Partnership between Fundecitrus and citrus growers is essential for applied research on citrus

Fundecitrus is recognized as a global reference in the development of science for citrus farming, disseminating knowledge that helps maintain the health of orchards, saving financial resources and preserving environmental resources. To achieve this, a partnership between the institution and citrus growers who provide productive areas on their farms to carry out experiments is essential.

Currently, there are approximately 68 experimental areas, occupying more than 390 hectares, distributed across around 40 municipalities in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. “Conducting experiments applied in the field is a very striking feature of Fundecitrus, which adds a lot of value to the studies and the results generated”, comments Fundecitrus researcher Franklin Behlau.

Research carried out in experimental areas allows advances in the management of the main citrus pests and diseases. And the results are important for the producers themselves, who also benefit from the information to care for their orchards.

José Cláudio Ruiz, citrus grower from the city of Nova Aliança (SP), donated an area of ​​his property for studies to control citrus canker and reports the importance of this collaborative action for the development and future of citrus farming. “In 2019, I had the opportunity to participate in the experimental area, where several products were applied to manage citrus canker, under the leadership of Fundecitrus technicians. The experience was very good, it was possible to verify which of the products applied were actually effective in managing the disease and I was able to contribute to the research being carried out”, explains Ruiz.

This participation of citrus growers is essential because, according to Fundecitrus researcher Geraldo Silva Junior, “it allows experiments to be carried out in an environment as close as possible to the reality of commercial orchards. And this collaboration is also important and beneficial for the producer, who, in addition to monitoring results in real time, is contributing to the development of citrus farming through the generation of information and technology for the entire sector.”

In this way, science is present, through Fundecitrus, in the producer’s routine. In 27 years of research, with more than 80 studies in progress, 400 scientific publications and around 70 masters trained by MasterCitrus - Professional Master's Degree in Citrus Disease and Pest Control, the institution seeks an increasingly efficient and sustainable citrus industry.