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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

Commercial citrus production in Georgia has expanded rapidly since the mid-2010s, generating increased interest among growers and a growing need for locally relevant production information. Earlier citrus plantings in the state were typically limited to individual landscape specimens; however, current production now includes multi-acre commercial operations distributed throughout South Georgia. As of 2025, an estimated 4,000–5,000 acres of citrus have been planted statewide. The objective of this Extension program was to develop a demonstration planting and educational program to address production challenges faced by emerging citrus growers in Georgia.To support this effort, a small citrus grove was established at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Lyons, Georgia. Initial plantings included Cara Cara navel oranges, Frost Owari satsumas, and Kishu mandarins. Additional plantings the following year included 20 Sugar Belle® trees. These demonstration plantings served as the foundation for citrus field days, production meetings, and ongoing applied research projects.Extension meetings held throughout the region have attracted more than 240 participants and provided approximately 100 pesticide credit hours. Presentations from specialists at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida addressed topics including freeze protection, variety selection, and disease management. Surveys conducted during these meetings indicated that 87% of participants found the material directly relevant to their operations. The most frequently reported production challenges were insect pests (37.5%) and citrus greening (31.2%).These results demonstrate a strong demand for citrus-focused Extension programming and highlight the importance of demonstration plantings and stakeholder-driven research to support the long-term sustainability of Georgia’s emerging citrus industry.

 

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