Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration
3027 Lake Alfred Rd. (US 17)
Winter Haven, FL 33881
863.298.7712
Bureau Chief: Michael Kesinger Michael.Kesinger@freshfromflorida.com
Budwood Ordering Procedures for
Chiefland Foundation Trees
The Division of Plant Industry has constructed a new greenhouse facility outside of the citrus growing areas for our budwood supply because of the disease threats and proximity of citrus diseases to our existing budwood sources. By separating our clean source material from the pathogen sources, we have a greater surety of providing our citrus industry with clean budwood.
The citrus budwood source trees located in the foundation greenhouse facility, located at Chiefland 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 sufficient numbers of trees of each clone to supply commercial quantities of budwood. Nurserymen propagating commercially are encouraged to establish their own source trees or to purchase their propagative material from a registered source.
New citrus nursery regulations took effect on January 1, 2007 to protect the citrus industry from citrus greening and other exotic pathogens of citrus. It is now required that all propagation of citrus occurs in approved protected greenhouse structures. Citrus greenhouses must now have double entryways with air curtains or forced air exiting the entry. The greenhouses have to be completely sealed with any fans or cooling pads covered with insect exclusion screen. Because of the new regulations on citrus propagation, the Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration will no longer distribute budwood or seeds to homeowners. Budwood or seed will be distributed only to citrus nurseries or research agencies registered with the Division of Plant Industry.
The following policy and procedures for cutting budwood at the Chiefland Foundation Greenhouse is currently in effect:
- Growers should contact the Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration, telephone 352-258-2054, Ben Rosson to make arrangements for cutting budwood. Ben will need to know the varieties and quantity required when you call.
- When ordering budwood, please indicate whether the order is to be mailed or picked up.
- It may be necessary to pro-rate the budwood when quantities ordered exceed the supply.
- There also may be times of the year when budwood cuttings may 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 as not to 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.
- The schedule of charges for sale of budwood is as follows:
- a. Twenty-five cents (25¢) per budeye; five dollar ($5.00) minimum charge.
- b. Out of state/foreign charge for budwood is two dollars ($2.00) per budeye plus one hundred dollar($100)processing fee plus phytosanitary certificate ($50.00) and shipping (actual cost).
- c. New releases are one dollar ($1.00) per budeye for the first year.
- d. Mailing charges are subject to change. Please contact the bureau for an estimate.
- e. 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.
Mail to:
Division of Plant Industry
Citrus Budwood Registration Bureau
3027 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881-1438
© 2004 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
