Laura Waldo

0009-0000-3397-3114

Management of Citrus Tree Canopies for Fresh-Fruit Production

Andrew Krajewski, Arnold Schumann, Tim Ebert, Chris Oswalt, Rhuanito S. Ferrarezi, and Laura Waldo

Computer Tools for Diagnosing Citrus Leaf Symptoms (Part 2): Smartphone Apps for Expert Diagnosis of Citrus Leaf Symptoms

Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, Perseveranca Mungofa, and Chris Oswalt

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

CUPSchat: A Specialized Chatbot for Citrus under Protective Screen (CUPS) Information

Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, and Chris Oswalt

The Citrus under Protective Screen (CUPS) project is a novel approach to citrus production in protected agriculture environments. To support the CUPS community, including growers, researchers, and Extension agents, a specialized chatbot named CUPSchat has been developed. This article provides an overview of CUPSchat, its features, and ways it differs from mainstream chatbots. Written by Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, and Chris Oswalt, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, January 2026.

A Close-up Look at Screens for Excluding Asian Citrus Psyllids

Timothy A. Ebert, Arnold W. Schumann, Laura Waldo, Daniel Stanton, and Philippe Rolshausen

Building a physical barrier around citrus trees or groves can prevent contact between trees and Asian citrus psyllids, the carrier of the pathogen that causes huanglongbing. This new 4-page article is for growers, scientists, and industries that are interested in this approach to protect citrus from huanglongbing. Written by Timothy A. Ebert, Arnold W. Schumann, Laura Waldo, Daniel Stanton, and Philippe Rolshausen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.

Managing Fruit Splitting in Florida Citrus

Andrew Krajewski, Timothy Ebert, Arnold Schumann, and Laura Waldo

Sometimes, the fruit on citrus trees will split open, making the fruit unmarketable; splitting can aid fungal and insect pests that subsequently damage fruit. A physiological disorder, pre-harvest fruit splitting begins with nutrient imbalances at flowering. Nutrient deficiencies weaken the rind, causing it to crack if interior parts of the fruit expand too quickly. Symptoms are only visible after it is too late to avoid the problem, but mitigation is still possible. Our goal is to define the problem and suggest management tactics for growers and Extension personnel to avoid or mitigate pre-harvest fruit splitting.