Citrus reset management is necessary for maximum efficiency in Florida citrus growers as citrus trees can decline and become unproductive for a number of reasons. This means removing and replacing citrus trees that are declining and have become unprofitable with resets. It also means ensuring that the resets live and thrive to become profitable parts of the grove. A recent UF/IFAS Tip of the Week shared tips on citrus reset management concerning nutrients, irrigation, and more. Essentially, citrus resets need to be taken care of and pampered so that they have the best shot at growing into productive members of the citrus grove.
Citrus Reset Management Elements
The Tip of the Week offered the following tips on citrus reset management:
- Growers should find out the reason the tree began to decline in the first place and correct the problem so that it does not spread to other trees.
- Resets should only be planted in a mature grove if there are at least 8 feet between one tree’s dripline and the next tree’s dripline. Allowing 8 feet from trunk-to-trunk does not appear to leave enough space for the new citrus tree to grow and develop a canopy.
- Resets need to be pampered when it comes to irrigation, fertilization, weed control, and protection from pests, diseases, and the elements. They do not have the hardiness of mature trees to withstand less-than-perfect treatment.
- Pest management for resets should include treatments for citrus psyllid and citrus leafminer through utilizing systemic pesticides like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and contact pesticides because resets’ frequent flushing cycles make them a target of leaf-eating pests.
- Weed control is important because weeds take nutrients and moisture away from young trees, so herbicides should be used before planting, post-planting, and once the tree is established.
- Growers should consider utilizing controlled-release fertilizers rather than soluble dry fertilizers on resets that are located randomly in large blocks to reduce the time spent fertilizing.
- Irrigation needs to be frequent but moderate for citrus resets as excess water at the rootzone will cause problems.
- If the entire grove utilizes a fertigation program, then no additional steps are needed for the resets.
