The state is working with the USDA and UF/IFAS to determine new management strategies for citrus diseases. Recommendations for dealing with trees suspected of having citrus canker will be available soon. For now, you should not move any citrus plant material or fruit from your property and avoid coming into contact with the suspect plant to prevent spread of the disease. Do not mail or bring samples of suspected citrus canker or greening to extension offices.

Symptoms on leaves and fruit are brown, raised lesions surrounded by an oily, water-soaked margin and a yellow ring or halo. Old lesions in leaves may fall out, creating a shot-hole effect.

Oranges and grapefruit are highly susceptible to foot rot disease, caused by Phytophthora citropthora and P. nicotiana. Some rootstocks offer considerable resistance to that disease. So on infested land, it's important to use such a stock. Rootstock variety has some effect on the strength of flavor of the fruit, the sweetness, total yield of the tree, and cold-hardiness of the tree. Some citrus scion varieties are difficult to root from cuttings.

A:The ideal pH for a citrus tree is 6.0 to 6.5, if it's on citrus roots, or 5.5 to 6.0, if budded/grafted to Poncirus roots or one of the Poncirus hybrids (citrumelo, citrange, etc.) Ideally, you should have your soil tested. A local extension office may do it for you, or even a local college or high school with a chemistry dept. Or you can buy fairly cheap pH meters or even cheaper pH testing paper (not very accurate, but perhaps close enough).

Air layers work best with a stem thicker than a finger -- maybe thumb size. But thinner stems can be layered if you're very careful not to break them. It's easiest to work when the plant is actively putting out new growth, since the bark will "slip," meaning it will peel cleanly away from the wood. Cut a ring around the stem, cutting through the bark to the wood. Don't go deeply into the wood. You can use a knife or the blade of a pruning clipper.

The state, along with the USDA and UF/IFAS, is developing a citrus health response program that will provide management strategies for citrus diseases. It is unknown at this time if those strategies will include a residential survey component. Surveying for canker and other citrus diseases may be incorporated into existing state survey programs such as the fruit fly trapping program.

This review of Agent Cool Blue plaque detecting rinse by Listerine will help you decide whether or not this product is worth buying.

Canker sores are little painful ulcers in the mouth. They can appear as white spots inside the mouth, for example inside the cheeks or the tongue. Anybody can get canker sores, however this painful ulcer is more prevalent in women. It is stated that over 50% of the U.S. population gets canker sores. Canker sores cannot spread from person to person since they are not caused by bacteria or viruses. Only later on bacteria get involved in case the canker sore gets infected.

Potted citrus trees can be planted almost anytime of the year. Fall and Spring are two of the better times. Since newly planted citrus trees are not as cold hardy as more mature ones, Fall planting should be done at least two (2) months before freezing temperatures can be expected.

Please do not mail or bring in samples to your county extension office. Instead, please ask them to send an agent out to examine your tree.

Sooty Mold - Appears as a black, sooty growth on the upper side of leaves. Is harmless, but indicates that an insect was or is present (usually aphids, whiteflies or scales). Whiteflies. As these piercing-sucking insects feed on the undersides of the leaves, they secrete a sticky, clear fluid that drops onto the leaves below. Sooty mold grows upon this secretion. Sooty Mold Water or Varietal Problem. The problem of splitting fruits usually occurs in the early fall.

Chewing insect - Usually either a grasshopper or caterpillar. Damage is usually contained to a small proportion of leaves and should be ignored. The caterpillar is called an Orange Dog, and is the larval stage of the beautiful Giant Swallowtail butterfly.

Citrus can be replanted, but must be purchased from certified nurseries that are registered with the state. Decontamination requirements have been lifted for lawn maintenance companies operating in canker quarantine areas. However, the Department encourages good sanitation practices to protect plants from harmful pests and diseases. Citrus material (trees, fruit, rootstock, leaves, potted citrus plants, etc.) should not be moved from the state without a limited permit from the USDA.

Spring is an ideal time to plant new citrus trees. Garden centers have a good supply to pick from, and the trees are ready to begin root and shoot growth. Make sure you give the new tree a sunny site and space the trees at least 12 to 15 feet apart. If you miss the spring planting season, don't worry. Container-grown trees are available year-round. They can be added to the landscape anytime.

There can be several causes for canker sores to develop, such as stress, food allergies, poor nutrition, not enough sleep or poor dental hygiene. Also, small injuries such as minor cuts and abrasions caused by massaging the gums while brushing the teeth and dentures can cause canker sores as they get infected. Research has shown that people with low levels of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and C and low levels of iron and folic acid are more prone to develop canker sores.

Tree climbing is an activity, not a thrill sport. The goal for most people is not just to make the climb, but to spend time peacefully enjoying the treetop. Tree climbers leave their troubles on the ground. Their new perspective on the world opens up fresh ideas and renewed excitement about life. After a climb, tree climbers feel refreshed and relaxed. Tree climbing is a spiritual thrill, not a physical one.

The City will remove trees that are growing on City property and that are hazardous or at least 80 percent or more dead. A hazardous tree, as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture, must meet three criteria: 1) it has the size and weight to cause damage if it falls, 2) there is a target (the thing that would be damaged if the tree were to fall), and 3) it has a condition that makes it likely to fall.

Urban Forestry will remove trees that are hazardous, and growing on City property. A hazardous tree, as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture (link to ISA) must meet three criteria: The tree has a condition that makes if likely that the tree would fall. Urban Forestry will inspect requests for tree removal from city property promptly, and, if the tree is found to be hazardous, our Tree Crews will remove the tree.

A:10 years may be long enough, but 4 feet tall from seed is the problem. Citrus trees, like most plants, don't measure their maturity in years, as do humans; rather, they measure it in number of nodes (points where the leaves are attached to the stem) from the original seed. So in a grapefruit tree, to get enough nodes along the stem, you usually need a tree 15-20 feet tall. If you keep pruning it to keep it indoors, it will never get there. Say you have an 8' tree at node 247.