CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Enhancing the Citrus Industry in Antigua & Barbuda
By Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford
Report on Day 1
Venue: Multipurpose Center
Facilitator: Dr. Lennox Andrew
Day One of Citrus Day commenced at the Multipurpose Center with an informative and interactive session led by Dr. Lennox Andrew, an agricultural specialist with extensive expertise in citrus development.
Presentation Highlights
Dr. Andrew began by introducing participants to the importance of grafting in citrus production, explaining how the technique improves plant resilience, yield potential, and overall productivity.
He went on to highlight the critical challenge posed by Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly referred to as citrus greening disease.
This disease, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, is regarded as one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide. It affects the tree’s ability to transport nutrients, leading to yellow shoots, misshapen fruit, decline in productivity, and eventual tree death.
Practical Session
To reinforce the knowledge gained, participants were divided into three groups, each assigned to examine different citrus trees. The exercise allowed them to:
Observe physical signs such as leaf color, fruit condition, and branch structure.
Discuss differences between healthy and potentially infected trees.
Identify early symptoms that may indicate the presence of HLB or other stresses.
Share group findings with the wider audience for comparison and learning.
Key Takeaways
Grafting as a critical tool – essential for establishing stronger and more productive citrus plants.
Awareness of HLB – participants gained a deeper understanding of how to identify symptoms and why early detection is vital.
Hands-on learning – the field-based group activity encouraged active participation, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical application of knowledge.
Foundation for next sessions – the insights from Day One set the stage for further exploration of citrus production practices and disease management in the days ahead.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUPCLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Grafting is old knowledge, but many farmers never got formal training. Passing it on properly is priceless.
If our young people catch the passion now, Antigua’s citrus industry has a future.
Huh. I didn’t even know we had a citrus industry here. Ok