How we can base horticultural practices for citrus greening on tree environmental physiology
Topic of the talk program: How we can base horticultural practices for citrus greening on tree environmental physiology
Date: 13th April, 2023
Venue: National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Hall, Khumaltar
Presenter: Dr. Christophr Vincent, Assistant professor, University of Florida, USA.
Experts' Observation: Mr. Yubaraj Bhusal, Senior Scientist, NARC
Moderator: Dr. Shova Shrestha and Dr. Umesh Acharya
Rapporteur: Mr. Kapil Paudel, Member SAS- Executive Committee
Welcome remarks:
Dr. Shova Shrestha (Scientist, National Soil Science Research Centre, NARC, Member, Seminar and conference, SAS- Executive Committee) gave the welcome speech. She elucidated the organizational aim of SAS-Nepal and the objective the talk program. She briefly explained about the topic of that day’s program and emphasized that the talk and discussion will bring up some important issues regarding to the decline of Citrus in Nepal. Since, the citrus decline is the major issue of the agriculture as citrus is one of the major fruit crops grown in mid-hills of Nepal. Dr. Umesh Acharya, Citrus Coordinator of NARC facilitated the session.
About the presentation:
Dr. Cristopher (Presenter) explained about the physiological changes in citrus plants during the citrus greening infestation period. He discussed the rate of translocation of the materials in trunk after the infestation. Sugar translocation in the plant is also affected due to the infestation. The production was severely affected in Florida due to greening. He presented ‘providing and maintaining the shade’ as a way to reduce the rate of damage in citrus. The shade was found effective in slowing the problem. The shade of 30% was very much effective in maintaining a larger canopy compared to no shade and 70% shade. He also discussed on the beneficial effects of the use of particle films which help in redistribution of light within canopy and deter insect pests by preventing host detection. Red and white kaolin were also tested and found beneficial in larger canopy development and higher yield after years as compared to non-treated.
Query from Dr. Shreemat Shrestha
The discussion was made on the flux of Florida where the research was conducted and whether it could be relatable to the flux of Nepal or not. Dr. Cristopher expressed his view on this topic. He stressed that the flux could be relatable as the climatic condition in Florida was somehow relatable to Nepal. Further research is much better to have a conclusion.
Remarks from Experts observation:
Mr. Yuba Raj Bhusal indicated that the topic is related to the national issue and the prioritized fruit crop of Nepal with economic importance. He agreed for the scientific logic behind the north facing slopes with lower severity of decline. Dr. Cristopher Vincent emphasized the need of further researches to verify the observation of more decline in south facing slopes.
Felicitation Session
Dr. Cristopher was felicitated from the president of SAS-Nepal with providing traditional scarf (Khada). The Director, Crop and Horticulture Research, Dr. Shreemat Shrestha handed over the letter of appreciation to Dr. Cristopher, the Presenter.
Closing Remarks from President of SAS- Nepal and Wrapping up of the program:
President of SAS-Nepal, Dr. Ram Ghimire thanked all the participants, personnel involved in successful completion of the program, especially to Dr. Cristopher for selecting this forum to present his scientific research.
