Hurricane in Florida leaves citrus growers on alert

Florida's citrus industry, greatly weakened by the impacts of greening, is being threatened by the passage of Hurricane “Ian” through the North American state. According to the National Hurricane Center, the phenomenon hit Florida on Wednesday, the 28th, and was, at that time, classified as category four, but has now reduced its intensity and is now considered a tropical storm.

Still, this storm is expected to be one of the strongest to hit the state. Floods of different intensities may occur, especially in central Florida, in addition to strong winds, conditions that could cause damage to the local citrus industry.

Cepea researchers indicate that flooding results in plant rot, and winds tend to knock down fruits, leaves and even entire trees, as occurred in 2017 with the passage of Hurricane Irma. It is worth remembering that the harvest of the current 2022/23 harvest in Florida is close to starting, with activities scheduled for mid-October.