The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry has constructed a greenhouse facility outside of the citrus growing areas for its budwood supply because of the disease threats and proximity of citrus diseases to the existing budwood sources. By separating clean source material from the pathogen sources, there is a greater surety of providing the citrus industry with clean budwood.
The citrus budwood source trees located in the foundation greenhouse facility, located in Chiefland, Florida, are maintained to provide small quantities of budwood for registered citrus nurserymen to establish their own sources. These trees represent many different selections and there are not enough trees of each clone to supply commercial quantities of budwood. Nurserymen propagating commercially are encouraged to establish their own source trees or to purchase propagative material from a registered source.
Regulations took effect on January 1, 2007, to protect the citrus industry from citrus greening and other exotic pathogens of citrus. It is required that all propagation of citrus occur in approved protected greenhouse structures. Citrus greenhouses must have double entryways with air curtains or forced air exiting the entry. The greenhouses must be completely sealed, with any fans or cooling pads covered with insect exclusion screen. Budwood or seed will be distributed only to citrus nurseries or research agencies registered with the Division of Plant Industry.
Policies and Procedures for Cutting Budwood
The following policies and procedures for cutting budwood at the Chiefland Foundation Greenhouse are currently in effect:
- Growers should contact (352) 535-1620 or DPI_BudwoodOrders@FDACS.gov to make arrangements for cutting budwood. We will need to know the varieties and quantity required.
- When ordering budwood, please indicate whether the order is to be mailed or picked up.
- It may be necessary to prorate the budwood when quantities ordered exceed the supply.
- There may be times of the year when budwood cuttings can be scheduled for a certain date. Budwood cutting may be delayed several weeks waiting for flush to harden off, or waiting for new growth. Bud cutting may also be delayed several weeks following an oil spray. Foundation source trees will generally be pruned back severely during the winter months when demand is at its lowest. When major pruning occurs, several months may pass before sufficient budwood is regrown. Again, nurserymen are encouraged to establish their own source trees so they will not be totally dependent on other suppliers. The Budwood Office maintains a listing of registered budwood sources from participants' scion groves (available on request).
- Budwood is cut on Mondays or Tuesdays so shipments can be made early in the week. Budwood orders should be submitted by Thursday of the prior week. When a major budwood cutting is pending, orders may be cut off a week in advance.
Pricing and Fees
- $0.25 per budeye, $5 minimum charge
- Out of state/foreign charge for budwood is $2 per budeye plus a $100 processing fee plus phytosanitary certificate ($50) and shipping (actual cost).
- New releases are $1 per budeye for the first year.
- Mailing charges are subject to change. Please contact us for an estimate.
- Statements will be mailed out at the end of the month. Charges for the sale of budwood will be payable to the Division of Plant Industry.