Effects of Iron Rates on Growth and Development of Young Huanglongbing-affected Citrus Trees in Florida

Essential nutrients for citrus [‘Bingo’ ( Citrus reticulata , Blanco)] production are important different functions, including photosynthesis, resistance to disease, and productivity. During the past 15 20 years, in Florida has significantly declined as a result of devastating greening disease also called huanglongbing (HLB). Therefore, greenhouse study was conducted 2 starting 2018, at University Florida/Institute Food Agricultural Sciences Research Education Center evaluate effect varying rates iron on growth development 2-year-old HLB-affected ‘Bingo’ reticulata, Blanco) trees Kuharske citrange rootstock. Four treatments were used randomized complete block (HLB status) design with seven single tree replicates each treatment. The applied 0.0 (control), 5.6 (standard fertilization, lx), 11.2 (2x), 22.4 (4x) kg?ha ?1 healthy (non-HLB) trees. Data trunk diameter, height, leaf samples collected, processed, analyzed 3-month intervals years. At end second year, destructively sampled processed above-ground below-ground biomass. Tree heights among P < 0.001); however, they similar non-HLB both Higher average diameters 0.001) observed that received 2x rate compared 1x control. In 2019, showed 13% 40% higher concentrations leaves than However, comparable 2020. Above-ground biomass had between 33% 44% more 0.01) corresponding fertilization. Iron accumulation correlated positively all studied parts A 95% confidence interval which total nearly maximum corresponded an 9.6 11.8 close rate. soil application using aforementioned may be appropriate better young