This Issue - Citrus Research Board
Transcription
This Issue - Citrus Research Board
Citrograph July/August 2012 Citrograph Conference chairman Dan Dreyer Program chairman Justin Brown THAT’S HOW MOVENTO MAKES ORANGES FEEL. Movento®’s powerful two-way systemic action makes it unique among insecticides. Its chemistry allows it to get inside plants and spread throughout the entire system. This results in long-lasting, reliable and all-over protection against psyllids, mites and scale. So you’ll have stronger, highly pest-resistant plants and a healthier crop. For more information, visit www.Movento.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T W Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Movento are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our Web site at www.BayerCropScience.us. CRP0112MOVENT0222-R00 Citrograph JULY/AUGUST 2012 • Volume 3 • Number 4 An Official Publication of the Citrus Research Board Cover photo by Michael Alvarez, Visalia IN THIS ISSUE SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. Single Copies: $1.50 1-Year Subscription: $15.00 2-Year Subscription: $28.00 Canadian & Foreign: 1-Year Subscription: $30.00 2-Year Subscription: $56.00 Send Subscription Requests To: Citrus Research Board P.O. Box 230, Visalia, CA 93279 PUBLICATION OFFICE P.O. Box 230 Visalia, CA 93279 Phone: 559-738-0246 FAX: 559-738-0607 Web Site: http://www.citrusresearch.org Louise Fisher, Managing Editor Dr. MaryLou Polek, Chief Science Editor EDITORIAL BOARD Ted Batkin Richard Bennett Franco Bernardi Dr. Akif Eskalen Dr. Ben Faber Dan Dreyer Jim Gorden SCIENCE REVIEW PANEL Dr. Mary Lu Arpaia James A. Bethke Dr. Abhaya Dandekar Dr. Akif Eskalen Dr. Stephen Garnsey Dr. Joseph Smilanick Editorial services provided by Anne Warring, Warring Enterprises, Visalia, CA 93277 PRODUCTION INFORMATION Judy Brent Production Manager 255 38th Avenue Suite P St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-462-2919 FAX: 630-462-2924 [email protected] Dale Hahn, Design Phone: 630-462-2308 [email protected] project 30 Detector dogs protect California agriculture 33 Avoiding economic losses in California citrus from Citrus tristeza virus stem pitting 38 Unlocking the secrets of cross protection to control severe strains of the same virus ADVERTISING INFORMATION Sandy Creighton Ad Sales Manager Phone: (559) 201-9225 [email protected] 4 Editorial 6 Chairman’s View 9 Industry Views 12 California Citrus Conference 20 CPDPP outreach engages all Californians 26 Life after the CRB-funded research Cherie Averill Ad Sales Representative Phone: 402-489-9334 [email protected] ADVERTISING RATES Rates B/W 2/C 4/C Page....................................... $690........ $860.......$1025 2/3 Page Vertical................. 540...........700........... 875 1/2 Page Vert/Horiz.............410.......... 580........... 750 1/3 Page Square/Vert........ 285.......... 455...........620 1/4 Page................................. 200 .........370...........540 1/6 Page Vertical..................140...........310...........480 1/8 Page Horizontal.............140...........310...........480 *Frequency discounts: 2X–5%, 3X–7%, 4X–10% Above rates are gross; 15% discount to recognized agencies. 44 Impact of high temperature on huanglongbing for development of a field management strategy 52 Citrus Roots: Artists of the Era 58 Celebrating Citrus Citrograph is published bimonthly by the Citrus Research Board, 217 N. Encina, Visalia, CA 93291. Citrograph is sent to all California citrus producers courtesy of the Citrus Research Board. If you are currently receiving multiple copies, or would like to make a change in your Citrograph subscription, please contact the publication office (above, left). Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in articles published by Citrograph; however, the publishers assume no responsibility for losses sustained, allegedly resulting from following recommendations in this magazine. Consult your local authorities. The Citrus Research Board has not tested any of the products advertised in this publication, nor has it verified any of the statements made in any of the advertisements. The Board does not warrant, expressly or implicitly, the fitness of any product advertised or the suitability of any advice or statements contained herein. July/August 2012 Citrograph 3 EDITORIAL BY TED A. BATKIN, President, Citrus Research Board OMG, now what do we do??? Now it is time to review strategies and plan for keeping the California citrus growers protected from the invasion to the best of our ability as an industry. 4 Citrograph July/August 2012 A s predicted, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations are increasing faster than the treatment programs can keep up, so once again the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee has been forced to revise their strategies for suppression and control. This is not new, nor is it a problem; it’s just a fact of life when dealing with the invasion of such a prolific pest. So, now it is time to review strategies and plan for keeping the California citrus growers protected from the invasion to the best of our ability as an industry. Many growers keep asking about the status of the Biological Control Program: Where are we? Why can’t we just start releasing mass amounts of biocontrol agents and not have to spray? Why are we being asked to spray when HLB is not in my area? The list goes on and on… The answers are complex and based on certain realities not always easy to see. First, the development of the Biological Control Program is in very early stages and involves finding which agents actually survive in California and will adapt to our complex climates. As previously reported in Citrograph, University of California scientists have brought strains of Tamarixia radiata from Pakistan to rear and test-release in Southern California. These releases are now showing some level of success, but it is still very early in the program to determine how successful this will be. The team has recovered some survivors, and they have shown effective parasitism, so the news is very encouraging. Second, the industry does not have any facility capable of mass rearing the agents in quantities necessary to cover the populations of ACP that now exist. This will require serious investments by both public and private entities to build the necessary facilities to provide adequate volumes of agents to be effective. To this end, leaders from California Citrus Mutual, Sunkist, and the Citrus Research Board will be meeting with representatives from USDA, CDFA, UC Riverside, and Cal Poly Pomona to discuss a plan to provide resources to build adequate facilities to meet the goals of mass releases of several species of biocontrol agents. Finally, HLB may very well be in areas other than just Hacienda Heights. A massive search and testing program has begun using every available tool for locating HLB-infected trees. This is a combined effort of USDA, CDFA, CPDPC and the CRB. This search and testing program is based on statistical risk models developed by USDA. Everyone, hold on to your hats, because this is going to be an “E Ticket”* ride!! *If you are old enough to remember early Disneyland… The Mission of the Citrus Research Board: Develop knowledge and build systems for grower vitality. Focus on quality assurance, clonal protection, production research, variety development, and grower/public education. CITRUS RESEARCH BOARD MEMBER LIST BY DISTRICT 2011-2012 District 1 – Northern California District 3 – California Desert Member Allan Lombardi, Exeter Donald Roark, Lindsay Jim Gorden, Exeter Joe Stewart, Bakersfield Etienne Rabe, Bakersfield John Richardson, Porterville Kevin Olsen, Pinedale Member Mark McBroom, Calipatria Public Member Member Seymour Van Gundy, Riverside Alternate Justin Brown, Orange Cove Dan Dreyer, Exeter Dan Galbraith, Porterville Franco Bernardi, Visalia Richard Bennett, Visalia Jeff Steen, Strathmore Tommy Elliott, Visalia District 2 – Southern California – Coastal Member Earl Rutz, Pauma Valley William Pidduck, Santa Paula Joe Barcinas, Riverside Alternate Alan Washburn, Riverside James Finch, Santa Paula Warren Lyall, Pauma Valley Alternate Craig Armstrong, Thermal Alternate Steve Garnsey, Fallbrook Citrus Research Board 217 N Encina, Visalia, CA 93291 PO Box 230, Visalia, CA 93279 (559) 738-0246 FAX (559) 738-0607 E-Mail [email protected] CALENDAR August 21-23 CRB Research - Review of Proposals Double Tree Hotel - Bakersfield August 27-29 USDA Citrus Health Response Program Research Forum (ACP/HLB) - Ft. Collins, CO September 18 CRB Annual Meeting Lindcove REC - Exeter October 10-11 California Citrus Conference Porterville Fairgrounds - Porterville October 12 California Citrus Conference Optional tour of Lindcove - Exeter November 1 CCM Annual Meeting November 7-9 California Citrus Nursery Society Annual Conference - Murphys For more information on the above, contact the CRB office at (559) 738-0246. DO YOU KNOW...? For the serious history buffs: 150 years ago, in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law three very important pieces of legislation that would have a profound and lasting impact on American agriculture. Do you know what they were? (Turn to page 24 for the answer.) New! Integrated Pest Management for Citrus−3rd Edition Now with even more photos, more resources, and more pests. What’s new in the 3rd edition? • 32 new pests and diseases, including Asian Citrus Psyllid • 500+ color photos • Detailed table of contents • Index for easy searching 2012 • 270 pages $40.00 ANR Pub #3303 Order yours today: ucanr.org/citrusIPM or: (800) 994-8849 • (510) 642-2431 University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources July/August 2012 Citrograph 5 CHAIRMAN’S VIEW BY EARL RUTZ, Chairman of the Board Changing of the Guard I As we anticipate the transition to new leadership, we can be proud of what the CRB has achieved under Ted’s leadership and guidance. 6 Citrograph July/August 2012 n 1993, Ted Batkin was hired as the director of the California Citrus Research Board. He broadened the scope of CRB research from a narrow focus of research issues such as quality control, clonal protection, new variety development and general research to what it has become today. Ted became the CRB President and research visionary for the industry. Ted Batkin has done an exceptional job in leading the Board through years of critical issues as well as expanding the scope of the Board. As his tenure comes to a close, new leadership will be asked to fill his shoes in midyear of 2013. It is a time to reflect on the challenges and visions of Ted’s career as our President. Ted’s major challenge has been to chart new waters amongst ten different chairmen, four Governors, five California Secretaries of Agriculture, numerous CDFA officials, UC Presidents and Vice Presidents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, many campus Deans, world-renowned researchers and Center Directors from the USDA /APHIS, Los Alamos National Labs, California and national universities -- all of whom have assisted our program. Ted has served on almost every state, national, and many international committees supporting the research efforts of the citrus community. He has tirelessly worked on our behalf for two decades, and we are better off for his efforts. Some of the highlights of the two decades of research, progress, and issues are as follows: Ted Batkin currently serves as Chairman of the California Specialty Crops Research Team, member of the USDA-APHIS Huanglongbing Technical Advisory Committee, and Co-Chair of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Huanglongbing Task Force. He is past Co-Chair of the CDFA Diaprepes Task Force, Chairman of the National Citrus Research Council, and Chairman and founding member of the National Plant Pathogen Research Consortium. He was a key participant in the development of the Citrus Health Response Plan (CHRP), the effort led by USDA-APHIS aimed at protecting citrus production nationally. He is a member of the UC President’s Advisory Commission for Agriculture and the UC Riverside Chancellor’s Ag Advisory Council. He co-chaired the Governor’s Exotic Fruit Fly Task Force overseeing the Medfly sterile release program and was involved with the development of the brown citrus aphid and ACP/HLB national task forces. He also served as a member of the CDFA Pierce’s Disease Task Force and Chairman of its Citrus Subcommittee, Chairman of the California Citrus Tristeza Research Coalition, and member of the Program Advisory Committee of the University of California’s Exotic Pests and Diseases Research Program. He served as Co-Chair of the Safeguarding Review of USDA-APHIS’ entire Plant Protection and Quarantine Program; the report became the guiding document for the reorganization of APHIS. Ted guided the CRB’s creation of the Education and Outreach Committee and the subsequent development of the mobile education lab and many grower seminars. These efforts were important in the education of growers about glassywinged sharpshooter and its effects on citrus and grapes. The CRB now has an July/August 2012 Citrograph 7 annual presence at the World Ag Expo (Tulare Farm Show) for the benefit of growers and the education of the general public. The Citrograph magazine was re-established and is now published by CRB and has become an internationally respected journal. During Ted’s tenure, funding for scientific research transitioned from field level to molecular and genetic issues, which is allowing for the development of disease detection and diagnostic platforms for the pathogens facing the industry. Ted was instrumental in setting up a rapid response to ACP in California. He aided in the formation of the ACP-HLB operations program, commercial field trapping, the establishment of our own nationally certified laboratory for citrus disease detection, especially of ACP and HLB. At the CRB, he established the research committee structure and the method in which the Board evaluates research proposals. Ted will be leaving us with a revised and current strategic plan for the CRB. As we anticipate the transition to new leadership, we can be proud of what the CRB has achieved under Ted’s leadership and guidance. We have an internationally respected program. We give Ted our thanks for his service and leadership. The industry will formally bid farewells during 2013. l About the cover D an Dreyer and Justin Brown – the chair and vicechair of the CRB Communications Committee – have had the lead roles in making plans for the California Citrus Conference, which will take place in October (see pages 12-19). Dreyer joined CRB as an alternate in 2009-2010, and Brown came on as an alternate in 2010-2011, both representing District 1. Each comes from a family with deep roots in California citrus. Justin is a fifth-generation grower, and Dan is a fourth-generation producer whose family began growing citrus in San Diego County in the 1920s. Based in Exeter, Dan has wine grapes and some olives and pomegranates in addition to his citrus, and he also owns and operates Ag Services, Inc., a farm management company. Justin, whose family is a fixture in Tulare County citrus, grows several varieties along with table grapes south of Orange Cove. When it comes to industry issues and research interests, both are in leadership positions on the CRB Production Efficiency Committee. Dan lists other main interests as new variety development, pest and disease management, and “irrigation innovations in combination with water supply issues and nutrient management.” Justin’s interests include marketing issues, and he notes with respect to variety development that “we must never lose sight of, or compromise, the high quality flavor and other characteristics that California citrus is known for.” Forklifts and Hedgers Unmatched versatility and dependability. 800-392-6059 www.gillisons.com GVF grove equipment is the most rugged, dependable and innovative equipment of its kind. We have never stopped improving upon our products in order to exceed above competitor’s standards. But don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself. Call us today at 800-392-6059 to set up a demo, or go online to www.gillisons.com. Manufacturers of quality farm equipment since 1977. 8 Citrograph July/August 2012 INDUSTRY VIEWS Citrograph asks: This season was marked by a stretch of cold nights, but other periods were warmer than normal; there was very little precipitation and even that came at odd times. How did all of that affect your trees’ irrigation needs, and what tools did you use to aid your decisions? W e farm citrus on loams, clay loams, and adobe clay. We had so many cold nights that we ran water for much of December and January to the point that the root systems in several orchards were hurt by the exclusion of oxygen. So the dry February and first half of March, during which ET was low even if above normal, provided a gentle and much-needed drying out period. Then the late rains after mid-March made the usual assumptions about April and May irrigation needs too inaccurate. So the unexpected really makes monitoring soil moisture the chore that we should all do more of. Shovels, probe tubes, pokers, augers, data loggers, and internet-iPhone devices. We are still looking for the perfect tool. We need to be in the field, but we also need 24/7/52 information so that trends can be spotted and alarms can alert us to the unexpected. Now, who can afford all of that, and will it really be representative, and just how good are those sensors anyway? None of the products available today are adequate, and we look forward to the fruits of research and innovation. — Allan Lombardi, Griffith Farms E very year has its challenges, and there are no two years that are the same. I monitor my soil moisture 12 months out of every year on every block. I amend my irrigation water with gypsum to ensure both District and well water infiltrates the soil profile well. This past winter, we ran irrigation water at different times when the soil moisture levels were low. We also look at the rainfall and evaluate how far down in the profile it moved. Just because it is wintertime does not mean the trees shut down. The fruit is still sizing, and the trees are using moisture. Making sure the soil profile does not dry out is another important step in maintaining solid tree health. The cold temperatures are tough on the trees, and if the soil profile is depleted in moisture, that just adds extra stress on the trees. On the other side of the coin, I limit my irrigations during a frost event so as to not saturate the soil profile. A saturated soil profile can also induce stress on the trees by depriving the roots of oxygen. Preserving root health is also something we address year-round as well. The soil moisture monitoring equipment I utilize is the CropSense system from John Deere. It is a capacitance probe measuring the moisture levels down to 40” in the soil profile. The data is transmitted wirelessly to the Web where I can evaluate the data anytime, anywhere. — Craig Hornung, Hornung Brothers Farming T his past winter season was indeed marked by odd weather. Some cold nights, extended warmer periods, and what little precipitation we had came late. For us, the freeze had little or no impact on water usage. The stretches of warmer weather meant that we started irrigating earlier than usual. In fact, you might say we never really fully stopped irrigating from the summer before. We monitored our electronic sensors -- and also used some good old-fashioned touch and feel -- throughout the fall and winter to know which groves needed water and how much. As we did not run frost water, we were doing full irrigations by February. We then needed to back off quickly due to the late rain, especially in the heavier soils. — Randy Skidgel, Mittman-Denni Citrus Management July/August 2012 Citrograph 9 June 8, 2012 California Citrus Producers Approve the Continuation of The California Citrus Research Program To All Interested Parties: In a referendum recently conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California citrus producers voted in favor of continuing the operations of the California Citrus Research Program for another five years. The voting results of the recently completed continuation referendum are presented below. Percentage of eligible producers in the industry who submitted a valid ballot: 72.29% Percentage of those voting who favored continuation of the California Citrus Research Program: 96.46% Percentage of the voted volume represented by those voting in favor of the continuation of the California Citrus Research Program: 96.73% Since the above voting results exceed the criteria required for continuation, as specified in the California Marketing Act, CDFA has authorized the California Citrus Research Program to continue operating for another five years (through September 30, 2017). The California Citrus Research Program is a grower-funded state marketing order that has been in existence since 1968. The Program is authorized to conduct general production research, a variety improvement research program, a quality assurance program on agricultural chemical residues, and pest and disease control activities. Please contact Joe Monson of this office if you have any questions about this referendum. If you have questions concerning the operations of the California Citrus Research Program, please call Ted Batkin, President of the Citrus Research Board, at (559) 738-0246. Sincerely, Robert Maxie, Chief Marketing Branch 2012 0605 2012 0606 0649 CDFA Marketing Branch ● 1220 N Street ● Sacramento, California 95814 Telephone: 916.900.5018 ● Fax: 916.900.5343 ● www.cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/mkt State of California Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor With ECoFloW, you don’t have to Depend on Mother Nature to leach your Grove. No Rain Means ... No Natural Leaching. ECoFloW will Leach your Grove Every Time you Water WITh LEss WATEr! ECoFloW is the oNLy Water Conditioner Tested and Validated by the World Renowned Center for Irrigation Technology ( California State University, Fresno • www.icwt.net ) The Following Tests/Studies were Performed: • 2008 Preliminary Test Validated Superior Percolation (90 days) • 2009-2010 Randomized & Replicated Study Validated 2.5x Deeper & Faster Percolation Depth (1 year) • 2010 Tomato Trials Validated 10% More Yield with 15% Less Water (5 months) • 2011 Laboratory Test with Various Soil Samples Validated 35% Soil Salinity Reduction (6 months) Currently Installed in 100+ Avocado/Citrus Groves! Typical installed results have been: • 25% Water Usage Reduction • 40% Root Zone Chlorides Reduction • 15% Additional Yield Contact Earl Coleman at 951.587.8375 or [email protected] Manufactured exclusively in the U.S.A. by Morrill Industries, Inc. October 10-11 Porterville Fairgrounds Preparing for our future… O n October 10th and 11th, the Citrus Research Board will present the first-ever California Citrus Conference (CCC). The event will be held, fittingly enough, in the midst of citrus groves, at the new Porterville Fairgrounds in Porterville. In previous years. CRB and the citrus farm advisors of UC Cooperative Extension teamed up to conduct an annual series of seminars throughout the state. Those small-scale, half-day seminars were a means of disseminating current informational updates and research developments directly to growers. But now, the idea is to bring members of the industry together at a single location for a much larger meeting, in order to (1) have a better exchange of ideas and information, (2) to get more thorough updates on problems and issues, and (3) to provide a much fuller program of continuing education. The CCC this October will be the sum of several small seminars expanded into a two-day event. Our anticipation and excitement for this new approach cannot be overstated. A great deal of careful thought and consideration has gone into the development of this Conference to provide the very best experience for all attendees. 12 Citrograph July/August 2012 Dan Dreyer and Justin Brown We have designed the CCC to appeal to everyone involved in citrus production in California, not only grove owners and grove care managers but also pest control professionals, citrus nurseries, packers and marketers, and anyone else with a commercial interest in the industry. Incidentally, packers will want to take note that the agenda has a special session presented by CCQC. Exhibits and live demonstrations This change from what had been a traditional seminar format is allowing for some important new additions -- namely, a trade show with dozens of exhibitors, and live demonstrations of equipment including a “spray rodeo”. While at the CCC, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to, participate in, and learn from numerous presentations given by a diverse, thoughtful, and highly qualified group of lecturers. California is home to the most diverse array of specialty crops, and citrus is no exception. In considering the diverse interests within our industry, we have gathered and organized a wide array of topics to address the different regions of the state. Of course, ACP/HLB is the most pressing threat to the entire industry. Rather than giving an overview of a topic that is already being covered quite widely, at the CCC, attendees will be presented with real-world situations arising from a post-positive HLB California. Not only will the discussion cover the actual current status of ACP/ HLB, it will also provide up-to-date research information and results so far in dealing with this issue in other citrus producing areas including Florida and Texas. Day Two of the conference does not let up, covering hard-hitting issues of the utmost importance. Obviously, water is always on the mind of a California citrus grower. The availability of water, what the future holds with regard to nitrates, and where irrigation technology is heading will dominate the topics covered in the morning. Special interest sessions On both days, every person attending will find sessions that are tailored to fit his or her special interests. For example, as a conventional grower, you may want to sit in on the discussion about controlling citricola scale in the San Joaquin Valley, or dealing with leafminer in the coastal growing regions. If it’s organics you’re interested in, there will be a separate organics-only presentation as well, covering the important topics of certification and economics. Have you ever wondered what orange juice tastes like when the fruit is from an HLB-infected tree? Well, there will be a session covering just that subject, and there will also be a taste test. Overall, the educational program portion of the CCC will cover the big issues in California citrus today and into the future. Whether it’s ACP/HLB, water, marketing citrus globally and domestically, or economic realities of growing citrus, you will leave this CCC fully informed and, we believe, with a glimmer of optimism looking forward. Dan Dreyer is the Conference Chairman, and Justin Brown is the CCC Program Chairman. See About the Cover, page 8. Site of the 2012 California Citrus Conference, the new Porterville Fair facility is surrounded by citrus orchards and within walking distance of the Porterville Municipal Airport. This easy-to-get-to location is at 2700 W. Teapot Dome Ave. off Highway 65 at the south end of Porterville. PLANNED PROGRAM Wednesday, October 10 Gate opens: 7:30 a.m. Registration opens: 7:30 Exhibits open: 7:30 Continental breakfast: 7:30 Session One: 8:30 - 11:30 Expo Building Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing Welcome and Conference overview Presentations and discussion • Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee (CPDPC) • Grower treatment programs – California – Texas • Area-wide programs panel discussion – Florida – Texas – California • Biological control program • Research progress report Arena Activity Spray rodeo Spray demos, calibration Detector dogs Dog/handler team demo Exhibit Visits and Luncheon: 11:30 - 1:30 Keynote address Ricke Kress, Southern Gardens Citrus CCQC presentation of the Albert G. Salter Memorial Award Session Two: 1:30 - 3:30 Expo Building Pests, diseases, and resistance Presentations and discussion • Pest management panel – Industry-wide – San Joaquin Valley issues – Desert issues – Coastal issues • Resistance management • Pest and Disease management issues – Export issues Session Two Breakout: 1:30 - 3:30 Building B Organics Presentations and discussion • Introduction to certification • Research overview • Panel discussion on economics • Panel discussion on marketing Session Three: 3:50 - 4:40 Expo Building California Citrus Quality Council (CCQC) Presentations and discussion • President’s report • Status of specific issues Session Three Breakout: 3:50 - 4:50 Building B Citrus tristeza virus Presentations and discussion • General situation update • Shift in operations of Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency • CTV impact on Lindcove Research and Extension Center • Information on virulent strains • State quarantine changes • What are growers with sour orange rootstock doing? Exhibit Visits: 4:40 - 6:00 Gate closes: 6:00 Thursday, October 11 Gate opens: 7:00 a.m. Exhibits open: 7:00 Continental breakfast: 7:00 Session One: 8:00 - 9:30 Expo Building Water issues Presentations and discussion • State water picture – Availability outlook – Water quality issues (ILRP) • Irrigation technologies – Delivery systems – Monitoring July/August 2012 Citrograph 13 Exhibit Visits: 9:30 - 10:30 Session Two: 10:30 - 12:00 Expo Building Soil health and plant nutrition Presentations and discussion • Soil health – Amendments, biology, analysis • NRCS funds • Plant health – Macro nutrients – Micro nutrients Session Two Breakout: 10:30 - 12:00 Building B The future tree - living with HLB Presentations and discussion • Is there resistance/tolerance to HLB? • How will new varieties come to California? • Transgenics research • Fruit quality from HLB trees Exhibit Visits and Lunch: 12:00 - 1:30 Session Three: 1:30 - 2:30 Expo Building Citronomics Presentations and discussion • Costs of production – Increased costs due to regulation – Costs due to water quality regulations – Higher costs of inputs • Future trees – How new nursery regulations affect handling and delivery of trees Session Four: 2:30 - 3:40 Expo Building Marketing Presentations and discussion • What do consumers want? – Retail sales – Specialty sales • Global trends • Domestic trends Exhibit Visits: 3:40 - 5:00 Conference ends and gate closes: 5:00 (Plan to tour Lindcove on Friday.) 14 Citrograph July/August 2012 Florida leader to give keynote address T his inaugural California Citrus glongbing, Kress reports. Conference will have as its keyHe says Southern Gardens is note speaker an individual who is “one working “with multiple researchers of the main leaders in Florida in pro- on projects aimed at developing envividing solutions to the devastating sit- ronmentally and scientifically proven uation faced by their industry,” notes methods to manage and control canCRB President Ted Batkin. “We are ker and citrus greening disease.” honored that he accepted the invitaKress is Vice President of the Cittion to share his experiences with us.” rus Research and Development FounRicke Kress, who will address the dation, the coordinating organization crowd at the opening day luncheon, is of the Florida citrus industry for dealPresident of Southern Gardens Citrus ing with the present disease challenges. in Clewiston, Florida. The Foundation’s mission Southern Gardens is is “to advance disease and one of Florida’s premier production research and agribusiness companies, product development acwidely acclaimed as an intivities to insure the surdustry leader in efficiency, vival and competitiveness vertical integration, modof Florida’s citrus growers ern grove management, through innovation”. and citrus research. A A graduate of Cornell wholly owned subsidiary University with a degree of U.S. Sugar Corporain food science, Kress has Ricke Kress tion, Southern Gardens is been employed in the fruit, recognized as the largest juice and vegetable indusbrand and private label premium not- try for nearly 40 years. from-concentrate orange juice supHis career has largely involved plier in North America. working for food manufacturing comOne of the largest citrus growers panies including Libby, McNeill & Libin the state, the company owns and/ by, Nestle, Seneca Foods, and Northor manages 16,500 net acres of citrus land Cranberries, Inc. in a variety of in southern Hendry County includ- senior management positions from ing three company-owned properties, agricultural production to sales and and all three of those properties are marketing. He joined the Southern infected to some extent with huan- Gardens management team in 2005. Seeking nominations for Salter Award The California Citrus Quality Council is seeking nominations for the industry’s most prestigious honor, the Albert G. Salter Memorial Award. The winner will be announced at the luncheon on the opening day of the Conference, October 10. The Salter Award is presented annually by CCQC to applaud an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of California citrus. This important award not only celebrates specific achievements but also salutes dedication and commitment, according to CCQC President Jim Cranney. Nominations must be received by CCQC by Wednesday, August 22. For details and nomination form, go to www.calcitrusquality.org. Register online at www.citrusresearch.org Sign up now for the lowest rate. For more information, call CRB at (559) 738-0246. Nordox® 30-30 WG High Performance Crop Protection Introducing NORDOX 30-30 WG, a new fungicide/ bactericide that provides long-lasting, effective protection. NORDOX 30-30 WG is the most concentrated copper-zinc granular available today, providing more disease control with less product. Grow with Brandt.co The proud sponsor of the #31 Chevrolet driven by NASCAR Nationwide Series championship contender, Justin Allgaier. n Unique retention and superior rainfastness n Easy to mix, dust-free formulation stays suspended n Low re-entry time (REI) n Less personal protection equipment needed Get an expert’s opinion. Talk to your crop consultant about NORDOX 30-30 WG today. Monterey AgResources P.O. Box 35000 Fresno, California 93745 559 499 2100 www.brandtmonterey.co At the Conference, you will hear from… Michael E. Rogers, Associate Professor of Entomology, University of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research & Education Center, Lake Alfred Success of the Citrus Health Management Area (CHMA) program in Florida ABSTRACT: Following the discovery of citrus greening disease in Florida in 2005, psyllid control has become the most important pest management consideration of Florida growers. Experience has shown that while it is relatively easy to kill psyllids using commercially available insecticides, actually gaining control of psyllid populations is much more difficult. This is due to the high mobility of the psyllid, coupled with the short residual activity provided by insecticides under field conditions. As a result, a recently sprayed grove may become recolonized in a matter of days as psyllids migrate in from surrounding unsprayed citrus groves. Also on the Conference program… Ed Stover, Research Horticulturist/Geneticist, United States Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, Florida Conventional and transgenic resistance/tolerance to huanglongbing in citrus ABSTRACT: Huanglongbing (HLB) is severely impacting Florida citrus and has been found in CA and TX. Citrus researchers are immersed in extensive and broad-ranging efforts to identify solutions to HLB. Previous research indicates susceptibility to HLB throughout cultivated citrus: in Florida, none are immune and many are extremely adversely affected. 16 Citrograph July/August 2012 In order to enhance psyllid control programs and subsequently reduce the rate of spread of greening disease, Citrus Health Management Areas (CHMAs) were established throughout the state. The goal of the CHMA program is to coordinate the timing of insecticide applications for psyllid control by all growers within a CHMA. Such coordinated efforts will reduce “psyllid swapping” between groves and potentially minimize the need for frequent reapplication of pesticides to maintain psyllids below detectable levels. A secondary goal of the CHMA program is to manage pesticide resistance development in psyllid populations. Thus, growers within a CHMA rotate (collectively) between pesticide modes of action from one coordinated spray to the next. The CHMA program was officially kicked off in 2010 with seven CHMAs formalized in areas of the state where grower interest was sufficient to attempt such a voluntary program. Based on the success achieved in these original CHMAs, grower interest and willingness to participate in the CHMA program increased dramatically. To date, there are 38 CHMAs encompassing 486,079 commercial grove acres in Florida. As grower participation in the CHMA program has increased, there has been a corresponding drop in psyllid populations statewide. Based on the results of the CHMA ACP Monitoring program which scouts 6,000 blocks of citrus every three weeks, psyllid populations statewide have declined nearly 70% over the last 12 months. Additional details on the function and success of the CHMA program in Florida will be discussed in this presentation. Numerous transgenic strategies are underway to develop HLB/psyllid resistance in established cultivars. Some show promise, and new ideas are added regularly. With HLB widespread in Florida, it is clear that not all cultivars are affected equally. HLB was assessed in commercial groves with high HLB-incidence: ‘Temple’ had the lowest HLB symptoms and Liberibacter (Las) titer, while ‘Murcott’ and ‘Minneola’ had the highest. The USDA Ft. Pierce farm is managed to reveal genotype HLB responses. Some current cultivars and conventional hybrid seedlings demonstrate resistance/tolerance, at least to strain(s) of Las present. Some have abundant foliage symptoms but full canopies and seemingly normal fruit set and size. For example, in a three-year replicated trial of ‘Triumph’(T), ‘Jackson’(J), ‘Flame’(F), and ‘Marsh’(M), all trees had HLB symptoms and similar Liberibacter titers. However, T&J maintained full canopies and had fruit with normal size, yield and quality, while F&M fruit were fewer and unacceptable. C. trifoliata is the best documented citrus resistance source, and its hybrids are being evaluated with some already showing near-commercial fruit quality. Useful resistance/tolerance to HLB is present in cultivated citrus and more distant relatives, while transgenic methods offer tremendous potential for greater resistance. All are being investigated by the USDA citrus breeding program and collaborators, as well as other researchers. Citrus trees sprayed with mineral oil show lower levels of transpiration - a sign of greater stress levels - when compared with trees treated with OROCIT. Mineral oil is known to induce stress in plants when applied as a foliar spray. In an attempt to quantify the level of stress induced, trials were conducted in which a single spray of mineral oil and OROCIT were applied to citrus trees. TRIAL 2 DR. D. UYS • A. MHLABA • M. MATTHEW • J. KOTZE | ORO AGRI SA (Pty) Ltd 120 39 % Stomatal conductance (a measure of transpiration) readings were taken using a Decagon SC-1 Leaf Porometer. 100 STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE ON CITRUS TREES AVERAGE OF 7 MEASUREMENT TIMES DR. D. UYS • A. MHLABA • M. MATTHEW • J. KOTZE | ORO AGRI SA (Pty) Ltd 160 32.3 % IMPROVEMENT OVER MINERAL OIL 26.3 % IMPROVEMENT OVER MINERAL OIL 29.6 % IMPROVEMENT OVER MINERAL OIL 120 80 80 60 40 20 OROCIT MINERAL OIL 99.7 71.7 2 quarts / acre 139.5 105.8 117.8 92.6 128.3 4 gallons / acre MINERAL OIL 3 quarts / acre OROCIT 2 gallons / acre MINERAL OIL 2 quarts / acre OROCIT OROCIT 0 1 gallon / acre 40 MINERAL OIL 0 1 quart / acre STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE | mmol/ m2s IMPROVEMENT OVER MINERAL OIL STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE | mmol/ m2s TRIAL 1 STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE ON CITRUS TREES AVERAGE OF 1 AND 4 DAA 98.8 2 gallons / acre Both transpiration and the exchange of CO2 for photosynthesis depend on the extent to which the leaf stomata open. A lower stomatal conductance, as was found with the mineral oil treatment, indicates that the stomata were less open and the leaves had less potential for photosynthesis compared with the OROCIT treatment. Higher transpiration levels resulting from the stomata being more open indicate that there was greater potential for photosynthesis in the trees treated with OROCIT than in those sprayed with mineral oil. CHECK WITH YOUR STATE REGULATORY AGENCY TO DETERMINE REGISTRATION STATUS ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR NEAREST QUALITY RETAILER COPYRIGHT © MAY 2012 ORO AGRI INC. • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED • OROCIT IS A PROPRIETARY TRADEMARK OF ORO AGRI INC. And in addition… Elizabeth A. (Liz) Baldwin, Supervisory Research Horticulturist, United States Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, Florida Comparing fruit samples from HLB diseased trees and healthy trees for chemical and sensory differences ABSTRACT: Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has been shown to result in citrus fruit and juice that is sour, bitter and generally off-flavored. Recent research with fresh squeezed and processed orange juice compared samples from HLB ENTOMOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC. Citrus and Subtropical Specialist Biologically Intensive Pest Management Experienced Entomologists 75+ combined years of Aphytis Success in the San Jaoquin Valley WWW.APHYTIS.COM [email protected] PO Box 3043 Visalia, CA 93278-3043 Phone: (559) 627-1153 Fax: (559) 635-4955 18 Citrograph July/August 2012 16120 Krameria Ave. Riverside, CA 92054 (951) 285-5437 diseased trees and healthy trees for chemical and sensory differences. These differences include lower sugars and higher levels of acids; phenolic compounds; an alkaloid; and limonoids, most notably the bitter compounds limonin and nomilin, which impart bitter or metallic off-flavors in HLB juice. Although levels of the bitter compounds, limonin and nomilin, were found to be below reported thresholds in water, our studies showed that their thresholds were lower (meaning they were more detectable) in combination and in orange juice. Furthermore, nomilin was associated with a metallic descriptor. As the disease has progressed throughout the state of Florida, growers have become more reluctant to pull out diseased trees. Many prefer too to use foliar nutritional sprays to compensate for the disease symptoms. These spray programs have worked to some extent in reversing tree symptoms and have now been adapted by much of the industry who either are resistant or cannot afford tree removal. Data so far does not support that nutritional sprays reverse fruit off-flavor symptoms. This being the situation, the concern is that not removing diseased trees will ultimately lead to nearly complete infection of Florida citrus. As more trees become infected, the industry juice blends will consequently contain more infected juice and less healthy juice and lead to flavor decline. CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE 2012 California Citrus Conference planning committee. Back row (l to r): MaryLou Polek, Don Roark, Dan Galbraith, Richard Bennett, Etienne Rabe, Chad Collin. Front row: Earl Rutz, Louise Fisher, Dan Dreyer, and Ted Batkin. At right: Justin Brown and Mary Lu Arpaia. Not shown: Jim Gorden, Beth Grafton-Cardwell, and Kevin Severns. The group is made up of CRB Board and committee members, CRB staff members, and representatives of UC Cooperative Extension. Others contributing to program content include UCCE citrus farm advisors and representatives of California Citrus Mutual. Post-conference event at Lindcove T he morning after the Conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on October 12, the University of California’s Lindcove Research and Extension Center will host members of the industry at a special open house complete with guided tours of major operations. Planned stops on the tour include citrus variety evaluation blocks, the Citrus Clonal Protection Program’s screen- house/greenhouse complex, and the Citrus Research Board Fruit Quality Evaluation Center research packline. Sign-ups will be taken at the Conference to give the Lindcove staff at least some idea of how many to expect. LREC is located in the foothills just northeast of Exeter about a 20-minute drive from Visalia. For background, go to http://ucanr.org/sites/Lindcove/. The UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center is situated on 175 acres nestled against the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This view toward the northwest shows a portion of the field station in the foreground with commercial citrus stretching out beyond. Photo courtesy of Beth Grafton-Cardwell. July/August 2012 Citrograph 19 CPDPP outreach engages all Californians F or years, California citrus growers have watched the devastation to citrus industries around the world at the hands of a tiny insect and the deadly disease it spreads, huanglongbing (HLB). While the discovery of the first Asian citrus pysllids in California rattled the nerves of growers, the same couldn’t be said about urban dwellers with backyard citrus. California residents love their backyard citrus but simply didn’t know about the threat presented by the Asian citrus psyllid, (ACP), and the deadly plant disease it brings with it. This realization taught us two important things: (1) the first line of defense against the psyllid and HLB would be fought in urban settings, and (2) we needed backyard citrus growers’ support in our fight to save California citrus. Thus, the campaign began Louise Fisher to create an environment of cooperation and support for combating ACP among homeowners in the Southern California region. Since the inception of the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Commit- tee in October 2009, the program (CPDPP) has developed and implemented strategies aimed at educating Californians about the issue, encouraging residents to inspect their trees and report finds of the pest, and creating an air of openness and cooperation regarding California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) treatment programs for the psyllid. These efforts are all designed to suppress the Asian citrus psyllid as much as possible to protect the state’s citrus growing regions. When HLB was discovered in a Southern California residential lemon-pummelo tree in March 2012, the industry’s extensive outreach switched into overdrive. An integrated plan was designed to hit audiences from all angles – through traditional media relations, broadcast placements on television and radio stations, participation in community events, elected official outreach, and involvement with nurseries. Crafting research-based messaging CPDPP communications specialist Lynn Sanderson giving out bookmarks at the 2011 L.A. County Fair. 20 Citrograph July/August 2012 While efforts have recently been intensified, the industry has been planning for the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB since 2008, when communications research was done to test knowledge levels and perceptions among Californians related to the Asian citrus psyllid. The responses revealed that CA residents are strongly attached to their backyard citrus trees, and the concept of losing those trees was unacceptable. The research resulted in the development of messages to solicit the desired behavior, i.e. encourage people to join the fight against the pest and disease. These messages are incorporated into all outreach materials, including fliers, presentations, news articles, public service announcements, and more. As the presence of the psyllid and disease fluctuates in California, so does the messaging. Adjustments to outreach materials are made constantly, so the messages reaching crucial audiences are up-to-date and will encourage the necessary steps to protect California citrus. Participating in community events California outreach timeline 2004 – (CRB initiated requests for scientific research.) 2005 – First ACP/HLB brochures developed by UCCE for growers. 2007 – Coordinated by a Statewide ACP/HLB Task Force, UCCE and others began developing print materials for the public. 2008 – CRB enlisted a public relations firm, Nuffer Smith Tucker (NST), to conduct public knowledge surveys and message testing. In cooperation with UCCE, new materials were developed to incorporate the findings. 2009 – CPDPC was created through legislation. 2010 – CPDPP Outreach Subcommittee was formed to oversee all manner of outreach related to ACP and HLB. To get the word out, CPDPP has participated in trade shows, home and garden shows, community events, farmers’ markets and similar venues, and provides presentations at service and garden clubs. We go where the people are and educate them on the dangers of the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB. We hand out fliers with photos to help homeowners recognize the pest, and we speak publicly about the issue. Through all of the outreach, the “call to action” is clear – go home, inspect your trees and call the CDFA hotline if you think you’ve found the psyllid. This “hyper local” outreach has allowed the program to penetrate key areas and engage in conversations with residents. Working with media in spreading the word Media has played a key role in CPDPP outreach, allowing a mass audience to be reached through targeted outreach to these gatekeepers. Previous English- and Spanish-language media tours – in which a combination of interviews with print reporters and television and radio interviews – resulted in extensive reporting on the issue. CPDPP now has strong relationships with media who provide ongoing coverage. When HLB was discovered, CPDPP swiftly organized an emergency media tour with the public relations agency Nuffer, Smith, Tucker (NST). Within a week, Ted Batkin, president of the Citrus Research Board, was whisked to newspapers and radio and television stations throughout Southern California to communicate the vigilance needed to stop the disease from spreading. The result was dozens of stories in Printed materials emphasize key messages. A QR code links to the CaliforniaCitrusThreat website. July/August 2012 Citrograph 21 key news outlets covering the discovery of HLB and offering tips for how homeowners can play their part in protecting California citrus. NST is currently planning two more media tours. Broadcast support To further reach California residents through the media, placements on television and radio stations have been secured through public service announcements (PSAs), pre-packaged news stories sent to radio outlets, and sponsored traffic spots. These information-rich pieces are aired often by targeted media, resulting in millions of California residents hearing our messages about inspecting their citrus trees for signs of the pest and disease and cooperating with agriculture officials on necessary treatments. To date, our radio and TV PSAs alone have generated more than 72 million impressions. Tom Shea conducts a seminar on ACP/HLB at the California Grown Show presented by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC). A research associate with UC Cooperative Extension in Riverside County, Shea assists in the CPDPP outreach program, working with gardening-related groups. Reaching an online audience through social media In 2008, websites in English and Spanish were created to communicate the complex issue to California residents and arm them with the necessary tools to protect their citrus. This online presence has continued to grow and is a gateway to relevant news, recent findings of the psyllid and HLB, and step-by-step instructions for how to save their citrus. There are downloadable resources in nearly a dozen languages as well as links to the CPDPP Facebook page, Twitter, YouTube videos, and the USDA Save Our Citrus smartphone app which Banners designed for display along highways have also been put to good use in other locations, including this wall near the entrance at the Imperial Valley Expo/California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta in March 2011. 22 Citrograph July/August 2012 All CPDPP outreach pushes residents to visit www. CaliforniaCitrusThreat. com for more information and photos to help them identify the pest and disease. There are downloadable resources in nearly a dozen languages as well as links to the CPDPP Facebook page, Twitter, YouTube videos, and the USDA-APHIS Save Our Citrus smartphone app which enables users to report signs of the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB directly to the USDA. Mark Olson, government relations specialist for the CPDPP outreach program, announcing the first HLB find in California at the Southern California Association of Governments annual conference in April 2012. More than 50 local elected officials from throughout the region listened to his presentation along with 300 conference attendees. enables users to report signs of the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB directly to USDA-Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). Tapping into elected officials CPDPP also reaches out to city governments and local elected officials throughout Southern California through city council meetings, oneon-one briefings, and other communication efforts. Residents look to their local officials as valuable sources of information, and we make sure these officials are informed about the Asian citrus psyllid and how constituents can protect their citrus. Our efforts have helped us get placement in local newspapers, have our public service announcements run on local television stations, and have even resulted in Asian citrus psyllid information being included in citywide mailings like water bills. The relationships we’ve built with elected officials also help with cooperation of CDFA treatment efforts and ensure residents are well educated on the importance of suppressing the Asian citrus psyllid through proper inspection and treatment. Commissioners’ offices, UC Master Gardeners, the Ventura County ACP/ HLB Task Force, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to create a cooperative environment on all levels and ensure our messages are reaching the right people. Nursery outreach and treatment promotion CPDPP is beginning work with nurseries, including the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) and the California Citrus Nursery Board (CCNB), on programs aimed at educating nursery staff about the Asian citrus psyllid and arming them with information to educate consumers. Providing support for training sessions and presentations, and making collateral materials available, are some of the ways CPDPP is working with nurseries. In addition, CPDPP is in dis- TOGETHER WE GROW Trust is a commodity that’s earned over time. As part of the Farm Credit System we’ve been here since 1916, lending money to farmers, ranchers, growers and co-operatives — all aspects of agribusiness. And we’re still growing strong, offering financial services that make sense for you and customer service that is second to none. Visit www.FarmCreditAlliance.com to learn more. Cohesive efforts While the CPDPP campaign is multifaceted, our efforts are strengthened by cooperation with other industry organizations as well as government entities. California Citrus Mutual (CCM) leads the charge for outreach to elected officials in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has been instrumental in developing print materials. The CDFA implements tactics aimed at homeowners, mainly in areas where treatments are occurring. These efforts include notifications sent directly to homeowners as well as public open houses. USDAAPHIS is also implementing outreach efforts via its “Save Our Citrus” campaign that includes public service announcements, interactive efforts and more. All parties communicate regularly via a joint information committee (JIC) to ensure consistency in messaging and to maximize all parties’ resources. Additionally, CPDPP has worked closely with various Farm Bureau offices, County Agricultural 800.909.5050 800.542.8072 800.800.4865 July/August 2012 Citrograph 23 cussion with manufacturers of home treatments for the Asian citrus psyllid to leverage their marketing efforts to support the suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB. End results CPDPP outreach efforts are paying off. The CDFA hotline for reporting Asian citrus psyllid finds has seen a steady increase in calls, and California homeowners have been eager to do their part in protecting citrus by inspecting their trees and cooperating with CDFA treatments. CPDPP will continue to work diligently to educate California residents on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing and to equip them with the information they need to take action and help protect our state’s vibrant citrus culture. Do you have feedback on CPDPP outreach efforts related to the Asian citrus psyllid? If so, we want to hear from you. Take our survey at www.CitrusSurvey.com. Louise Fisher is Director of Communications & Finance for the Citrus Research Board (CRB), coordinator of outreach for the CPDPP, and managing editor for Citrograph. She coordinates the ACP Joint Information Center (JIC) and is a member of the HLB JIC.l “Like” California Citrus Threat on Facebook. Facebook.com/CaliforniaCitrusThreat Follow @CitrusThreat on Twitter. Twitter.com/CitrusThreat THE ANSWER For the serious history buffs: 150 years ago, in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law three very important pieces of legislation that would have a profound and lasting impact on American agriculture. Do you know what they were? (Do You Know, page 5.) • An act to establish a Department of Agriculture set forth the USDA’s basic mission “to acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehensive sense of the word.” • The Homestead Act stimulated Western agriculture by offering qualified individuals 160 acres of public land for settlement and cultivation. • The Morrill Land Grant College Act provided public lands in U.S. states and territories for the establishment of colleges specializing in agricultural research and instruction. Among the schools created was the University of California. 24 Citrograph July/August 2012 Meet the faces of Dandy®citrus. For 85 years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been providing farm fresh fruits and vegetables to businesses and consumers. Our commitment to quality and availability holds true today now more than ever, as we aim to provide our customers with a year-round supply of the most sought after citrus products. With a trusted network of growers, both domestic and international, Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides a consistent and high quality citrus supply all year long. Phone 559-627-1337 Fax 559-627-3665 www.DudaFresh.com JOIN OUR COMMUNITY. Dandy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables @Dandy_Fresh dudafreshproduce July/August 2012 Citrograph 25 Life after the CRB-funded research project MaryLou Polek and Brian Taylor E ach issue of Citrograph features reports by the principal investigators of CRB-funded research projects. You certainly have wondered, what happens to the products of this research? This article describes how some of these projects move forward and their products reach you, the grower. In the March/April 2012 issue, Cristina Davis’ group at the University of California, Davis reported on their progress in an article titled, “Reagentless detection of citrus pathogens using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS)” (pages 54-56). This technology uses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a means to detect the presence of pathogens within a plant. The hope is that these pathogens can be detected before symptoms appear that are visible to the human eye. This research group has identified unique chemical signatures for huanglongbing (HLB) and tristeza that are detected by a relatively small piece of equipment called a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) (Figure 1). Ted Batkin also addressed this technology in his editorial in the May/June 2012 issue (page 4). Readers must be cautioned that although this is promising technology, it is still in the validation phase. Should a sample be found suspect using this testing method, repeated testing must be performed in order to confirm the result. Furthermore, before commercializing this methodology, it must be thoroughly vetted by the scientific community. This is fine in a controlled laboratory situation, but what about in the real world, in your grove? Does this technology really work? Well, with the assistance of CRB and CDFA staff, Alexander Aksenov, a development engineer in the Davis lab, took the equipment to the street. Ideal location for field-testing As you know, HLB-associated bacteria were detected in a tree in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles County. CDFA has been visually inspecting citrus trees and collecting psyllids and plant tissue from trees adjacent to that detection site -- (the positive tree has been removed) -- and luckily, no psyllids or plants have tested positive since. What a perfect location to test this device! In addition, another researcher from the University of California, Davis, Carolyn Slupsky, was funded last October for a project titled, “Biomarkers for detection of Liberibacter infection in Valencia orange trees through H-NMRbased metabolomics of leaves and woody tissues”. Her report will be published in a future issue of Citrograph, but she believes she has identified metabolites that are unique to trees infected with HLB-associated bacteria. So, the plan was for CRB’s Brian Taylor to coordinate with Tina Galindo of CDFA to select appropriate residential sites for Alex Aksenov, UCD, to test the DMS equipment. At the same time, plant tissue would be collected and brought back to the CRB Jerry Dimitman Laboratory for two purposes: one, the tissue would be tested by lab personnel by the standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method for HLB-associated Liberibacter. The second purpose would be to process the tissue by lyophilization (freeze-drying) and send it to the Slupsky lab in Davis. I am happy to report that the PCR results from the Jerry Dimitman lab were negative. At the time this issue went to press, we had not yet received the data analysis from the Davis and Slupsky laboratories. CRB technology transfer John Morgan, CRB laboratory technician, operating the lyophilizer equipment that will freeze/dry plant tissue samples This method preserves the tissue so that it can be sent to other laboratories and analyzed at a later time. 26 Citrograph July/August 2012 Many growers see the faces of CRB staff at various meetings but may not realize the roles and responsibilities of staff behind the scenes. The Citrus Research Board doesn’t just fund research projects; often, staff members actively take part in the technology transfer of project products. This means staff participates in making research results usable, including the field validation of technology and methods and adjusting an assay method so it is usable by laboratories. As the Asian citrus psyllid continues to move throughout Southern California, we hope that technology such as the advances mentioned in this article will detect infected trees long before HLB symptoms appear. In this way, only tens of trees will require removal instead of hundreds. As it stands today, the Davis lab’s work with VOCs is still experimental. Although the goal of the research is the early detection of HLB, if a tree were to come back suspect using this method, no regulatory action could result without the substantiation by the currently approved method. Detection of HLB-associated bacteria that would result in mandated tree removal is PCR followed by sequencing the PCR products. Then, confirmation must be made by the USDA Diagnostic Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. During this next year, two important activities will occur concurrently: Drs. Davis and Aksenov will continue to refine the VOC signatures and sensing probes, and a company – Applied Nanotechnologies – will reduce the overall size of the equipment and prepare the design for manufacturing. A usable product will be in the hands of growers within the next few years. Dr. MaryLou Polek is Vice President of Science and Technology for the Citrus Research Board which includes providing oversight for all research projects funded. Among other professional duties, she is the Chief Science Editor for Citrograph. Brian Taylor, Field Operations Director for the CRB, joined the program in 2009 with more than 30 years’ experience in the detection and eradication of exotic pests. Kavitha Madishetty, CRB laboratory biologist, preparing a plate of samples for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis. The process of loading the PCR plate must be done under a laminar flow hood. This hood is designed so that air within the hood has been purified, thereby preventing contamination of the samples. While in the process of moving knowledge to the field… ‘‘I was asked to help coordinate with the researchers working on the EZKnows VOC system and CDFA to test trees in the Hacienda Heights area of Los Angeles for HLB. An EZKnows prototype had been tested on Hamlin oranges in Florida with very encouraging results, and now the researchers wanted to test the machine on California-raised varieties and under California conditions. After numerous calls to Cristina Davis’ lab and CDFA, dates were set for the testing. I looked forward to the opportunity to observe and help in finding a quicker and earlier detection technique for HLB. “A good researcher not only needs to recognize the problem and come up with a possible solution, but they must also be able to execute that solution so that it is practical and affordable. The use of VOCs is not new. Dogs have been used for centuries to detect things for humans (and yes, there are even dogs being trained to detect HLB); however, dogs have limitations that machines do not. Using VOCs at airports to test for explosives is now routine. So the Davis lab hopes that they have come up with a way to test trees for HLB by analyzing the Brian Taylor tree’s VOCs. “There are sometimes many steps involved in solving some problems, as I appreciated once again in working with Dr. Aksenov. Equipment must be designed to collect (Left) Dr. Alexander Aksenov working with the entire setup of the DMS equipment. (Above) Differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) prototype equipment used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Los Angeles area. July/August 2012 Citrograph 27 the VOC sample and then an analysis made to determine the VOC signature of a healthy tree versus an HLB-infected tree. Will the signatures be the same if the samples are brought into the laboratory or sampled in the field? “Some of the variables that must be analyzed include not only the biological characteristics of the tree (will the signature of an orange be the same as a lemon?), age, production cycle; environmental characteristics (climate, humidity, temperature, time of day); and also the overall health of the tree (stress, insect pests, etc). “The Cristina Davis lab recognized that there was a difference in the signature of a healthy Florida orange and an orange from a known infected tree. The question was how to move that knowledge to the field and make it useful Sonya Segura, left, and Lydia Rodriquez, members of CDFA’s ACP/HLB survey crew, assisted “Taking a laboratory full with contacting homeowners and arranging for sites to test the technology. of instrumentation and ‘compacting’ it was the first challenge. Davis’ lab has succeeded and run extension cords. in reducing the equipment package to a small suitcase and “On the agreed-upon day, I met up with Dr. Aksenov a laptop computer. They hope to reduce it even further and and CDFA Inspectors Lydia Rodriquez and Sonia Segura. make it truly portable. Lydia and Sonia had already made contact with homeown“In Florida, the testing was done in a commercial grove ers in the area and located Valencia orange trees for Dr. and the equipment placed on the back of an ATV and run Aksenov to test. While Alex and I were busy setting up the from batteries. Whereas this may be an efficient method in equipment, Lydia and Sonia conducted a visual survey for a commercial grove, it is not very useful in someone’s back- ACP and HLB symptoms. No ACP were found, as the area yard. Dr. Aksenov needed a platform for the equipment to had recently been treated as part of the HLB eradication be placed on and a dolly for the batteries. The final set-up program. 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By protecting American agriculture, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its agriculture detector dogs build on this partnership between humans and dogs. We all know that dogs can pick up on odors in amounts far lower than humans can. The ability to discriminate and target a specific odor, such as that of an orange or even a live snail, makes dogs an invaluable tool in detecting prohibited agricultural items hidden from view. When it comes to finding prohibited fruit, vegetables, plants and meat products from high-risk countries, the nose knows. A trained agriculture dog can scan a piece of luggage for smuggled or forgotten fruits in mere seconds. Understandably, it takes a human officer much longer to open and visually inspect the same bag. Canine program launched in 1984 In 1984, a little more than 100 years after beagles first landed in America from England, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established its detector dog program at Los Angeles International Airport with one beagle trained to sniff out plants and animal products in luggage and carry-on items arriving on international flights. By 1995, the program had grown to 30 canine teams as part of the “Beagle Brigade” at 19 international airports throughout the nation. Beagles and beagle mixes are the preferred breed of dog at the airport because of their keen sense of smell, non-threating size, high food drive and gentle disposition with the public. In 2000, USDA starting using larger dogs outside the passenger environment by employing Labradors, with the launch of the “border brigade” on the Mexican and Canadian borders and “cargo brigade” in cargo facilities and at seaports. In 2003, when USDA transferred all the agricultural inspectors, including canines, to CBP, approximately 75 canine teams came over to the new agency. Today, over 100 CBP agriculture canine teams provide inspections at border crossings, international cargo warehouses, international air passenger terminals, cruise terminal and international mail facilities and preclearance locations. The effectiveness of the canine program has certainly grown in California, too. We have over 20 agriculture canine teams on duty, preventing the movement of harmful pests including “Salty” gets closer for a better sniff while waiting air passengers look on at San Francisco International Airport. 30 Citrograph July/August 2012 fruit fly-infested fruit and Asian citrus psyllid host plant material. The use of agriculture canines has proven to be one of the best tools in the fight against the detection and spread of invasive species worldwide. One such example involves brown tree snakes that have infested the island of Guam, causing the extinction of several native species of birds. To protect the rare flora and fauna in Hawaii, it is important to avoid accidentally introducing this destructive pest into the environment. The USDA Animal Damage Control Program uses terriers that are trained to sniff for brown tree snakes in aircraft, vehicles, household goods, and ships leaving Guam for snake-free areas like Hawaii, the Mariana Islands and Saipan. Rescued dogs and donated dogs “Floyd” educates the crowd at the 2012 Ag Day at the Capitol. Photo by Ei Katsumata. All the sniffer dogs in the CBP Agriculture Canine Program are adopted from rescue shelters in the U.S. or come to the program from private donations. Before the selected beagles or Labs can start their specialized work, they have to go to school. At first, USDA worked with the military at Lackland Record-breaking career ends for San Francisco CBP canine Souza. Jasmine is a pathway for psyllids, which can carry Duffy has hung up his work vest and retired. During his nearly six years at San Francisco Interna- citrus greening disease. De Souza attributes Duffy’s success to his high food tional Airport as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture detector dog, the 8-year-old beagle set the port drive, a common trait for beagles. The handlers reward record for the highest number of finds -- more than 14,000 their canine partners with a treat after every find. “Duffy wanted that treat more than anything,” said De Souza. -- that led to the seizure of prohibited agriculture items. Duffy retired in early June and will spend his leisure Together, CBP Agriculture Specialist Canine Handler Peter De Souza and Duffy worked more than 4,500 arriving years as De Souza’s pet. Agriculture detector flights. Duffy sniffed more dogs live in CBP kenthan 4 million pieces of lugnels during their working gage, rooting out a record years and receive ample number of potentially harmplay and socialization ful animal or plant agricultime. The food aromas tural products. of a home environment One of Duffy’s most could be confusing to the surprising finds: two giant dogs and could interfere African snails. These snails with their work skills. Incan destroy a variety of deed, during his first days plants, including food crops. of retirement, De Souza The snails also may carry a said that Duffy would go parasite that can infect huto the garbage can and sit, mans with meningitis. “And the CBP canine method we don’t even train the of alerting to a find. dogs to find snails,” said De But in just a week, Souza. Although Duffy and Duffy seemed to learn his fellow working canines that he’s no longer on do not train on snails, they the job. He has learned develop a scent picture that to relax and enjoy his reprompted Duffy to alert tirement, even passing an his handler that there was apple lying on the ground something in the bag that he without giving it particushould definitely check out. lar notice. Duffy made many sigDe Souza is now trainnificant finds of Asian citrus ing with his next CBP capsyllids, fruit flies and their nine partner to continue host materials. “One time his agriculture inspections he pulled me the length at San Francisco’s airport, of two baggage carousels hoping that the new dog -- about 500 feet -- because will follow successfully in he smelled a jasmine lei in a CBP Agriculture Specialist Canine Handler Peter De Souza Duffy’s paw prints. woman’s handbag,” said De and Duffy on the job at San Francisco International Airport. July/August 2012 Citrograph 31 Air Force Base in Texas to train the beagle teams. In 1987, USDA opened three canine training centers and began training their own teams. As the program grew and training needs changed, one facility, the National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC) was opened in Orlando, Fla., in 1997. As the program expanded, a new facility was created in 2009 for NDDTC near Atlanta, Ga. That facility incorporates environmentally conscious features in accord with the Leadership in Energy Environmental Design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. All CBP agriculture canine officers and canines complete the initial 10-13 week Agriculture Specialist Canine Training at the NDDTC. Training and evaluation continues at the team’s home port to maintain proficiency. The beagles are trained to alert passively -- to sit quietly to indicate the presence of an agricultural product. Labs work in a more intense environment alongside a cargo truck or in a noisy mail facility. They are trained to give an active response by pawing to indicate found contraband. Regardless of the behavioral response, food and positive praise from their own handler is the reward that increases the intensity and duration of their search time. CBP agriculture canine team on the southern border checks a vehicle for contraband food items. Labradors are used in more extreme conditions such as cargo truck and passenger vehicle. Beagles and beagle mixes are the preferred breed of dog at the airport because of their small size and gentle nature with the public. Interaction increases their effectiveness Because the canines employed by CBP are actual working dogs, they are highly visible at many locations. The dog and handler team’s daily interaction with international travelers and shippers as they search for prohibited agricultural products only serves to increase their effectiveness. Agriculture canine teams have given thousands of demonstrations to audiences of all ages. At schools, media interviews, fairs or other events, the agriculture detector dog teams are always ready to steal the show, greeting the public with happy faces and wagging tails. The Beagle Brigade has been recognized twice by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as airport ambassadors for providing outstanding customer service. The Pedigree All Star Hall of Fame inducted the Beagle Brigade into the National Dog Museum in St. Louis, Mo., as the outstanding 32 Citrograph July/August 2012 “Tino” can quickly scan luggage for smuggled or forgotten agricultural items, which could harbor pests and diseases harmful to California agriculture. service program in 1993. Several organizations have recognized the Beagle Brigade for its work rescuing dogs and giving them a second chance. The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, Dateline NBC, Telemundo network, and the Christian Science Monitor, among countless other local and national media outlets, have produced stories featuring the Beagle Brigade. In addition to their important detection work, agriculture canine teams make the public aware of the important role that agriculture plays in CBP’s overall mission and in the U.S. economy. The agriculture detector dog program’s special role in protecting American agriculture and its public appeal makes it an ideal program for public outreach activities, with dogs that perform a service rather than serve as mascots. Robin Wall began her agriculture career as a scientific aide in Sacramento with the California Department of Food and Agriculture Biological Control Program, then becoming a biologist with the CDFA Nursery, Seed and Cotton Program, where she participated in various emergency projects, including glassy-winged sharpshooter. She began her federal career as a plant protection and quarantine officer with USDA at the port of Oakland in 2002, since progressing to CBP supervisory agriculture specialist. Wall originated the position of California agriculture liaison in 2010. All photos courtesy of CBP Office of Public Affairs. l CRB Funded Research Reports Research Project Progress Report Avoiding economic losses in California citrus from Citrus tristeza virus stem pitting Svetlana Folimonova C itrus tristeza virus (CTV) causes two citrus diseases which have had a major impact on global citrus production: quick decline on sour orange rootstock, and stem pitting (SP) regardless of rootstock. The first disease is effectively managed in California with the use of resistant and/or tolerant rootstocks in combination with the removal of inoculum (Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency-CCTEA). However, the introduction of SP CTV variants from outside sources or the emergence of variants from unrecognized existing infections is an ongoing threat to the California citrus industry. There are multiple examples of inadvertent introduction of SP CTV variants into many citrus-producing countries due to the international movement of citrus varieties despite established quarantine practices. The California detection in 2000 of exotic severe SP CTV in mandarin plantings which originated from illegal budwood imports (M. Polek and R. Yokomi, personal communication), and the discovery of CTV SP VT isolates in commercial citrus in Florida demonstrate this ongoing threat. CTV isolates with a strong SP phenotype may also spread from potential internal “masked” foci of infection, such as infected SP-tolerant varieties (i.e. mandarins and Satsumas) and induce severe SP disease in more susceptible cultivars. Such isolates were identified during the multiyear Citrus Research Board (CRB)-supported project that identified and bio-characterized naturally occurring San Joaquin Valley (SJV) California CTV isolates conducted by Polek and others. They found that some isolates collected from known infected but asymptomatic trees induced severe SP symptoms in a standard bio-indexing procedure. In addition, the probability that such foci will remain undetected and allowed to exist for prolonged periods has increased considerably for the SJV since the CCTEA recently changed their suppression approach from the removal of all CTV-infected trees to the selected tree removal based on Fig. 1. With severe strains of CTV causing stem pitting, trunks may be so severely impacted that they have a ropey appearance (left). At right, stem pitting (SP) symptoms in greenhouse Mexican lime seedlings that were (or had been?) inoculated with CTV. Peeling away the bark reveals depressions or pits in the wood ranging in severity; SP-0 is a healthy (not inoculated) stem whereas SP-5 is severely pitted. The pits can be so deep that it is almost impossible to peel the bark off. Trunk photo by MaryLou Polek. Seedlings photo by Cindy Wallen, CCTEA. July/August 2012 Citrograph 33 serological and molecular methods. The impact of SP on citrus production has been clearly documented in many different countries. This disease severely affects limes, grapefruit, and sweet orange and results in reduced tree growth and vigor as well as in reduced fruit size and quality, which are highly important economic concerns, especially for fresh fruit market industries such as in California. (See Figures 1 and 2 for illustrations of the impact of SP CTV.) At present, the only means of protecting commercial citrus varieties from losses due to SP is cross protection with appropriate mild CTV isolates. In some cases, earlier attempts to use this approach had controversial results. Fig. 2. At left, a grapefruit tree affected by stem pitting. At right, fruit from a For example, selection of mild protecting normally growing grapefruit tree (far left row) versus fruit from a tree infected isolates has enabled the efficient control with stem pitting. Photos by Stephen M. Garnsey. of SP disease of sweet oranges and limes in Brazil and Peru advanced our understanding of how CTV cross protection and grapefruit in Australia and South Africa. However, simi- works. We constructed a green fluorescent protein (GFP)lar mild-strain protection approaches had minimal or no success in other regions or with other varieties as reported by tagged CTV based on an isolate of the T36 strain. (T36 is Ieki and Yamaguchi, Muller et al (1988), and Broadbent et al a severe strain of CTV identified in Florida.) The GFP(1991). Often, mild CTV isolates failed to protect or provid- tagged CTV construct allows visualization of the virus in ed only limited short-term protection against severe disease. infected citrus trees (Figure 3). Using this system, we found that only isolates within the same virus strain group crossprotect against each other, while isolates from different Cross protection mechanism poorly understood The mechanism as to why some mild isolates were ef- strains do not. Figure 4 illustrates the results of the experiment in which fective and others failed to protect is poorly understood and thus poses challenges in using this approach to control citrus trees were initially pre-infected with isolates of differSP. The purpose of our research project is to elucidate the ent CTV strains and then challenged with the GFP-tagged mechanism of cross protection so that it can be successfully T36 CTV. Only isolates of the T36 strain were able to provide protection against GFP-tagged T36 CTV. Lack of green implemented as a management tool in commercial citrus. For a number of years, elucidation of the mechanism of fluorescence on the right bottom panel indicates lack of the CTV cross protection has been an important component challenge virus infection in those trees. All other isolates of the research program in the laboratories of Drs. William that represented other CTV strains did not protect against O. Dawson and Svetlana Folimonova at the University of T36-based challenge virus. The trees pre-infected with isoFlorida. Recently, considerable progress has significantly lates from those strains showed strong green fluorescence, Fig. 3. Bark of a citrus tree infected with GFPtagged CTV shows green fluorescence in cells that contain virus. The picture was taken using a fluorescence microscope. 34 Citrograph July/August 2012 Fig. 4. Detection of GFP fluorescence on the internal surface of bark of citrus trees challenge-inoculated with GFP-tagged T36 CTV. Only isolates of T36 strain were able to provide protection against the challenge virus. which confirmed infection with the challenge GFP-T36 virus (Figure 4). The findings that only isolates within the same strain protect against each other were also confirmed for different combinations of protector and challenge CTV isolates using various assay techniques. Citrus Crop Insurance ‘We now know the basic rule’ As a result, now we know the basic rule of CTV cross protection: mild isolates of a strain can only protect against a severe isolate of the same strain. This understanding gives us the ability to effectively select mild CTV that protects against severe CTV in a given area. Considering the high probability of the introduction of aggressive exotic isolates and of the pre-existence of unrecognized sources of CTV SP variants within California, the goal of our project that is being funded by the California Citrus Research Board is to develop the reagents necessary to avoid severe crop losses due to CTV SP in California and to have these reagents in place at the first indication of an emerging SP epidemic. At the CTV Workshop (Emeryville CA, August 12-14, 2008), it was noted that the development of a mild strain cross protection program or procedure requires years, and a prudent approach is to develop the basic tools and strategies in advance before the disease appears in the field. The design of this project is based on collaboration between Dr. Georgios Vidalakis (Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at the University of California, Riverside, CA), Dr. Svetlana Folimonova (Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL) and Dr. Raymond Yokomi (USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA). This approach strives to combine and maximize the expertise and knowledge of these labs in order to provide comprehensive knowledge of the genetic and biological diversity of CTV isolates in California, with the goal being to identify and put in place mild isolates of the virus that can provide sustained protection against severe SP isolates. The project has three main objectives. The first objective is to assess the pathogenic potential of CTV isolates collected from the main citrus growing areas in California and from existing collections of CTV isolates at the CCPP and CCTEA, which is being done in the Vidalakis lab. Since no eradication program was ever implemented in Southern California, the genetic and symptom diversity of CTV is expected to be higher than that in the SJV. Material is being collected from highly symptomatic and nonsymptomatic trees. Presence of CTV in those trees is verified by ELISA with CTV-specific antibody. Non-symptomatic trees in which CTV is detected represent a particular interest, since such trees may contain desirable mild CTV isolates that could be used to cross-protect against severe SP isolates belonging to the same strain group. Budwood collected from CTV-infected trees is further evaluated by grafting into citrus seedlings of different varieties for biological characterization, and symptom development is assessed over a period of 6-12 months. Isolates that do not cause SP, especially in varieties that are of most interest for California growers, are characterized to determine their genetic background, i.e. to identify which strain Specialist in Citrus Ag Insurance Management Call us today for a review of your current Crop Insurance Program at no cost. Call David, Bill or Rob 559-594-5500 www.Nielseninsurance.net follow us on Twitter @nielsenins Crop Insurance Provided By: 502-A North Kaweah (Hwy 65) Exeter CA 93221 Lic # 0705090 nielsen & associates insurance is an equal opportunity provider July/August 2012 Citrograph 35 group of CTV they represent. The second objective is to molecularly characterize selected severe SP and mild non-SP field isolates to identify potential mild candidates to cross-protect against the SP CTV. For this purpose, total nucleic acids are extracted from infected tissue and sent to Folimonova’s lab for molecular characterization using CTV genotype (strain)-specific molecular markers designed in Folimonova’s lab and in the lab of Dr. Mark Hilf, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL. Several mild candidates identified As a result of our efforts, we have already characterized the genotype composition of a large number of California CTV isolates and identified several potential mild candidates that could be used for protection against aggressive SP isolates. Our next step (the third objective) is to test the potential of these mild field isolate candidates in greenhouse cross protection trials, which is being done in collaboration with Dr. Yokomi. The main question is how to choose protecting and challenging isolates for the trials. We are selecting sets of isolates that would be used as protecting and challenging isolates based on our understanding of the CTV cross-protection mechanism, as determined from the basic research conducted in Dr. Folimonova’s lab and information from biological and molecular characterization of isolates. Key Terms Quick decline occurs in sweet orange varieties grafted onto sour orange rootstock when infected by certain strains of CTV. The virus induces a graft incompatibility between the rootstock and scion, causing the vascular tissues to die off. Water cannot move up into the canopy, and carbohydrates cannot move down into the roots. Trees rapidly die when put under heat and water stress. Sour orange rootstock has many advantages: trees are highly productive even in poor soils; it is tolerant to Phytophthora root rot and most grafttransmissible pathogens; and, it is compatible with most scion varieties. Stem pitting symptoms begin with an interruption of meristematic activity of the cambial layer between the bark and the wood. Where the cambium is inactive, depressions or pits form. The greater the inactivity, the larger or more frequent the pits. Cross protection occurs when a mild strain of a pathogen prevents the expression of disease symptoms by a subsequent, more severe pathogen. Also known as preimmunization. Genotype: The genes or molecular sequence of an organism. Phenotype: The expression of genes giving an organism its appearance; what it looks like. 36 Citrograph July/August 2012 The basic rule for the selection of protecting isolate/ challenging isolate sets is that both isolates in a trial set need to have similar genotype composition. Initial in-greenhouse cross protection trials have already been set up at the USDA-ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center in Parlier. The results of those trials will be evaluated during the current year. Protective mild isolates identified during this project will be available for growers to use in California. Dr. Svetlana Folimonova is an Assistant Plant Pathologist with the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred. Dr. Folimonova’s research centers on viral and bacterial diseases of citrus, in particular diseases caused by Citrus tristeza virus and by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (huanglongbing). Her efforts are focused on understanding the mechanisms of the infection process, host responses to the pathogens, improving methods of detection, and developing management strategies for these diseases. CRB research project reference number 5300-147. References Bederski K, Roistacher CN, and Muller GW (2005). Cross protection against the severe Citrus tristeza virus. Stem pitting in Peru. In Proc. 16th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Hilf ME, Duran-Vila N, and Rocha-Pena MA eds, pp.117-126, Riverside, CA. Broadbent P, Bevington, KB, and Coote, BG (1991). Control of stem pitting of grapefruit in Australia by mild strain cross protection. In Proc. 11th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Brlansky RH, Lee RF, and Timmer LW eds, pp64-70. Riverside, CA. Costa AS and Muller GW (1980). Tristeza control by cross protection: a US-Brazil cooperative success. Plant Dis. 64:538-541. Cox JE, Fraser LR, and Broadbent P (1976). Grapefruit stem pitting - field protection by mild strains. InProc. 7th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol.,Calavan EC, ed., pp.68-70, Riverside, CA. Folimonov AS, Folimonova SY, Bar-Joseph M, and Dawson, WO (2007). A stable RNA virus-based vector for citrus trees. Virology 368: 205-216. Folimonova SY, Folimonov AS, Tatineni S, and Dawson WO (2008). Citrus tristeza virus: survival at the edge of the movement continuum. Journal of Virology 82: 6546-6556. Folimonova SY, Robertson CJ, Shilts T, Folimonov AS, Hilf ME, Garnsey SM, and Dawson WO (2010). Infection with strains of Citrus tristeza virus does not exclude superinfection by other strains of the virus. Journal of Virology 84:1314-1325. Hilf ME, Mavrodieva VA, and Garnsey SM (2005) Genetic marker analysis of a global collection of isolates of Citrus tristeza virus: characterization and distribution of CTV genotypes and association with symptoms. Phytopathology 95:909-917. Ieki H and Yamaguchi A (1988) Protective interference of mild strains of Citrus tristeza virus against a severe strain in Morita Navel orange. In Proc. 10th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Timmer LW, Garnsey SM, and Navarro L, eds, pp.8690, Riverside, CA. Moreno P, Ambros S, Albiack-Marti MR, Guerri J, and Pena L (2008). Citrus tristeza virus: a pathogen that changed the course of the citrus industry. Mol. Plant Pathol. 9:251-268. Muller GW, Costa AS, Castro JL, and Guirado N (1998). Results from preimmunization tests to control the Capao Bonito strain of tristeza. In Proc. 10th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Timmer LW, Garnsey SM, and Navarro L, eds, pp.8285, Riverside, CA. Polek M, Gumpf DJ, Wallen CM, and Riley KM (2005). Biological characterization of naturally occurring Citrus tristeza virus strains in California citrus. In Proc. 16th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Hilf ME, Duran-Vila N, and RochaPena MA eds, pp. 68-74, Riverside, CA. Roistacher CN and Dodds JA (1993) Failure of 100 mild Citrus tristeza virus isolates from California to cross protect against a challenge by severe sweet orange stem pitting isolates. In Proc. 12th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Moreno P, da Graca J, and Timmer LW, eds, pp.100-107. Riverside, CA. Roistacher CN and Moreno P (1991). The worldwide threat from destructive isolates of citrus tristeza virus. In Proc. 8th Conf. Int. Org. Citrus Virol. Calavan EC, Garnsey SM and Timmer LW, eds, pp.76-82, Riverside, CA. Sieburth PJ and Nolan KG (2005). Survey of stem pitting Citrus tristeza virus in commercial citrus groves in Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 118: 40-42. Van Vuuren SP, Collins RP, and da Graca JV (1993). Evaluation of Citrus tristeza virus isolates for cross protection of grapefruit in South Africa. Plant Dis. 77, 24-28. l . See Results in Citrus! 6 Month Growth Trial Control With MycoApply® DISTRIBUTED BY Soil & Crop 34284-B Road 196 Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 564-3805 Tulare Ag Products, Inc. 3233 South “I” Street Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-5115 New Era Farm Service 2904 E. Oakdale Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 686-3833 July/August 2012 Citrograph 37 CRB Funded Research Reports Research Project Final Report Unlocking the secrets of cross protection to control severe strains of the same virus Raymond Yokomi, Maria Saponari and Harsha Doddapaneni C ross protection is defined as the inoculation of a host plant with a mild strain of a virus to protect the plant against a more severe strain or strains of the same virus. Naturally occurring mild virus strains have been use to control severe strains of tobacco mosaic virus, papaya ringspot virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus, and stem pitting strains of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). For CTV, most mild strains selected empirically have failed in cross protection tests against severe strains. Typically, cross-protective strains have been obtained from vigorous plants surviving an epidemic associated with a severe strain of CTV. Recent cross protection studies in Florida have shown that CTV strain exclusion was genotype-dependent, namely, that exclusion occurred among CTV strains of the same genotype but not between those of different genotypes. Therefore, a new paradigm of CTV cross protection is to find a mild strain of a virulent genotype. Cross protection has also been achieved by incorporation of a portion of the virus genome in transgenic plants, such as papaya and plums. However, the actual mechanism of cross protection remains largely unknown. Furthermore, cross protection can break down, typically due to the introduction of a new strain or to the inability of the protective strain to withstand strong challenge pressure. To use cross protection as a control strategy for CTV, it is important to understand how it works so safeguards can be implemented, if possible, to guard against premature breakdown, or lack of stability. Several severe CTV strains have been found in California. Early Meyer lemon trees were propagated from budwood infected with a severe “Meyer lemon strain” of CTV. A statewide survey was conducted from 1955 to 1963, and all CTV-positive Meyer lemon trees were eradicated. Subsequently, trees were produced from a clean source provided by the University of California’s Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP) known as -Improved Meyer Lemon-. A highly virulent form of CTV was found in citrus plantings in the Agricultural Operations (Ag Ops) fields at the University of California at Riverside in the early 1970s. Trees infected with this strain, known as SY568, are thought to have remained symptomless in early citrus plantings Fig. 1. Symptoms after 12 months in sour orange seedlings graft-inoculated with the parental isolate mixture, or with aphid transmitted (AT) strains obtained from the Dekopon field isolate. Sour orange inoculated with the VT and T3 genotype AT strains showed strong seedling yellows (SY) symptoms, while those inoculated with the NS genotype AT strain showed only mild stunting and slight SY. Healthy control plants (not shown) grew vigorously like those inoculated with the parental Dekopon isolate. Parental T3 sub-strain VT sub-strain NS sub-strain 38 Citrograph July/August 2012 Figure 1. Symptoms after 12 months in sour orange seedlings graft-inoculated with the parental isolate (propagated with budwood?) imported from abroad in a CTV-tolerant variety not readily fed upon by aphids. This CTV strain remained unnoticed until it was aphid-vectored to susceptible varieties, such as sweet orange and grapefruit, which developed symptoms. Another severe CTV strain was found in an Orange Cove orchard by the Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency (CCTEA) in the mid 1990s. The orchard had been illegally topworked with Dekopon mandarin budwood from Japan which was infected with a severe strain of CTV. Mandarins are tolerant to CTV and often remain symptomless even when infected with a severe strain of CTV. Fortunately, in this case, the severe strain was detected and removed before being spread to surrounding commercial citrus. This brief history is presented as a reminder of how a severe strain can be introduced and spread by indigenous aphids such as the cotton and melon aphid, which are both widespread in California. Furthermore, establishment of the brown citrus aphid, the most efficient CTV vector, would accelerate CTV spread as experienced wherever this aphid occurs. Major advances in understanding CTV genome Table 1. Cross protection of sour orange and Duncan grapefruit seedlings inoculated with parental Dekopon Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolate and three aphid-transmitted (AT) strains from the Dekopon field isolate. Data shows seedling yellows (SY), stem pitting (SP), and viral titer of the each isolate or strain per host variety. Sour orange1 Duncan Grapefruit1 Virus titer2 Virus titer2 RT-PCR Ct RT-PCR Ct Symptoms3 Symptoms4 0 to 5 VT & T3 AT NS AT 0 to 5 VT & T3 AT NS AT strains strain strains strain CTV strains and sequence of inoculation DK parental isolate 0SY 21.7 23.2 0SY;1 SP 22.5 22.9 T3, VT & NS AT strains at same time 1SY 23.2 23.5 4SY 23.2 23.5 T3 AT strain followed one month later by the VT & T3 AT strains 3.5SY 23.7 23.6 4SY 28.9 28.5 VT & T3 AT strains simultaneously followed one month later by the NS AT strain. 5SY 28.7 32.3 5SY 23.2 22.3 NS AT strain 0.5SY N/A 22.9 1SY, 1SP N/A 22.6 VT AT strain 4SY 23.4 N/A 4SY 23.2 N/A T3 AT strain 5SY 29.3 N/A 5SY 27.5 N/A 0 N/A N/A 0 N/A N/A Healthy control Results are an average of three replications. Virus titer measured by cycle threshold (Ct) value in real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using strain-specific Taqman® probes. The lower the Ct value inversely correlates with high titer; as Ct increases, titer decreases exponentially. 3 Sour orange disease rating 0 to 5: 0 = symptomless; 1 = mild stunting and no or very mild SY; 5 = strong stunting, strong SY resulting in plant death. 4 Duncan grapefruit disease rating 0 to 5: 0 = symptomless; 1 = very mild SY, very mild SP; 5 = strong stunting, strong SY. 5 N/A = no reaction. 1 2 In the last 10 years, profound advances have been made in understanding the molecular biology, genomic organization and sequence of the CTV genome. A book on CTV published in 2010 by the American Phytopathological Society provides a good current summary. Additionally, published scientific reports showed that upon infection with some viruses, RNA-mediated cross protection occurs in plants, and in some cases the plants recovered. Analyses of transient expression of virus genes proved that RNA-mediated cross protection was equivalent to post-transcriptional gene silencing. These studies provided new tools to study cross protection by examining the molecular events during viral infection, replication and host response. This should help us unlock some of the mysteries of cross protection and, possibly, identify and develop biomarkers to rapidly screen CTV isolates for cross protection purposes. With the continuous threat of introduction of severe CTV strains in mind, we initiated a research project with partial support from the CRB to investigate CTV cross protection. Our focus was to examine gene expression and regulation that may be involved in CTV-host interactions that result in the attenuation of virulence and elimination or amelioration of severe symptoms such as seedling yellows (SY) and stem pitting (SP) in sweet orange and grapefruit. The SY syndrome was chosen for our study because symptom expression compared to that of SP occurs much faster. Our hypothesis is that RNAi is involved in CTV cross protection, and fundamental information gained on SY should also be relevant for SP in sweet orange and grapefruit. The Dekopon CTV field isolate was used because it includes a real-life severe CTV strain in California. The field isolate of CTV was collected from the original orchard that had been topworked with Dekopon budwood. It was found to be composed of a mixture of CTV strains that were separated by aphid transmission (AT). The parental isolate source strain induced sweet orange and grapefruit SP but did not induce SY in sour orange or grapefruit, whereas AT strains induced SY in these hosts ranging from disease symptom ratings of 1 to 5 where 5 is severe (Figure 1). Molecular analyses differentiated the AT strains by genotype as VT-like; T3-like or non-standard (NS)-like. Test plants used were seedlings of sour orange (SO) and grapefruit cv Duncan (DGF) inoculated with various combinations of the Dekopon isolate and AT strains. Strain interactions were examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay using strainspecific probes and Next Generation Sequencing technologies to characterize the small interfering RNA (siRNA) and host-derived miRNAs. July/August 2012 Citrograph 39 Key Terms A virus isolate, as defined here, is a culture of the virus established from a field-collected source and maintained in a host plant. Once the isolate is captured and characterized, it is referred to as a strain. An isolate may contain one or more strains of the virus. • A severe CTV isolate or strain is defined to be one that causes a severe phenotype such as stunting, stem pitting (SP), or reduction of productivity or yield of citrus grown on CTV-tolerant or resistant rootstock. • Post-transcriptional gene silencing is the blocking or destruction of the messenger RNA (mRNA) of a particular gene. The blocking or destruction of the mRNA prevents translation of a gene into a product such as a protein. • RNA interference (RNAi) refers to processes that depend on small (s) RNAs to regulate expression. In plants, these processes play critical roles in development and response to a wide array of stresses, including defense against viral and bacterial pathogens. • CTV AT strain is defined here as obtained by aphid transmission and contains only a single strain rather than a mixture of CTV strains, and its genotype was determined. • CTV genotypes VT- and T3 are often associated with phenotypes inducing SP in sweet orange and grapefruit and SY in sour orange and grapefruit; the nonstandard (NS-) genotype was a mild phenotype in citrus grown on tolerant rootstock. Caveat – there are strains within each genotype which differ from the common phenotype. • Next Generation Sequencing is a high-throughput sequencing method that produces thousands or millions of sequences at once, thus greatly increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. • Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) include RNA of 21 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in length which act as dicers in the gene silencing pathway. • Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of host-derived siRNAs complementary to messenger RNA which leads to target degradation and, thus, gene silencing. • SY (seedling yellows) cross protection occurred when the protecting strain was present before or simultaneously at the time of challenge inoculation in SO (sour orange). • SY protection occurred between different genotypes of CTV strains. The symptom amelioration in this study was considered to be associated with cross protection. • Transcriptome analysis is examination of the messenger RNA population in cells to determine which gene(s) are actively transcribed and expressed during the host-response to CTV infection. • Degradome analysis is identification of the messenger RNAs that have been targeted and degraded by the miRNA, and thus not expressed. 40 Citrograph July/August 2012 Monitoring CTV strains in cross protection trials Clear treatment differences were observed in SY expression in SO and DGF two months post-inoculation, and the titer of each CTV strain was determined after 12 months. However, there was no correlation between viral strain titer and symptoms (Table 1). Mild strain titer was similar to that of the severe strain in mixed infections, indicating viral movement was not involved in the protection observed. Generally, however, as stunting and/or chlorosis increased, overall virus titer was lower. No SY was observed in SO or DGF inoculated with the parental Dekopon isolate. When the three AT strains were inoculated simultaneously in SO, no SY symptoms or only very mild SY was noted; however, SY was observed in DGF. RNA silencing and citrus-CTV interactions Profile analysis of the viral siRNAs showed that the 3’ end of the CTV genome is actively involved in the generation of mature siRNA and likely involved in modulating viral and host gene expression. These 21-24nt long siRNA profiles were similar to that reported for Arabidopsis (a highly studied model plant) and further supported the concept that the putative CTV silencing machinery in citrus involves a similar protein complex. Additionally, the majority of the viral siRNAs from SY symptomatic SO plants were derived from the mild (NS) Dekopon AT strain, whereas those from SY-protected SO plants were associated with the severe (VT-like genotype) Dekopon AT strain. These data suggested that the severe strain was more highly CTV genotypes that diced than the mild strain by a putative RNAi pathinduce severe stem way which resulted in SY pitting are not a symptom elimination or reduction. To identify the pu- problem in commercial tative host antiviral defense pathway involved citrus in California, yet. in our cross protection However, this could tests, the small RNA sequences derived from change rapidly due citrus were compared to known citrus sequences to an emergence of to identify host small a virulent strain like RNAs that could influence CTV disease sympSY568 or Dekopon. tom expression. Homology of 24nt small RNAs was found in healthy and CTV-inoculated SO and Carrizo in the 282 Kb Ctv resistance locus of Poncirus trifoliata. Carrizo showed a high frequency of homologous siRNAs in the CTV.20 gene region, whereas SO had high frequency in the region between the Ctv.11 and Ctv.12 genes as well as the Ctv.20 gene. Furthermore, SY-symptomatic SO had a higher level of 24nt siRNA associated with Ctv.20 than that from crossprotected SO. In Arabidopsis, where genes with altered 24nt siRNA levels were correlated with DNA methylation, changes occurred in disease severity. Thus, our findings merit further examination into possible RNA-directed DNA methylation in the Ctv resistance locus The Yara Complete Citrus Crop Program Early Vegetative YaraMila ® 15 - 15 - 15 Growth/ Flush Flowering Fruit set Fruit fill 20% of total N / 10% of total K2O Post harvest 30% of total N / 15% of total K2O YaraLiva ® 20% of total N CN-9® / Tropicote® SQM Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate YaraVita TM 20% of total K2O 30% of total N 30% of total K2O 25% of total K2O Correction of micronutrient deficiencies based on tissue analysis For more information, please contact: Ron Naven, Northern California: 916 632 3120 Jon Collison, South Central Coast: 661 589 8796 Leonard Hammer, Central California: 559 834 4616 Andy Hancock, Southern California: 928 345 2276 Scan for citrus crop advice which could affect virulence and result in cross protection. Among the siRNAs characterized, we found at least 26 families of known micro RNAs (miR166, miR167, miR168, miR171, miR172) in CTV-infected plants, and eight of these families showed different levels of expression in test plants. SO expressing strong SY had higher levels of mi156 and miR166 than that in plants without SY. In Arabidopsis, a higher level of mi166 was associated with leaf deformation and disorganized apical meristem, while a low level of miR156 was associated with late flowering and delay in vegetative growth. Thus, there is precedence for higher miR166 and low miR156 being associated with growth reduction and deformation. If these are involved in SY expression, regulation of these two microRNAs could change disease severity. Analyses of citrus micro RNA targets revealed 433 were common in SO plants regardless of symptomology, whereas 873 were found in plants without SY and 753 were found in plants with severe SY. Thus, different Dekopon AT strains induced different microRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions. Research can now shift to determination of changes in gene expression that lead to different disease phenotypes. The level of each mRNA within a cell results from the opposing contributions of RNA synthesis and degradation which can be explored by transcriptome and degradome analyses, respectively. Unique siRNAs found associated with a cross-protective CTV strain could be tested as a biomarker to screen candidate protective CTV strains. However, since this research is in the discovery mode and limited to SY, applied outcomes will require a continued research effort. This will also require selecting different strains, as the mild Dekopon AT strain did not fully protect against SP. General conclusion CTV genotypes that induce severe stem pitting are not a problem in commercial citrus in California, yet. However, this could change rapidly due to an emergence of a virulent strain like SY568 or Dekopon. A severe strain in a tolerant variety not preferred by aphids may stay dormant until it infects sweet orange, mandarin or grapefruit where the virus can be spread rapidly by aphid vectors. Thus, it is important to be proactive and examine cross protection strategies because it has been proven to be effective against SP-CTV strains. Only a few transgenic scion varieties have been developed that incorporate CTV resistance; these plants are still in the experimental testing phase and, if they are effective, registration, distribution of propagating budwood, production of plants and establishment of commercial groves are in the distant future. Research has shown that naturally occurring CTV populations consist of genetic complexes and mixtures; hence, successful cross-protective strains must be able to withstand multiple challenges by various genotypes of CTV under high vector and inoculum pressure. Project Leader Dr. Raymond Yokomi is a Research Plant Pathologist in the Crop Disease, Pests, and Genetics Research Unit at the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, USDA-ARS, Parlier, CA. Dr. Maria Saponari was a Visiting Scientist at the SJVASC and is a Plant Virologist at the Istituto di Virologia Vegetale, CNR, Bari, Italy. Dr. Har- 800-992-2304 The SOURCE for all your citrus tree needs SuperCitrus Trees B&B Trees • Seedlings Starter Trees/Citrus Liners Rootstock Seed Budwood of all Types WWW.CITRUSTREESOURCE.COM 42 Citrograph July/August 2012 sha Doddapaneni was Manager of the Roy J. Carver Center for Comparative Genomics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Dr. Doddapaneni is currently at the Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. CRB research project reference number 5300-138. Selected references Brodersen, P., Voinnet, O., 2006. The diversity of RNA silencing pathways in plants. Trends Genet. 22: 268–280. Folimonov, S. Y., Robertson, C. J., Shilts, T., Folimonova, A. S., Hilf, M. E., Garnsey, S. M., and Dawson, W. O. 2010. Infection with strains of Citrus tristeza virus does not exclude superinfection by other strains of the virus. Journal of Virology, 84: 1314-1325. Karasev, A. V. and Hilf, M. E. (eds.). Citrus tristeza virus Complex and Tristeza Diseases. APS, St. Paul, MN. 260 pp. Roistacher, C. N., da Graça, J. V., and Muller, G. W. 2010. Cross protection against Citrus tristeza virus – A review. In. Hilf, M. E., Timmer, L. W., Milne, R. G., and da Graça, J. V. (eds.). Proc. 17th Conf. Intern. Org. Citrus Virol., p. 1-27. IOCV, Riverside, CA. Yokomi, R. K., Saponari, M., and Sieburth, P. J. 2010. Rapid differentiation and identification of potential severe strains of Citrus tristeza virus by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays. Phytopathology 100: 319-327. l PACIFIC DISTRIBUTING, INC Distributor for Orchard-Rite® wind machines for frost protection & Tropic Breeze® original parts Sales Service New Used Portable Stationary 24 Hour Emergency Service 559-564-3114 Woodlake, CA www.orchard-rite.com Randy Quenzer, Sales 559-805-8254 [email protected] Jeff Thorning, Sales 559-972-9937 [email protected] July/August 2012 Citrograph 43 Impact of high temperature on huanglongbing for development of a field management strategy Yulu Xia, Xiaoling Deng, Guocheng Fan, Ronald Sequeira, Yu Takeuchi and Ignacio Baez Background The Asian type of huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive and widespread among the three known types of the disease. This type is believed to be heat-tolerant, compared to other types. However, our analysis of scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that summer temperature maxima may play a key role in the disease distribution, spread, and occurrence. In those regions of the world where HLB is severe, there appears to be common climatic conditions -- year-round warm temperature but with moderate summer temperature maxima. Recent studies in Florida and Brazil confirm that high temperatures in the summer reduce the bacterial population in the infected plants and in the insect vectors. High summer temperatures also significantly reduce the vector’s ability to acquire and transmit the disease. Lab and field studies are being conducted to quantify the impact of high temperature on the bacteria and disease and to develop a heat-based technique for managing the infected groves. The preliminary outcomes are encouraging; the bacterial titer in the plants was dramatically reduced in all field and lab trials, even eliminated from the infected plants in the best cases. Introduction The Asian type of HLB occurs in parts of United States, Mexico, Asia, Brazil, and other citrus production areas of the world. The bacterium that causes the disease has long been regarded as heat-tolerant, and so is the insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. This type of HLB is associated with the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (unless further explanation is 44 Citrograph July/August 2012 given, HLB in this article refers to the Asian type). Despite more than 50 years of research on HLB, techniques to manage the disease are limited to the removal of infected plants, control of vector insects, and planting pathogen-free seedlings. Although removal of infected citrus plants is an epidemiologically sound measure, removal of maturefull-productive trees, and replacing them with younger trees, is economically disruptive for producers. Additionally, there is strong evidence from countries such as China and India that newly planted young trees are more susceptible to the disease than mature trees. Furthermore, newly planted trees are generally more attractive to psyllid adults due to the continuous flushing of young trees, and it takes less time for the bacteria to spread to other parts of a plant, especially into the root system. Cultural practices, particularly a nutritional-based approach, have been used for disease management since the disease was first reported in Asia more than a century ago. The rationale behind this is straightforward – HLB causes a disruption in plant nutritional transport; foliar application of micronutrients can compensate for HLBinduced nutritional deficiencies in the infected plants. Scientific and anecdotal evidences suggest that the nutritional approach, together with vigorous ACP control Location Avg. Temperature (ºC) Raleigh, NC, US 47 (June, 2011) Immokalee, FL, US 43 (June, 2011) Fuzhou, Fujian, China 50 (July, 2011) Yangcu, Guangdong, China 48 (July, 2011) and cultural practices such as sufficient irrigation and fertilization, can prolong citrus production for another five to ten years in the mature plants, depending on species/cultivars. Pomelo (pummelo) performs best under this type of program, followed by sweet orange, and then mandarin. Our survey in China indicates that even the most HLB-susceptible mandarin cultivars can maintain a certain level of productivity for five to ten years with sound nutritional and other cultural practices. However, there is no proof that the nutritional approach can reduce or eliminate the bacteria, reduce the disease severity, or the speed of disease spread. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to develop a complementary technique that can reduce or eliminate bacteria in the infected plants, especially in view of the widely adopted nutritional approach in Florida and other HLB-infected regions. Our data analysis and results suggest that a heat-based approach may fill the urgent gap. This brief article highlights some of the major findings. For detail information, readers can refer to our peer-reviewed article (Xia et al., 2012). Evidences of impact of heat and/or summer temperature maximum on HLB Heat treatment to eliminate the pathogen from scions: Scientists in China/Taiwan and India did extensive studies using hot water or other heat-based approaches for producing pathogen-free seedlings. Generally, scions treated with a temperature regime of 45°C to 50°C (113°F to 122°F) for 10 minutes to 1 hour were essentially pathogen-free, judging from symptom expression. Since molecular techniques for HLB diagnosis were not available during this time, the scientific community argued whether the heat treatment eliminated the bacteria or simply suppressed the bacterial population temporarily. As we will discuss later in this article, based on the latest molecular technology, the bacterial pathogens were likely eliminated or significantly reduced in the cases. Impact of high summer temperature maximum on the bacterium in plants and in vectors, and disease acquisition and transmission by the insect vector: Surveys and interviews in China revealed a wealth of scientific and anecdotal evidences that high summer temperature in certain regions or environments might reduce bacterial titer or even eliminate the bacterium from the infected plants. Several reports suggest that summer disease transmission using grafting was consistently low. As an example, a four-year study resulted in 7.7 % disease transmission rate in summer vs. 70.8% in other, cooler seasons. It was observed that the bacterium became undetectable in the infected plants after about three years in the greenhouses without the temperature cooling system. Titer is a way of expressing bacterium concentration. A higher number means less bacteria, and vice versa. Recent studies provide us with clear scientific evidence on the impact of high temperature on the disease. A study conducted by Brazilian scientists indicated that bacterial titers in infected leaves were reduced dramatically once temperature reached 38°C (100.4°F). An exploratory study in South China Agricultural University resulted in significantly reduced bacterial titer in the infected seedlings by using rain showers to increase leaf surface temperatures. Our study using environmental chambers indicated that bacterial titer in the infected seedlings can be dramatically reduced, even eliminated, under 4-hour temperature treatments of 45°C and 48°C (113°F and 118.4°F), respectively. Evidence from Brazil, U.S., Mexico, and China where HLB occurs, indicated that bacterial titers were the lowest during the summer, strongly suggesting the negative impact of high temperature on the bacteria. The same correlations between high temperature and low bacterial titer in ACP were also documented recently. Studies in Florida and elsewhere also revealed that bacterial acquisition and disease transmission by ACP were reduced significantly when temperature reached higher than 30°C (86°F), and there was essentially no disease transmission by ACP when temperature reached higher than 34°C (93.2°F). Impact of high temperature on global HLB distribution and occurrence: Dr. Bové first reported the heattolerant nature of Asian type of the disease, in comparison to the African type. Besides the laboratory evidence, the distribution of HLB worldwide apparently supports the claim, too. The disease occurs in Saudi Arabia, one of July/August 2012 Citrograph 45 the hottest citrus production areas on the planet. HLB has long been present in other hot areas, such as Punjab, Pakistan, and Guangdong, China. However, our analysis of climate data and global HLB occurrence suggests that summer temperature may be a key factor limiting HLB distribution and occurrence. We correlated HLB occurrence with areas having a maximum daily temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or greater for at least five days in a year. Our analysis showed that known high incidence HLB regions in the world are not within the areas with high temperature maxima. Although HLB occurs in Saudi Arabia, this area has the “coolest” summer temperature maxima in the region. The same observation applies to Pakistan, another hot citrus production country. The Punjab province of Pakistan has a long HLB presence; the disease was reported there more than a century ago, earlier than China. According to scientists who visited Punjab province, ACP populations have been very high. There have been few research activities and/or management practices to ad- dress HLB; however, citrus remains a major crop for Pakistan, and it is one of the largest citrus production countries in the world. Few would doubt that the industry in Pakistan should have been long gone. We believe that maximum summer temperature limits disease severity and spread here. One may argue that the less destructive nature of the disease is not because of summer hot temperatures, but because of the long exposure to the disease and genetic difference and/ or diversity in citrus plants in countries such as Pakistan. HLB originated in the Southeast Asia region. Most scientists agree that the family Rutaceae, which citrus plants belong to, also originated in this region. It is reasonable to argue that a long history of disease with plant co-evolution and the genetic diversity in citrus plants in this region may result in less disease severity. However, so far there is no evidence of a true resistant or even tolerant citrus cultivar in Pakistan, India, and China. In the Chinese province of Guangdong, considered to be ground zero for HLB, citrus plants still suffer severe disease damage. Chinese scientists generally agree that mandarins are more vulnerable to the disease than sweet orange, and pomelo plants are generally regarded as the most “tolerant” commercial citrus cultivars; however, this observation based on anecdotal evidence than scientific study. Spread and distribution of HLB in the U.S. may provide additional evidence on the impact of high temperature on the disease. ACP was first reported in Florida in 1998, then the disease in 2005. The disease quickly spread to all citrus production regions of the state. Warm temperatures yearround and lack of extreme high summer temperatures in Florida appear to provide an optimal environment for bacterial multiplication and establishment. In contrast, ACP was first reported in Texas in 2001, but the disease was not found until recently (January 2012). It is also interesting to notice that the newly found HLB-infected trees in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas appear in severe condition. This implies that the disease might have been there New Optional Citrus Tower! New LectroBlast Tower – Increase your total coverage and efficiency. Progressive Ag Inc. 1336 McWilliams Way, Modesto, CA 95351 209-567-3232 • www.proaginc.com • 800-351-8101 46 Citrograph July/August 2012 for at least three to five years. However, only a few trees in a limited location are infected. This suggests a low disease spread by ACP in Texas. ACP populations were high in the area. This suggests some other factor(s) may play a role here; we believe it is because of high summer temperatures in the Rio Grande Valley. Although annual average temperatures in the citrus production areas in Florida and Texas are similar, summer temperature maxima in Rio Grande Valley of Texas is much higher than Florida (McAllen,TX: 43°C (109.4°F) vs. Miami, FL: 38°C (100.4°F). The high summer temperature in Texas likely slowed the disease from entering and spread after disease establishment. Southern California citrus production areas share a similar summer temperature maxima pattern with southern Texas. We believe that the same story of disease entering and spread will happen there, too. In summary, summer temperature maxima plays a key role in reducing HLB spread and severity. All severe HLB occurrence areas share a com- Field study using plastic sheeting to raise plant temperature. This photo was taken in China. mon climate character – warm temperature year-round, but lack of high summer temperature maxima. Development of heated-based techniques for managing HLB Small-scale exploratory field studies in using heat-based approaches for controlling HLB were conducted in China back in the 1960s. Due to poor understanding of temperature dynamics in citrus, and lack of reliable techniques such as quantitative assessment of bacterial change in the plants and measuring canopy temperature, these studies yielded few results. Another similar exploratory field study was conducted in South Africa July/August 2012 Citrograph 47 against the African type of HLB. Result indicated that the infected plants covered with a polyethylene tent recovered from HLB infection, based on symptom expression. Because of the promising outcome from our study, North Carolina State University, USDA APHIS Center for Plant Health and Science Technology (CPHST), South China Agricultural University, and Fujian Academy of Agricultural Institute of China, are engaged in a cooperative project to con- duct a series of experiments to test our hypothesis. Since our results are being reviewed by fellow scientists, we provide only the highlights in this article. Understanding temperature dynamics in citrus plants in the summer: Using data loggers and thermometers, canopy temperatures of citrus plants were measured in Florida, North Carolina, Fujian and Guangdong, China. Results indicate that leaf surface (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) in the outside of canopy can easily reach temperatures higher than Uniquely effective products for controlling major pests in citrus with minimal disruption to IPM programs. 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Lastly, heat-treatment application in late spring and early fall when ambient temperature is optimal for bacterial multiplication might be optimal timing, compared to application in the hot summer. Laboratory studies of impact of high temperature on bacterium population: The objectives of these studies were to obtain quantitative data on the effect of high temperature on bacterial titer in the infected plants. This information is critical to design field studies. Three studies are being conducted. The infected citrus seedlings were placed in environmental chambers for 4 hours at 45°C to 49°C (113°F to 120.2°F and repeated three times during an interval of one week. Bacteria titers were measured using qPCR before treatment, three weeks after the last treatment, then every month. Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in bacterial titer in all heat treated plants. In the best case, bacteria were undetectable after treatment. Two field studies, led by two collaborators, are being conducted by using plastic sheeting to raise plant temperature to 40°C (104°F and higher. Plastic sheeting treatment lasted for 4 hours (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) each time, repeated three times. Timing and technique for measuring bacterial titer change before and after treatment were the same as the lab study above. All treated plants had significantly reduced bacterial titers, three weeks and two months (the latest data) after treatment, respectively, compared to the untreated check. The bacteria titers in these plants will be tested on monthly base until no significant difference is observed between the treated and untreated check. The result might be the first field success in demonstrating that bacterial concentration can be significantly reduced by using a heat treatment. Symptom differences between the treated and untreated plants were noted. The newly growing leaves in the treated plants showed no apparent disease symptoms. In contrast, disease symptoms were observed on leaves in the untreated plants. We believe the results from these ongoing studies provide a proof of concept and critical information for the continuation of future studies. For example, we still have limited information on the impact of treatment length and timing on the bacteria. We need to collect data on bacterial concentration in roots after heat treatment. Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to many colleagues in China and the United States for helping us with this study. The authors acknowledge financial resources provided by U.S. Farm Bill funds, China Agriculture Ministry, NC State University, USDA-APHIS, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and South China Agricultural University. References Barbosa, J.C., Eckstein, B., Belasque, J.J., Bergamin Filho, A., 2011. Preliminary study of comparative acquisition of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and Ca. L. americanus by Diaphorina citri under different temperatures. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Bové, J.M., 2006. Huanglongbing: A destructive, newly emerging, century-old disease of citrus. J. Plant Pathol. 88, 7-37. Bové, J.M., Calavan, E.C., Capoor, S.P., Cortez, R.E., Schwarz, R.E., 1974. Influence of temperature on symptoms of California stubborn, South African greening, Indian citrus decline and Philippines leaf mottling diseases, in: Weathers, L.G., Cohen, M. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 6th Conference of the International Organization Citrus Virologists. University of California, Swaziland, pp. 12-15. Ebert, T.A., Brlansky, R.H., Rogers, M.E., 2011. Seasonal changes in numbers of Asian citrus psyllids carrying Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Gmitter, F., Hu, X., 1990. The possible role of Yunnan, China, in the origin of contemporary Citrus species (Rutaceae). • Machine Shop • Parts • Welding / Fabricating • Full Service Shop Econ. Bot. 44, 267-277. Gottwald, T.R., Irey, M., Graham, J., Wood, B., 2011. Nutritional treatments: Inconsequential effect on HLB control and promote area-wide titer increase and disease spread. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Halbert, S.E., Manjunath, K.L., 2004. Asian Citrus Psyllids (Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae) and greening disease of citrus: a literature review and assessment of risk in Florida. Fla. Entomol. 87, 330-353. Irey, M., 2011. When should a grower with HLB stop removing trees? , Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Lin, K.H., Lo, H., 1965. A preliminary study on thermotherapy of yellow shoot disease of citrus. Acta Phytophylacica Sin. 4, 169-174. Lin, K.H., Lo, X.H., Luo, Z.D., 1982b. Heat treatment of citrus seeds for eliminating plant pathogens and pests. Acta Phytophylacica Sin. 9, 237-242. Lopes, S.A., Frare, G.F., Bertolini, E., Cambra, M., Fernandes, N.G., Ayres, A.J., Marin, D.R., Bové, J.M., 2009. Liberibacters Associated with Citrus Huanglongbing in Brazil: ‘Candidatus Liberibacter 1132 S. Main Street • Porterville, CA 93257 559.784.4967 or 800.533.4967 Rentals • New & Used Equipment Serving the Valley Since 1936 July/August 2012 Citrograph 49 asiaticus’ Is Heat Tolerant, ‘Ca. L. americanus’ Is Heat Sensitive. Plant Disease 93, 257-262. Morris, R.A., Muraro, R.P., 2011. Economic considerations to treating HLB with the standard protocol or an enhanced foliar nutritional program. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Nyland, G., Gohhen, A.C., 1969. Heat therapy of virus diseases of perennial CITRUS – AVOCADOS – OLIVES plants. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 7, 331354. Spann, T.M., Rouse, R.E., Schumann, A.W., 2011. The theory of managing huanglongbing with plant nutrition and real world success in Florida. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Stansly, P.A., Arevalo, H.A., Rouse, R.E., 2011. Role of nutritional and insecticidal treatments in mitigation of HLB: main effects and interactions. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, January 10-14, 2011, Orlando, Florida. Xia, Y., Ouyang, G., Sequeira, R., Chen, J., 2011. A review of managing Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) using nutritional approach in China. Plant Health Prog. Xia, Y., Sequeira, R., Takeuchi, Y., Deng, X., Fang, G., Beattie, G., Baez, I., and Yang, R., 2012. Developing a Heatbased Approach for Managing Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) Disease in the Field: review and survey results. Crop Protection (Under Review) Zhao, X.Y., Jian, Y.H., Qiu, Z.S., Su, W.F., Li, C.Y., 1982. A technique of graft transmission of citrus yellow shoot disease. Acta Phytopathol. Sin. 12, 53-56. Dr. Yulu Xia is Assistant Director, National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Dr. Yu Takeuchi is a research associate at CIPM. Dr. Ronald Sequeira and Dr. Ignacio Baez are with the USDA-APHISPPQ Center for Plant Health Science and Technology, Raleigh, NC. Dr. Xiaoling Deng is with South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China. Dr. Guocheng Fan is with Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, China. l Reach Commercial California & Arizona Citrus Growers W hether you're selling trac tors or other farm equipment,pickup trucks, irrigation equipment, fertilizer or pesticides... consider the value of your ad dollar in the pages of Citrograph. Each issue reaches every commercial citrus grower in the states of California and Arizona, plus associated business members affiliated with the citrus industry...the people in charge of purchasing. Your advertising message is directed to farm leaders who use vast amounts of goods and services. Circulation reaches over 5,000 key decision makers among California and Arizona fresh citrus growers, landowners and industry-involved companies. In the near future, Citrograph will reach the entire United States. Don’t miss the next issue! Contact us today to be included in future issues of Citrograph Sandy Creighton, Sales Manager Phone: 559-201-9225 E-mail: [email protected] Successful growers like Mark Campbell of Willits & Newcomb cover their Citrus with Agra Tech Greenhouses. Agra Tech is here to help your crop stay healthy and protected from Psyllids. 3LHGPRQW:D\3LWWVEXUJ&$ -LP%HUJDQW] 6DOHV(QJLQHHU MLPEHUJDQW]#DJUDWHFKFRPZZZDJUDWHFKFRP 50 Citrograph July/August 2012 PRODUCING CITRUS ORCHARDS FOR SALE Orchards operated on “Right to Farm” basis located in beautiful El Dorado County, CA. The 22 acre farm is located in a unique micro climate ideal for growing citrus. The crops include a mix of approx 800 total Okitsu Wase and Dobashi Beni Mandarin trees and approx 200 Washington Navel Orange trees, plus a variety of other fruit trees, a 30x70 metal building, a 2 bedroom bunkhouse and a roadside sales shed. Also included is a beautiful hill top, three story, 3 bedroom 2 bath home with 360 degree views. Being offered at $1,400,000. Contact: agent Don Carter at 530-409-4918 or email [email protected] for more info and pictures. The Climate Stress Solution Anti-Stress 550® Excellent for Citrus Apply as a foliar spray to insulate trees & fruit from weather related stressors Drying Winds • Soil Moisture Variations Transplant Shock • Rapid Weather Changes Heat Stress • Frost & Freeze Apply to new plantings and young trees too! Request Anti-Stress 550® by name from your local chemical dealer Polymer Ag, LLC 800.678.7377 • www.polymerag.com • [email protected] Helping Growers for Over 20 Years Citrus Roots Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation P L E H R U O Artists of the Era WE NEED Y in Finding Photos of Citrus Packers in... Delano Dinuba Dixon Edison Exeter Fairoaks Fillmore/Piru Hamilton City Ivanhoe Lemon Cove Lindsay Orange Cove Orosi Oroville Oxnard Palermo Porterville Rocklin Santa Paula Seville Strathmore Terra Bella Visalia Woodlake The photos we are asking for are from 1906 to present. Your Foundation, through the work of Tom Pulley, is compiling a list of citrus brands of each packer… A FIRST! We want to match a packinghouse photo to the majority of the packers on this list, and that is where you enter! Check out our website… www.citrusroots.com Our “Mission” is to elevate the awareness of California citrus heritage through publications, education, and artistic work. We are proud of our accomplishments as a volunteer organization, which means each donated dollar works for you at 100% [for we have no salaries, wages, rent, etc.]. All donations are tax deductible for income tax purposes to the full extent allowed by law. Citrus Roots – Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 4038, Balboa, CA 92661 USA 501(c)(3) EIN 43-2102497 The views of the writer may not be the same as this foundation. July/August2012 2012 52 Citrograph July/August Tom Spellman D uring the last quarter of the 19th century, the California citrus industry exploded from a few fledgling horticulturalists to a giant industry employing thousands of people. At one time the citrus industry was so massive it spurred the development of many supporting industries like irrigation, railroad, lumber, and nursery. In fact, many of today’s leading agribusiness companies were, in part, founded to support and supply the early citrus industry. One of the industries that flourished along with citrus industry was lithographic printing. In California between the years of 1887 and 1955, literally millions of crates of fresh oranges, lemons and grapefruit were shipped east. Each box was adorned with a colorful label designed to market the sweet, healthy fruit. As many as three dozen individual litho companies were in business simultaneously to produce and supply these mini-poster style labels. The labels were bold and beautiful, depicting all aspects of western landscape, lifestyle, and promise. They were true works of art that inspired California’s Second Great Gold Rush. During the era of the labeled wooden citrus crate, hundreds of staff and commissioned artists were employed by the lithographers. Of the more than 10,000 different label images produced for the California citrus industry, there are only three artists who were ever able to put their signature to their label images: Herman W. Hanson, J. Duncan Gleason and James G. Swinnerton. In fact, the lithographers didn’t want artists to sign their work. Attribution of artists to particular works would have promoted favoritism and, in turn, allowed popular artists to command premium prices for their work. Many of the artists were specialized and worked only on specific portions of a label. Some produced only pictorial illustration while others would produce the lettering and border images. The concept of two artists working on the same label was a very popular way to produce high-quality work by taking advantage of each artist’s individual talent. Some of the more prominent artists were: Herman W. Hanson – (1854-1924) Well known for his realistic images of Western scenery, cowboys, Indians, horses and buffalo. Hanson was on the western frontier by the 1870’s and was fascinated by the landscape, inhabitants and lifestyle. The subjects of his work were witnessed first-hand, and he painted them as he saw them. Hanson was one of a handful of successful Western artists including Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell who realistically captured the American West as it was unfolding. Hanson’s oil and watercolor paintings of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century have recently sold in the $20,000.00 to $70,000.00 range. He was a staff artist for the H.S. Crocker Lithograph Co. in San Francisco from the mid1880’s until the late-1890’s. Advance and Polo are examples of some of his work. James G. Swinnerton – (1875-1974) Arguably history’s first newspaper comic strip illustrator. His career began in 1892 and reached a pinnacle in 1904 with the comic strip “Little Jimmy” which he illustrated for more than 50 years until his retirement in 1958. Shortly after he began work on the Little Jimmy strip, Swinnerton was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was told he had little time to live. He moved to the dry desert climate of Arizona and proceeded to out-live his diagnosing physician by 30 years. The Sombrero brand dated and signed July 1905 may be his only contribution to citrus labels. J. Duncan Gleason – (1881-1959) Gleason was a talented and well-trained artist who gained national notability by producing illustrations for magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Cosmopolitan and Motor Boating. Gleason also produced studio art for Warner Bros. and MGM Studios. Gleason created a very successful set of labels featuring attractive young women: Doria, Favorita, Meritoria, Sonia, and Gloriana. Although the women appear different, all were painted from the same model – Gleason’s future wife. July/August 2012 Citrograph 53 In fact, they used the money from this commission to get married and take a honeymoon trip. Bill Law – As a young man, Law studied art in Canada. About 1940, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where he went right to work for the Western Lithographic Co. Law’s specialty was producing vignettes of fruit and full figure illustrations. His images were bold and prominent. The Native American image depicted on the Pala Brave label is an example of Law’s work. Law was employed as a staff artist for Western Litho until the mid-1950s. Dario De Julio – (1916-present) Born and raised in the vineyard area near Ontario, California. De Julio attended art school in the 1930s and became a successful freelance artist. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. Before and after the war, he was employed as a staff artist by the Western 54 Citrograph July/August 2012 Lithograph Co. in Los Angeles, where he became art director in 1958. De Julio was a master of the airbrush and specialized in bold lettering and colorful graphics. Red, Blue and Green circle are examples of his work as well as the lettering for Pala Brave. His career spanned the last 25 years of the label era, and his contributions are easy to spot on many of Western’s late-era labels. After his retirement from Western Litho, De Julio operated a successful freelance art studio in Los Angeles for many years. He is now retired and resides in La Mirada, California Frank Tenney Johnson – (1874-1939) Johnson’s career began in New York, where he was a wellknown freelance illustrator producing images for magazines such as Field & Stream, Cosmopolitan, and Harpers. In 1920, he moved west and settled in Alhambra, California, where he became known as a fine art painter of the American West. Johnson popularized a style of painting known as “The Johnson Moonlight Technique“ using brushes, knives, and his fingers to create detail and dimension. Western Lithographic had a contract with Johnson which gave them exclusive rights to reproduce his paintings as calendars, posters, and at least one label. Johnson became very well-known for his fine art, and today his paintings can sell for huge prices at auction. Summit brand may be his only contribution to label art. Armin Tesch – Tesch worked for most of his career as an artist and engraver of currency, bank notes, and stock certificates in the eastern and western U.S. As he aged and his eyesight began to fail him. the fine engraving became more and more difficult. About 1906, Tesch moved west permanently for his health and found a second career illustrating for Western Lithograph. He was responsible for designing some of the finest lettering on Western’s labels. Tesch also worked with Pacific Title in Los Angeles where he designed title and credit work for the early motion picture industry. The artwork for the lithographers and studios was not so small and fine in detail. The lettering on Bronco brand is an example of his work At the end of the citrus label era, lithography was making some dramatic changes. The last labels were printed during the season of 1955. Many of the citrus packinghouses were changing over to pre-printed cardboard boxes and no longer using the wooden shipping box or the labels. These printed boxes were limited to two-color print and of simple design. Fine art was no longer an important consideration. Fortunately for the lithographers and artists alike, printed advertising was expanding into many new facets. Album July/August 2012 Citrograph 55 covers, board games, model boxes, movie posters, and product packaging were replacing the gap left by the demise of the citrus box label. Many of the artists found work in the motion picture and cartooning industries, producing movie title and animation art. One thing is for sure, during the 75 years of the citrus packing crate label, dozens if not hundreds of recognized artists were able to hone their talents in the fine art of illustration. Acknowledgements McClelland, Gordon T., and Last, Jay T., California Orange Box Labels: An Illustrated History, Hillcrest Press, 1985. McClelland, Gordon T., and Last, Jay T., California Watercolor Artists. Hillcrest Press. 2002. “Sombrero Brand”, The Citrus Peal newsletter. Jim Compos, April 2009. Interview of Gordon McClelland, March 2012. Tom Spellman is southwestern sales manager for Dave Wilson Nursery, which specializes in the production of fruit and nut trees for the U.S. wholesale and commercial markets. Tom has been involved in the production and marketing of avocado, citrus, and other fruit and nut trees since 1981. He is a board member of the Citrus Roots-Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation and also serves on the board of the California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside. An avid collector of original citrus packing crate labels, Tom is the president of the Citrus Label Society. To learn more about the Society, visit www.citruslabelsociety.com.l UC and Citrus Roots Foundation collaborate on videos O The three films will “premier” through the Foundation’s section in Citrograph. They will be free and initially available through the Citrus Roots website at www.citrusroots. com and from UC Davis. Later they will also be available at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, from the Citrus Label Society, and from various other sources to be announced. Barker, Ferguson and Johnson, who led the production team, say the “shoot” at the printing museum wouldn’t have been possible without the work of Johnson’s wife, Dr. Lynn LeBeck , and also the museum’s executive director and curator, Mark Barbour. Barker adds that they’re especially grateful to Kevin Hallaran of the Riverside Metropolitan Museum for the loan of the “Monte Vista stone”. n a recent Monday morning, Richard Barker of the Citrus Roots-Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation and two University of California Extension Specialists – Dr. Marshall Johnson, entomologist from UC Riverside, and Dr. Louise Ferguson, horticulturist from UC Davis – met at the International Printing Museum in Carson to shoot the first of three short videos about California citrus history. This leadoff production in the series will show how citrus crate labels were printed, from etched stone to the more modern technique of offset lithography. Barker reports that the other two videos “will tell the compelling stories of two men, William G. Kerckhoff and Russell K. Pitzer, whose vision and philanthropy helped form the California of today”. At the International Printing Museum are Marshall Johnson behind the camera, Citrus Roots Foundation board member Tom Spellman conducting the interview, and Gordon T. McClelland, author of numerous books and collector of citrus lithography. Citrus Roots Series... Selling the GOLD History of Sunkist® and Pure Gold® GIFT IDEAS!! Citrus Roots...Our Legacy - Volume IV Citrus Powered the Economy of Orange County for over a half century Induced by a “Romance” All donations are tax deductible for income tax purposes to the full extent allowed by law. Citrus Roots For ordering information visit our website www.citrusroots.com Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation CITRUS ROOTS . . . OUR LEGACY Volume I of III By: Rahno Mabel MacCurdy, V.A. Lockabey and others... compiled and edited by R.H. Barker Citrus Roots...Our Legacy - Volume I Selling the Gold - History of Sunkist® and Pure Gold® Our Legacy: $ ENTREPRENEU RS Citrus Roots...Our Legacy - Volume II Citriculture to Citrus Culture Citrus Roots...Our Legacy - Volume III Our Legacy...Baldy View Entrepreneurs - 25 men & women who left a legacy Including a fold out time line chart of American Business Cycles from 1810 to 1978 vs. the Life Span of Twenty-Five Entrepreneurs by Marie A. Boyd and Richard H. Barker CITRUS ROOTS ... OUR LEGACY Volume III of III (Fed. Tax ID # 43-2102497) Keeping citrus heritage alive in the minds of those living in California through publications, educational exhibits and artistic works 56 Citrograph July/August 2012 1500 Baldy View Citrus heritage to be showcased at L.A. County Fair A t the L.A. County Fair in September, the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts will present a special exhibit to mark the fair’s 90th anniversary, and a highlight of the exhibit will be the story of citrus and its impact on the development of Southern California. The exhibit’s designer, Tony Sheets, is assembling “a marvelous chronicle of artistic and historic displays that will tell the story of what became the largest fair of its kind in the world,” says Jim Cogan, the resident storyteller at the Center who serves as interpretive director for their visitor programs. Cogan reports that the exhibit, themed “Art & Fair, a 90 Year Celebration”, will offer visitors an opportunity to “learn, share, and enjoy the rich history and stories of this unique corner of Southern California. Art has remained a major ingredient of this fair throughout its history and will be showcased in this exhibit as an integral part of telling this story.” The citrus heritage portion of the showing will be the first thing people see when they arrive at the Center, which is located in a heavily trafficked area of the Fairplex. The display of historical photos and artifacts, titled “California’s 2nd Gold Rush: Trees to Treasure, A Citrus Bonanza,” is being created and crafted by Sheets in collaboration with gallery supervisor Mary Santoro-Flynn and Richard Barker of the Citrus Roots-Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation. There is a direct tie-in between the early development of the citrus industry in Southern California and the origins of the L.A. County Fair. As Cogan and Sheets point out in the publicity for the exhibit, “by the 1920s, the citrus, railroad and electrical power industries were flourishing. Colorful and creative citrus advertising continued to attract settlers from the East. Rallroads pioneered agricultural and scientific exhibits and highlighted them with entertainment. “In 1921, the Southern Pacific Railroad staged a popular carnival by Foley & Burk Shows. Seeing its success, a small group of local businessmen realized that it could become an opportunity to bring recognition to their home town of Pomona. “ The inaugural L.A. County Fair opened on Oct. 17, 1922. Artist Tony Sheets, the creator of the “Art & Fair” exhibition, is the son of the late Millard Sheets, the Art Center’s namesake. Born in Pomona, Millard Sheets was a highly accomplished, award-winning artist, designer, and educator who served for 25 years as Director of Fine Arts for the Fair. The L.A. County Fair is recognized as the largest county fair in North America, with last year’s event drawing nearly 1.5 million visitors. This 90th anniversary edition will open Aug. 31 with a special four-day Labor Day Weekend schedule and then after that continue every Wednesday through Sunday for the entire month of September. l July/August 2012 Citrograph 57 Celebrating Citrus Ventura chef Tim Kilcoyne respects the produce and the producer Anne Warring R aised on a ranch in the Antelope Valley, Tim Kilcoyne grew up around agriculture. His family didn’t farm commercially (his dad being a full-time homicide detective), but they had fruit trees and some chickens and a few head of cattle. “But just having that little bit of exposure was enough,” he says, “to give me a true appreciation and a deep respect for what farmers and ranchers do on a big scale every day.” It almost seems he was destined for a career in the culinary arts because his family has a photo of him at a very young age wearing a toque. And so, if you know about his growing-up years, when you find out what he’s doing with his life these days, it makes perfect sense. Kilcoyne is the owner and executive chef of The SideCar restaurant in Ventura, where on a daily basis he honors and supports local farmers – first by buying their produce and then by showing it off to its best advantage. As he notes on his website, his concept is to keep it “simple, seasonal, and fresh”, and he’s all about making the ingredients “shine”. His approach is to “respect and enhance the product, not to alter it.” The SideCar is billed as “Ventura’s original farm-to-table restaurant”, and Chef Tim is recognized as having been ahead of his time in his commitment to sourcing locally. He buys direct from area growers, and with very few exceptions brings in everything he needs from within a 100-mile radius. And, if it’s a farmers’ market day, it’s a safe bet you’ll find him there. Tim’s age – he’s only in his early 30s – belies the fact that he’s had considerable experience in the restaurant business. At 14, he got a work permit to help out at an upscale French restaurant, where he began as a busboy but very quickly became a waiter and soon was in the kitchen prepping food. At 18, he was a kitchen manager, and just two years later he was the assistant manager at a Louise’s Trattoria. By age 22, he was already the general manager of a seafood restaurant. But, realizing that his true calling was to be a chef, he left the management job to enroll at Le Cordon Bleu Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Finishing first in his class, he apprenticed at the Playboy Mansion and then was the sous chef at Café Melisse, the bistro spinoff of Santa Monica’s award-winning French restaurant Melisse. He was two years into running his own catering company when his mom and stepdad happened upon a vacant building in Ventura that they knew would be perfect for the restaurant he wanted to open. The building was actually a 1910 Pullman dining car that he renovated to create an environment of “casual elegance.” Offering American and European cuisine, it’s a fine-dining restaurant but comfortable and relaxing, as evidenced by the fact that Tuesdays are Grilled Cheese and Jazz nights. Kilcoyne, who was only 26 when he opened The SideCar, very quickly established himself as one of the top chef/ restaurateurs in the region, including taking center stage at prestigious food and wine events not only in Ventura County but all up and down the Central Coast. A quick browse on the Internet shows that, true to his roots, he’s especially enthusiastic about cooking and competing at festivals and fairs that salute local ag. For this summertime issue, we asked if he’d be willing to share a few recipes with lemons. Anne Warring is a freelance writer and editor based in Visalia. The SideCar restaurant is a repurposed and beautifully renovated 1910 Pullman car. 58 Citrograph July/August 2012 Jumbo Scallops with Corn Pudding, Zucchini Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 12 each.... Jumbo dry scallops 2 cups...... Yellow corn 4 each...... Summer squash, julienned 2 each...... Meyer lemons, zested and juiced 1 tsp......... Honey 1 tbsp....... Rice wine vinegar 4 tbsp....... Canola oil 1 tsp......... Mint leaves, minced 1. In a mixing bowl, combine zest of lemon, juice, honey and rice wine vinegar. Whisk and slowly drizzle in canola oil. Toss in squash, mint and season. Set aside. 2. Gently heat corn with 1 cup of water to cover in a saucepan. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Puree in blender till smooth and season. 3. Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season. Limoncello Cream Poached Oysters Recipe serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 12 each.... Oysters, shucked, shells discarded, oyster liquid reserved 1 each...... Fennel, bulb shaved thin, stalks for pickling, fronds for garnish 1 each...... Meyer lemon, zested and juiced 2 oz.......... Ventura limoncello 1.5 tbsp.... Extra virgin olive oil 2 each...... Garlic cloves, minced 1 each...... Shallot, minced 1 tsp......... Fresh thyme leaves FENNEL SALAD: 1 cup........ Heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup..... Pickled fennel 1. In a bowl, combine pickled fennel, fennel, lemon zest, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup..... Crème fraiche 2. Plate on top of oysters and serve. 2. Sweat garlic and shallots until fragrant. Pickled fennel: 3. Add limoncello, zest of half the lemon, and reduce by half. 4. Add heavy cream, thyme, oyster liquid and simmer for 2 minutes. 4. Heat a sauté pan with a little canola oil. 5. Add oysters and remove from heat. Don’t cook oysters – just warm gently in cream. 5. When the oil is hot, add scallops, but do not overcrowd the pan; turn down heat to medium flame. 6. Arrange oysters on a plate and add crème fraiche to oyster cream. Season and blend. 6. Cook scallops 90% on one side until golden brown. Turn and leave in pan for 30 seconds. 7. Nap oysters with sauce. 7. Spread corn pudding on serving plate and arrange scallops on top. 8. Mix the squash salad with the dressing and top the scallops with the salad. fennel frond, salt, pepper, and olive oil. 1. Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. 1/4 lbs...... Fennel stalks, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds 1/4 cup..... Distilled vinegar 1/4 cup . .. Water 3 tbsp....... Sugar 1 each...... Garlic clove, crushed 2 tsp......... Kosher salt For the picked fennel: combine all ingredients except for fennel. Bring to a boil. Let cool and add fennel. Refrigerate overnight. Heirloom Tomato BLT with Lemon Basil Aioli Recipe serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 12 each....... Cooked bacon slices 8 each......... Heirloom tomato slices 4 each......... Crisp romaine leaves 8 each......... Slices of bread 2 each......... Eggs 1 tbsp.......... Dijon mustard 1/2 cup........ Lemon juice + zest 3 cups......... Canola oil 1/4 cup........ Basil leaves 1. In a food processor, add eggs, mustard, lemon juice, zest, and basil. 2. Slowly drizzle in oil and season. Keep refrigerated for up to one week. 3. Lightly toast bread and generously spread aioli on both sides of bread. 4. Place lettuce on bottom pieces of bread. 5. Arrange 2 slices of tomato on the lettuce and season. 6. Place 3 slices of bacon on each sandwich. 7. Top with other slice of toasted bread, cut and serve. Photos on this page by DK Crawford© 2012. July/August 2012 Citrograph 59 C L E A N CITRUS Clonal Containerized Certified You have new options: • Containerized citrus is cleaner, more flexible and secure • Clonally propagated rootstocks increase uniformity and expand your options. • Professional field service from experienced horticulturists: (559)977-7282 Ed Needham Steve Scheuber (209)531-5065 (559)804-6949 John Arellano Clean Plants For Your Future 1 - 800 - GR AFTED 60 Citrograph July/August 2012 www.duartenursery.com • Hughson, Ca.