California Citrus Nursery Society Conference - 2024

The California Citrus Nursery Society (CCNS) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to supporting and strengthening California’s citrus nursery industry. Through information exchange, annual conferences, and specialized meetings, CCNS provides valuable resources and a platform for industry representatives to collaborate and address key issues. Members can stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives through CCNS’s Member Resources. Below, you can find clips from the conference held in November 2024.

Introduction

This introduction to the 2024 National Conference on Citrus Nurseries set the stage for key discussions on citrus nursery advancements, industry support, and plant protection. Heidi Cervantes opened the session, followed by Nate Jameson introducing the National Citrus Nursery Association (NCNA) and its mission. Dr. Deborah Pagliaccia then provided insights into the USDA Plant Protection Act (PPA 7721) Project, highlighting efforts to safeguard citrus crops.

Alexander Aksenov

Dr. Alexander Aksenov presented innovative research on developing a biocontrol method for managing the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a major pest in citrus production. His work explores advanced scent lure technology that could transform pest management strategies and support sustainable citrus agriculture.

What attendees learned from Alexander Askinoff's presentation:

He is developing a new technology using graphene-based materials to create a low-cost, low-power lure device that can release scent compounds to attract or repel the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP).
The graphene-based material can efficiently volatilize compounds at low temperatures, allowing for precise control over the release of the volatile blend.
Experiments have shown the graphene-based blend can be as attractive to ACP as actual citrus flush, and can also be used as a repellent to completely override attraction to citrus.
The technology has the potential for machine learning-based optimization of the volatile blend to stay ahead of changes in insect preferences.
Askinoff discussed the economic viability of the technology, estimating low costs for the volatiles and potential for large-scale deployment.
Further research is needed to bridge the gap between the proof-of-principle prototype and practical application of the technology.

Tracy Ellis

Tracy Ellis, VP of Customer Success at FarmSense, Inc., introduced FlightSensor™ technology, which offers real-time, automated insect monitoring. This innovative system leverages data-driven detection to significantly enhance plant protection programs. Its applications in nursery pest management and integrated pest control strategies promise more effective and sustainable solutions for agriculture.

What attendees learned from Tracy Ellis:

Farmsense has developed a "pseudo-acoustic sensor" technology that can detect and identify insects by their unique flight signatures as they pass through a light curtain.
The Farmsense flight sensor collects data on the insect, including time of arrival, temperature, humidity, and can even differentiate between species and sex in some cases.
The flight sensor data can be compared to traditional monitoring methods like sticky traps, showing good correlation in tracking pest population trends.
The flight sensor technology aims to provide real-time, automated insect monitoring that requires less manual labor compared to traditional methods.
Farmsense is currently testing the flight sensors for pests like naval orange worm, western grape leaf skeletonizer, and is interested in exploring its use for exotic fruit flies.
The flight sensor technology has benefits of low power consumption and efficient data transmission compared to camera-based monitoring systems.
Attendees learned about the potential applications of this automated insect monitoring technology for enhancing pest detection and management in citrus nurseries.

Robert Clark

Robert Clark of EcoData Technology demonstrated a simulation-based approach that integrates greenhouse inspection logs, insect monitoring data, and molecular diffusion models to assess Asian Citrus Psyllid breach risks. His data-driven analysis offers valuable insights for refining pest management policies in citrus nurseries.

The key things the attendees learned from Robert Clark's presentation on the computer simulation model for assessing risk of Asian Citrus Psyllid breach include:

The model aims to estimate the number of psyllids that could get into a nursery structure in the event of a breach, based on factors like breach size, psyllid abundance, and psyllid movement.
The model makes conservative assumptions, such as assuming all psyllids carry HLB, to err on the side of caution in the risk assessment.
The model can identify scenarios where the risk is very low (close to 0%) versus scenarios where the risk is very high (up to 100%) based on the combination of breach size and psyllid density.
The model can also provide estimates of how quickly a breach needs to be found and addressed before the risk becomes unacceptably high, ranging from hours to days depending on the conditions.
The attendees, particularly the USDA representatives, expressed interest in this type of data-driven risk assessment tool to help manage regulatory decisions around nursery compliance and quarantines.
There was discussion around the need to validate the model's predictions through field data collection and potentially using surrogate pests, as well as incorporating the model into the regulatory decision-making process.

The key takeaway was that the computer simulation provides a promising approach to objectively assess and manage the risks associated with potential pest breaches in nursery facilities.

Claire White

Claire White, an economist at USDA RMA, introduced the Controlled Environment Pilot Crop Insurance Program for the 2024 crop year. She explained how nurseries and growers can use this program to mitigate risks in controlled environments. With over 20 years of USDA experience, Claire offers valuable insights into effective financial protection for greenhouse operations.

The key things the attendees learned from Claire White's presentation on the USDA Controlled Environment Crop Insurance Program include:

The program provides insurance coverage for plant disease or contamination losses due to federal or state destruction orders in controlled environment nursery operations.
The program is based on the producer's sales history to determine the value of affected plants, and indemnities are triggered at a 10% loss threshold.
Key eligibility requirements include being at least 40% wholesale, having a catalog, and executing a self-certified biosecurity plan.
The program is currently available in select states and counties, but USDA is looking to expand the coverage area.
The Controlled Environment Program has similarities to the Nursery Value Select program, but key differences include coverage for disease/contamination versus adverse weather, and the 10% loss threshold versus coverage level-based indemnities.
Producers can have both the Controlled Environment and Nursery Value Select policies, but cannot be indemnified for the same plants under both programs.
The Controlled Environment Program interacts with the USDA's Non-Insured Assistance Program (NAP), allowing producers to have coverage under both programs.
The key takeaway was that the Controlled Environment Crop Insurance Program provides a risk management tool specifically tailored for nursery operations in controlled environments, which could be valuable for citrus nurseries facing potential disease and contamination risks.

Kim Bowman

Video Coming Soon

In this presentation, Dr. Kim Bowman from the USDA in Fort Pierce, Florida, shares groundbreaking research on enhancing citrus tree growth in winter nurseries. He discusses how supplemental LED lighting can improve budbreak and accelerate tree development, providing a valuable solution for nurseries facing seasonal growth challenges. Dr. Bowman’s insights offer practical strategies for optimizing citrus growth during the winter months. Watch the presentation to learn how LED technology is transforming citrus nursery operations and supporting healthier, faster-growing trees.

Craig Regelbrugge

Craig Regelbrugge from AmericanHort introduced the Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) Program, emphasizing its impact on online citrus sales and USDA compliance. He explained how a national compliance agreement and USDA-certified labeling can boost product value and marketability for nurseries. Kamron Newberry and Michael Martin then offered further technical insights on enhancing compliance and quality standards.

The attendees learned the following from Craig Regelbrugge's presentation on the Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) program:

SANC is a voluntary alternative program for plant production operations to achieve state-level certification for interstate plant shipment in the U.S.
SANC is based on a systems approach, focusing on building a system that combines individual measures to achieve phytosanitary protection.
Key elements of SANC include risk assessment, identification of hazards, critical control points, and record-keeping with internal and external regulatory oversight.
SANC is similar to food safety programs, aiming to prevent the introduction of plant pests and ensure product quality.
SANC provides a holistic approach to plant pest prevention and regulatory compliance, compared to traditional snapshot-in-time nursery inspections.
The program is scalable and adaptable, with a typical certification timeline of about a year.
Internal benefits of SANC include culture transformation, quality improvements, and cost savings through reduced pesticide use and early detection of problems.
Marketplace considerations include the lack of a marketing component to make consumers aware of the value of SANC-certified plants.

Abby R Stilwell

Abby R. Stilwell from USDA-APHIS discussed proposed revisions to the Citrus Nursery Stock Protocol based on public feedback. She explained key changes, how nurseries can meet new compliance requirements, and the impact on citrus production. This session provides essential insights for maintaining certification and adapting to evolving regulations.

The attendees learned the following from Abby Stillwell's presentation on the proposed changes to the Citrus Nursery Stock Protocol:

Abby Stillwell discussed the proposed changes to the protocol, including:

- Adding sweet orange scab to the protocol

- Updating the systemic insecticide drench application requirements

- Clarifying the language around monthly inspections

- Condensing information into general requirements

- Removing Section 5 related to interstate movement for ACP

- Adding a supporting documents section and updating definitions

- Providing more information in FAQs

Abby acknowledged that the biggest concern, related to alternate options when an approved structure suffers a breach, is not addressed in these proposed changes.
USDA is pursuing two studies with the University of Maryland and UC Davis to develop decision tools for risk analysis and nursery stock movement in the event of a breach.
Abby emphasized the need for collaboration and input from the industry to help develop effective solutions and tools.
Participants expressed concerns about the current protocol's impact on the citrus nursery industry and the need for evidence-based risk analysis.
There was discussion about the historical context of the protocol and the need to adapt it to the current state of knowledge and the changing landscape of citrus nursery management.

Panel

A panel of experts discussed the critical priorities shaping the future of the citrus nursery industry, based on recent NCNA meetings. Topics include regulatory compliance, sustainability, enforcement mechanisms, and opportunities for diversification and innovation. This session offers valuable insights into industry challenges and strategies for growth in an evolving market.

Here are the key points discussed during the panel discussion:

Challenges of implementing segmentation and compartmentalization:

- Concerns about creating ventilation issues and "hot box" conditions by adding walls
- Costs of building multiple compartments, with estimates of $15-18k per wall with air curtains
- Suggestions that growing practices and protocols for each crop could be an alternative to strict compartmentalization

2. Finding a balance between risk reduction and economic viability:

- Discussions on the need for science-based, cost-benefit analysis when developing new regulations
- Challenges of nurseries recovering the costs of new protocols, especially with fixed pricing contracts
- Desire to work collaboratively with USDA to find solutions that meet regulatory needs while keeping nurseries economically viable

3. Post-breach recertification protocols:

- Frustration with current protocols that require complete crop destruction and restart even without detected disease
- Interest in more science-based, evidence-based approaches to allow for quicker reinstatement after a breach

4. Collaboration with USDA and research initiatives:

- Strong interest in participating in research on probability-based models and advanced monitoring technologies
- Suggestions for USDA facility tours to enhance mutual understanding of nursery biosecurity practices
- Desire to provide feedback on how programs like the controlled environment crop insurance can better meet industry needs

The overall theme was a focus on finding balanced, science-based solutions that address regulatory concerns while also preserving the economic viability of nursery operations.