Insect specific chemicals and biological insect controls are now being utilized, instead of broad-spectrum pesticides, that actually reduces the number of sprays needed along with costs. Micro-sprinkler water is now being applied directly to the roots, not overhead or flooding of the entire block as was done in the past. Agriculture manages land for both agriculture and wildlife. In many SW Florida citrus groves, water retention areas and woodland corridors allow animals and birds to flourish. In citrus, technology has helped growers in many areas to reduce costs and improve production.
Growers use disease resistant varieties where possible.
Research and biotechnology have given growers new plant varieties that produce more and require fewer inputs. IPM or integrated pest management is utilized in our production programs and have greatly reduced the applications of pesticides and the costs associated with sprays. For fruit that is processed into juice, only one or two sprays per year are applied to prevent fungal diseases that affect leaves. Most insects and diseases that cause fruit blemishes are ignored because outside appearance of fruit does not affect juice quality. However, healthy leaves are required to produce an economical crop.