Bureau of Plant & Apiary Inspection
Bureau Chief: Tyson Emery Tyson.Emery@freshfromflorida.com
P.O. Box 147100
Gainesville Florida 32615
352-372-3505 ext. 154
Growing Citrus, and Other Hosts of Citrus Greening such as Orange Jasmine, Boxthorn, and Curry-leaf in Approved Structures
New Requirements
Requirements for Citrus nursery Structure, Orange Jasmine, and other host of citrus greening listed in Rule Chapter 5B-63 F.A.C..
- Citrus greening host plants must be grown in insect-proof structures with double entryways that incorporate positive pressure. The structure should be designed so that it cannot be opened at anytime except through the entryway which consists of a double set of doors utilizing positive pressure to force air out the outer door.
- The double entry area must have solid sides and roof so positive pressure is obtained when the first set of doors is opened. Fan(s) and/or an air curtain must be incorporated into the entryway to blow air out the outer doors when they are opened.
- An enclosed vestibule needs to be incorporated into the design to allow for tree delivery and material transfer.
- Insect exclusion screen or non-permeable covering must cover the entire structure with no gaps that would allow insects to enter the structure.
- Screen size must be able to exclude the melon aphid.
- All cooling pads and fans must be covered with insect screen.
- Allowances should be made for ventilation with larger screened areas designed into the ends of the houses to permit air exchange.
- It is recommended that the structures have solid, non-permeable coverings.
- Greenhouse coverings can be poly, fiberglass, polycarbonate, or acrylic panels. When poly is used, a double layer of poly is recommended with a blower fan to inflate the air space between the sheets. Poly must be securely attached to structure, an aluminum poly lock is recommended.
- Other types of corrugated panels must have a closure strip of foam-type material to seal the ends.
- Insect screen is permissible but not recommended as a roofing material due to inherit weakness and tendencies for small holes and tears to occur. It is recommended that appropriate repair materials such as polypropylene tape, silicone caulk and a small amount of extra screening material be kept on hand at all times to make small repairs if the structure is damaged.
- The test for an insect-proof house is that no openings or gaps are visible that would allow insects the size of the melon aphid to enter the structure.
- Smaller gaps between structural members can be sealed with silicon caulk or other suitable materials. The house must also be sealed where the structure meets the ground. It is recommended that the side and gable walls be buried at least six (6) inches into the ground to provide a barrier for insects and or animals.
- It is recommended that nurseries consult with a greenhouse manufacturer or contractor to obtain specific design plans. Ventilation, heating, shading, and windloads are best addressed by the vendors offering the greenhouse components for sale.
All citrus nursery sites established after April 1, 2006, must be approved prior to planting by meeting the following requirements:
- Newly established citrus nursery sites must be a minimum of one mile away from commercial citrus:
- Existing and new citrus nursery sites must be fenced and gated with a controlled entryway
- It is strongly recommended that windbreaks of sufficient height and density be maintained for deterring wind-blown rain:
- Inspection of nursery sites and surrounding areas will occur on a regular basis every 30 days:
- All citrus propagation structures shall be enclosed with a covering to exclude insects. This includes all structures used for budwood sources, nursery trees and seedling production.
