2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide: General Consideration for Use of PGRs in Citrus Groves in Florida

Starting in 2026, the Florida Citrus Production Guide is available as two separate booklets. The first booklet will provide information that does not change frequently such as personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and the biology of many of the insects, diseases, and horticultural practices that are part of citrus production. The first booklet will be updated every 3 years.

This second booklet will be printed annually and include any pertinent updates to legislation that impacts Florida citrus production and all pesticide and PGR tables that were previously incorporated into each chapter. The chapters here on Ask IFAS will be amended should changes occur between printing. This allows for rapid updates to incorporate new knowledge.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemical compounds that alter plant growth and development by modifying natural hormonal action. Some PGRs are naturally occurring hormones, while others are synthetic hormones that mimic or interfere with the action of natural plant hormones. PGRs can be used to increase or retard plant height, prolong or break dormancy, prolong flower and plant shelf-life, prevent leaf yellowing, abort flowers, or promote rooting, branching, and flowering. - AGROVOC

The UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) is the oldest and largest off-campus experiment station in UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and is unique among research centers in that it focuses entirely on one commodity, citrus. [website]

"Florida's agricultural industry generates more than $103 billion in annual economic impact and employs more than 500,000 people. Florida's farmers produce nearly 300 commodities, and winter vegetables and citrus consistently lead the national rankings. To meet the needs of this diverse industry, research and extension programs in the areas of fruit and vegetable production, postharvest technology and weed science are delivered on a county, regional and statewide basis using a variety of methods including field days, intensive hands-on training, and distance learning. Excellence in programming facilitates the exchange of information and technology and contributes to the professional development of extension faculty and the agricultural clientele they serve."
--- Extension Programs, Horticultural Sciences Department