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Advancing Southeast Georgia Citrus Education Through Agent Led Projects

Extension Education

Aubrey Shirley
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia
Reidsville

Abstract

Since its introduction by the Spanish and subsequent spread throughout the United States, Georgia growers have become increasingly interested in the commercial production of citrus. There has been exponential growth in planted citrus acreage in South Georgia since the mid-2010s. Earlier plantings consisted primarily of single landscape specimens, whereas current production includes large, multi-acre commercial operations distributed throughout the region. As of 2025, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 acres of citrus have been planted statewide. With this rapid expansion, growers require locally relevant research to help achieve long-term financial sustainability. This need led the agent to establish a small citrus grove at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Lyons, Georgia. The initial plantings consisted of three varieties: Cara Cara navels, Frost Owari satsumas, and Kishu mandarins. The following year, plantings continued with 20 Sugar Belle® trees. From these plantings, subsequent citrus-related field days, production meetings, and research projects have been conducted and are ongoing. These area-wide citrus meetings have been attended by more than 240 participants, who have earned approximately 100 pesticide credit hours. Speakers have included specialists from UGA and UF, as well as local agricultural agents. Topics have included freeze protection, variety selection, disease management, and a variety of other citrus-related issues. These meetings also serve as valuable opportunities for agents to gather feedback for future research endeavors. Survey responses are collected from growers to identify priority research goals for Extension personnel.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Aubrey Shirley, Jason Mallard, Ross Greene, Jonathan Smith, Chris Tyson
  1. Shirley, A. County Extension Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30453
  2. Mallard, J. Area Water Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30458
  3. Greene, R. Evans County ANR Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30417
  4. Smith, J. Tattnall County ANR Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30453
  5. Tyson, C. Area Onion Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30436