#United States #Lakeland #Agricultural Innovation #Florida Southern College #citrus research

Florida Southern College Revives Citrus Innovation

Florida Southern College is taking significant strides to honor its rich connection to Florida's citrus industry through the revival of two historic citrus groves located on its campus. This initiative not only preserves a vital aspect of the College's heritage but also paves the way for new educational and research opportunities within agribusiness.

These revitalized groves serve as more than just historical landmarks; they are set to enhance agricultural research and workforce development, addressing contemporary challenges faced by the citrus industry, particularly the threat posed by Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. By utilizing these groves as testbeds, the College aims to explore innovative production methods and technologies that promote the health and resilience of citrus trees, aiming for sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.

The undertaking is a collaborative effort, involving partnerships between Florida Southern College, Philip Rucks of Rucks Nursery, and Mike Hurst of Citrus Service, Inc. This collaboration underscores a commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders while ensuring that students gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry. According to Dr. Michael Weber, Dean of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, “Florida agriculture has always been built on innovation, and these citrus innovation groves represent an investment in the future of agribusiness.”

The project has its foundation in state-of-the-art rootstock developed by Rucks Nursery that is resistant to HLB disease. This research is crucial as the citrus industry fights against the potential devastation of citrus greening. Moreover, Citrus Service, Inc. has donated protective tents for the young citrus trees, shielding them from pests that transmit HLB, as well as mitigating issues like heat stress during Florida's sweltering summers. Such proactive measures aim to bolster the durability of the trees and ensure the longevity of the citrus they produce.

On the official reinstallation day, students from Florida Southern's Horticulture, Land, and Resource Management programs collaborated with faculty to plant the groves, ensuring a sustainable plan for research and educational use for years to come. This initiative not only celebrates the College’s history with citrus cultivation – dating back to when the campus was established atop an abandoned grove in 1921 – but reinforces its current roles in both academia and industry.

Florida Southern College has a longstanding relationship with the citrus sector, reflected in its academic programs and partnerships aimed at cultivating expertise in grove management. The introduction of the Citrus Institute in 1947 marked a significant milestone in Florida’s agricultural education, and the current revitalization of the groves continues this legacy.

Moving forward, as these groves mature, they are expected to support applied research, experiential learning, and collaboration with industry stakeholders, ultimately providing students with valuable insights into the intricate challenges and opportunities that shape Florida's agricultural landscape. The project stands as a testament to the College’s dedication to advancing agribusiness innovation, making education relevant and impactful through direct community engagement.

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College remains a pioneer in education, offering over 70 undergraduate programs and distinguished graduate offerings in various fields including business, education, nursing, and physical therapy. The College is recognized not only for its academic excellence but also for being home to one of the world's largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, further enriching its cultural and educational context.

Through the rejuvenation of its citrus groves, Florida Southern College champions a future where agricultural innovation thrives, preserving the legacy of an industry central to the region's economic and cultural identity and ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to face the challenges ahead.