Central Florida Ag News, September 2019, By Phillip Rucks
A common problem that many citrus growers face annually is post-bloom fruit drop. This disease is caused by a fungus known as Colletotrichum Acutatum. The fungus survives between bloom periods as resistant structures on the buttons, leaves, and twigs. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, July 2019, By Phillip Rucks
While one part of the citrus research industry is looking for ways to develop HLB-resistant trees in order to maximize yield, another part is focused on the configuration of the groves themselves. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, June 2019, By Phillip Rucks
Creating a citrus-greening resistant plant has been at the forefront of agricultural research since the disease was first diagnosed in 2005. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, August 2019, By Phillip Rucks
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, is becoming a low-cost, essential tool for precision agriculture that can help citrus growers better manage their crop in new and revolutionary ways. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, May 2019, By Phillip Rucks
Creating a citrus-greening resistant plant has been at the forefront of agricultural research since the disease was first diagnosed in 2005. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, March 2019, By Phillip Rucks
As citrus season progresses, let’s take a moment to talk about windbreaks and their importance to citrus trees. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service defines windbreaks as “plantings of single or multiple rows of trees and shrubs that are established for environmental purposes.” Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, June 2014, By Phillip Rucks
We’re in a war. Although our weapons are insecticides and nutritional sprays instead of rifles and grenades, the battle against the greening disease is real. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, May 2014, By Phillip Rucks
Citrus groves are becoming living laboratories, according to Dr. Jude Grosser, a University of Florida (UF) professor at Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, April 2014, By Phillip Rucks
The nursery industry sure has changed. Since I opened Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery 17 years ago, citrus canker and greening disease have taken a tremendous toll on nursery businesses. Read more>>
Central Florida Ag News, March 2014, By Phillip Rucks
Citrus varieties more tolerant of citrus greening disease are head- ing for large- scale fi eld trials as early as March. University of Florida (UF) researchers have identifi ed 16 rootstalks showing a lower rate of infection and more tolerance to greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). Read more
TC Palm, August 2013
VERO BEACH — August is National Peach Month and you can enjoy delicious and juicy peaches grown right in our own county—if you can find them. Read more
The Ledger, June 2013
BONITA SPRINGS | Developing new citrus trees suited to Florida’s environment, especially ones tolerant to citrus greening, is a long road with many branches.
Bay News 9, Sept 26, 2012
Workers at the Rucks Citrus Nursery in Frostproof are turning out nursery trees at the rate of a million per year. But there simply aren’t enough nurseries like Rucks to keep up with the demand. More>>
Citrus Research Board, April 27, 2012
Phillip Rucks, a Florida-based commercial citrus grower, shares his experience growing citrus trees in protected culture.
Southeast Ag Net, February 4, 2012
Nurseryman Phil Rucks in these reports reflects on the current shortage of nursery trees available for Florida citrus growers to plant and looks at the future situation. More>>
Bloomburg Business Week, February 4, 2011
Phillip Rucks, who runs the biggest citrus nursery in the country in Frostproof, Fla., will ship his first round of Tango trees to growers in Florida’s fabled Indian River district this summer. More>>
The Ledger, February 3, 2012
HAINES CITY | The Florida citrus industry is stuck in neutral and could remain there through the end of the decade. More>>