In 2005 when citrus greening was discovered in orange trees in south Florida, the insidious little carrier bug, the Asian citrus psyllid, was already making its way through the state infecting and killing thousands of acres (127,000+) of citrus trees. Growers, initially paralyzed with panic, adopted a wait and see policy regarding re-planting many thousands of trees. Some nurseries, in business to supply the citrus growers with young trees, were unable to afford the uncertainty . The ones who did move forward, had some expensive adaptations to implement.
New growing mandates created in 2007 required all citrus propagators to grow new trees in greenhouses equipped with pressurized ventilation, sanitizing sprays and foot baths to prevent the start and spread of disease. This mandate would hopefully assure the health of the new young trees that would replace infected trees. Some, went above and beyond to create greenhouse systems that would not only out produce previous methods, but do so while saving labor, conserving water, using fewer chemicals and providing comfortable workplaces for employees.
Phillip Rucks, well known in the industry as an innovator and the largest citrus propagator in Florida, implemented a “hub style” series of greenhouses with four 1 acre plus houses connected to a center work area he calls “The Head.” All houses and The Head incorporate “Dutch Rolling Benches.” This is an ingenious rolling rail system incorporating waist high planting benches.
For more information
Barbara LangfordFibreDust LLC
T: 813 992 0105