Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
(N/A)
RIVERSIDE,CA 92521
Performing Department
Botany and Plant Sciences
Non Technical Summary
For US production of subtropical fruits, California accounts for >90% of the avocados, >95% of the dates and 88% of fresh market citrus. Each of these crops present unique challenges and increasing productivity is critical as land is less available, water quality diminished and production costs increase. The overall goal is to increase production of subtropical crops such as avocado, citrus and dates. Methods will include breeding and cultural practices such as modified shade structures, planting strategies, and fertility.California is historically considered marginally suitable for avocado production due to lack of adapted varieties and high summer/low winter temperatures. New varieties are now available for evaluation against the industry standard, 'Hass.' Moreover, new technology to modify the growth environment provides for stress mitigation exists. We will assess the potential of new systems of plant management to determine if we can growavocado in hot environments such asCentral Valley of California, Southern Texas. Additionally, this project will determine if there are avocado varieties that can be grown in high densities which will result shorter, easier to harvest trees withincreased yields. This research is important in determining methods to mitigate climate change.The project will also assess the potential of new technology which will increase soil fertility and water conservation. This research will be conducted on avocado and dates. The research is important as it will save the environment by reducing fertilizer inputs and reduce water needs for the plant.Lastly, this project will evaluate strategies to stimulate citrus to produce a crop in 2 years instead of 3-4 years and will increase growth, flowering and yield. The goal is to modify the way trees are grown so that growers will get returns faster.
Animal Health Component
85%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
15%
Applied
85%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal is to enhance production of subtropical crops such as avocado, citrus and dates. Methods will include breeding and cultural practices such as modified shade structures, planting strategies, fertility, and plant growth regulators.Assess potential of production systems to enhance avocado production.Demonstrate that avocado can be successfully grown in economic scale in environments not normally considered ideal for its cultivation by using a combination of a new management technology namely, an advanced orchard climate-controlled systemDemonstrate enhanced production in high density planting utilizing new high performing avocado varieties and rootstocksEnhancing avocado and date production through novel technologiesTest efficacy of a new technology to enhance intrinsic soil fertility andTest efficacy of new technology to enhance water conservation.Enhance early production of citrusEvaluate planting strategies to accelerate plant growth, precocity and yield.Evaluate the potential of Citrus dwarfing viroid provides cross-protection from Huanglongbing.
Project Methods
For avocado research, advanced orchard control systems are being built in the central valley. Several rootstock/scion combinations will be planted under the structure. Annually, tree health, physiological measurements, plant growth and flowering data will be taken and analyzed. Once the trees are established, we will host field days and meetings to effect change in knowledge and action. Tree crop growers will be invited so they can see the impact of the structure on enhancing production of avocado grown in hot non-conducive climate. Results from this trial will be extended to growers, CE Advisors, allied agribusinesses, and the California Avocado Commission through annual extension meetings, reports and conferences. Field days will be held occasionally. These efforts will cause a change in knowledge and potentially action with tree crop growers.Enhancing avocado and date production through novel technologies. In 2019, devices were installed in replicated blocks of dates and avocado. Growth, flowering and productivity of the date and avocado plantings will be taken throughout the year. Leaf and soil nutrient analysis will be conducted annually. Data will be analyzed using SAS to determine the effects of the new technology in enhancing intrinsic soil fertility and water conservation. Results from this trial will be extended to growers, CE Advisors, allied agribusinesses, and the Date Commission and California Avocado Commission through annual extension meetings, reports and conferences. Field days will be held occasionally. These efforts will cause a change in knowledge and potentially action with tree crop growers.In 2019, plant a replicated trial with Cara Cara budded onto Rubidoux Trifoliate rootstock was planted at 6x 20 ft to test effect of planting strategy on plant growth, precocity and yield: 1) Berms with weed cloth, 2) Berms with wood mulch, 3) Berms with bare ground, 4) Flat with weed cloth, 5) Flat with wood mulch, 6) Flat with bare ground. One-third of each row was planted with a Cara Cara tree that had been inoculated with 'Citrus Dwarfing Viroid'. Trees are evaluated for precocity, tree height, trunk diameter, canopy volume and yield. Trees will also be screened for HLB initially using HLB-sniffing canines. Data will be analyzes using various statistical procedures in SAS. Results from this trial will be extended to growers, CE Advisors, allied agribusinesses, and the Citrus Research board through annual extension meetings, reports and conferences. Field days will be held occasionally. These efforts will cause a change in knowledge and potentially action with citrus growers.