact, citrus nurseries are more regulated than cannabis nurseries, vegetable nurseries, and every other type of plant nursery that operates in the United States.  Citrus nurseries are inspected by FDACS (state level) and the

Hurricanes pose significant challenges for horse owners, requiring careful planning and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their horses. With powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, preparation is not just advisable but essential. Before the Storm Preparing for a hurricane begins long before it arrives. Ensuring your horse’s vaccinations are up

Timing for herbicide applications starts to get tricky once Florida’s rainy season gets underway. Florida’s May-to-October rainy season brings nearly daily rain showers that can both delay herbicide spraying and decrease the effectiveness of the herbicide through reduced absorption and translocation. Timing your herbicide applications just right can help maximize the application’s effectiveness and reduce

Any true Florida farmer knows the dangers of hurricane season. Did you know that livestock losses can account for millions of dollars in damage each year due to hurricanes? When hurricanes hit, humans aren’t the only ones they affect. Our animals, especially cattle, are also at risk.  That’s why it’s so important to have a

It seems there has been a faint song of optimism about the Florida citrus industry these days. With some recent research breakthroughs and a steady chorus of “not if, but when,” it can be tempting to hold tight and wait for a proven HLB-resistant tree to save the day. However, if you listen closely, there’s another

In our ongoing struggle with citrus greening, growers are on the lookout for two potential beacons of hope — escape trees and survivor trees. Escape trees are trees that have somehow avoided infection by citrus greening disease despite being in an area where the disease is prevalent. They might be often found in the same