Citrus Tissue Analysis

Written by

Jake Price

August 18, 2021

July and August are the best months to collect leaf samples for tissue analysis while nutrient concentrations are the most stable. Each sample should not represent more than 20 acres and can be taken from 15-20 trees. Select only one leaf from each shoot that is between 4-6 months of age and from a non-fruiting twigs. You want a recently mature leaf that emerged in the spring. The total sample should consist of about 100 leaves. Avoid choosing damaged leaves and do not sample trees on the edge of the grove. For the most accurate micronutrient analysis, soak and gently wash the leaves in a mild detergent solution. Compare your analysis to the leaf analysis guidelines table on page 30 of the “Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees” book, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf%5CSS%5CSS47800.pdf, and adjust your fertility program accordingly.

Posted in: Citrus Production

Jake Price

Dr. Jonathan Oliver is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. He has a 70% research, 25% extension, and 5% service appointment. Dr. Oliver started in his current position at the University of Georgia in mid-2017 as an extension fruit pathologist at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. His responsibilities include research and extension activities focused on pathogen biology and disease management in fruit crops grown primarily in the southern part of Georgia, including blueberries, blackberries, citrus, and other emerging fruit crops. Dr. Oliver obtained a BS degree in Plant Pathology and Microbiology & Cell Science from the University of Florida in 2005, and a PhD in Plant Microbe Biology from Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY in 2011. In addition, he has also been postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University and Auburn University. At Auburn, he characterized the interactions between the emerging bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, and its blueberry plant hosts. He currently serves as a Plant Pathology Section editor for the Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide.