From the Archives: Traveling Citrus in New Zealand

Florida Southern College’s Citrus Institute aimed to give students not only an exceptional in-classroom education, but also a hands-on experience; with citrus groves planted all around campus, students had a learning experience unlike any other. The faculty were also well versed in the different techniques used all over the world thanks to their own hands on learning. Professor Tom Mack spent time in New Zealand in 1982 and spent his time abroad learning more about their citrus culture.
 
New Zealand is located on the limit for citrus culture and only on the northern and north eastern sections of the north island can citrus be feasibly grown. Ideal conditions for citrus include warm and sunny positions and temperature ranging from 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit; anything below 45 could possibly kill the plants. Upon hearing this, one can understand why Florida is the ideal place for citrus production. The lack of sunshine during the summers in New Zealand results in small, slow growing fruits, usually with poor yield.

During his time in New Zealand, Mack was able to see several similarities and differences in planting habits. The country is known for its strong winds in an effort to protect citrus cultures; they plant windbreakers which have been effective in sheltering the plants up to a specific distance. They also grew citrus crops on significantly smaller areas in order to grow more plants per the area to secure a reasonable income for the grower. They did not have significant issues with pests or diseases killing crops, but they continue to take precautions to ensure that this remains the reality. Mack remarks on the fumigation process that takes place the moment an airplane lands in the country.

New Zealand is far from being one of the world's top producers in citrus, but they are well on their way in kiwifruit. Growers in different parts of the country were seen to be growing kiwifruit in between the citrus plantings in the hopes of cutting down the citrus trees once the kiwifruit has matured. Mack ends his account commenting on how the New Zealand citrus industry will never be a threat to the Florida citrus grower. Currently,  New Zealand makes up about 0.05% of the world's citrus production. Safe to say, Professor Mack was right in his conclusion.

Written by Tanzy Zviitwah, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Fellow
In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center
Fall 2023

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Source:

Mack, Thomas B. History of the Citrus Institute, Florida Southern College, 1947-1993. Lakeland, Florida: Florida Southern College, 1993.

From the Archives: FSC Citrus Institute Chimeras

In History of the Citrus Institute, Professor Thomas B. Mack talks about how the citrus department was always trying to expand their audience past citrus majors and hit all sectors of campus life while engaging all students in one way or another. In the 1960s to 1980s, the citrus department created a “Plant of the Day” display that was placed between the citrus and physics wings. Chimeras were one of the most popular sites on display because of their humorous appearance. The citrus department created this display as an attempt to reach out and connect to the larger student body that were not involved with the citrus department.

A chimera is a mutant that results from an organism that has cells where two different genes are present causing them to both be expressed in the cell. This can be seen in a variety of organisms; for example, a rose can be half red and half white because it has both genes that are coding for the color white and for the color red being expressed.

A chimera is also different from a hybrid because of how the cells are oriented. A hybrid is an organism that has genes from two different species coexisting within one cell while a chimera has genes from two different species existing in separate cells. This means the tissue, the body of the cells, in a chimera are made from genes of two different organisms.

A specific chimera collected in the citrus department had an usually large section making it resemble a cantaloupe. As an April Fool’s prank, the department decided to name it the Orange-A-Loupe and convinced non-citrus majors they had created a cross between an orange and a cantaloupe, an impossible feat. Along with the Orange-A-Loupe, there were several other humorous chimeras placed on display for all of campus to see. 

 

Written by Tanzy Zviitwah, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Fellow
In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center
Fall 2023

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Source: 

Mack, Thomas B. History of the Citrus Institute, Florida Southern College, 1947-1993. Lakeland, Florida: Florida Southern College, 1993.

From the Archives: Citrifacts!

The “From the Archives'' series is back! In these blogs, we will be discussing the history of Florida Southern College’s Citrus Institute as well as some of Professor Tom Mack’s personal endeavors.

 

To start us off, we will be discussing Citrifacts. In September 1983, Prof. Mack wrote the first Citrifact column in the Citrus Industry magazine. This column was seen monthly in the magazine from 1983 until 1999. This column continued to be seen in the magazine as space permitted under the title “It’s a Citrifact,” referencing the original Citrifact column from the ‘80s. It presumably ceased to be published in 2004 following the death of Prof. Mack. This column was used to give some piece of information on citrus whether it was background on an existing system or new information that was recently published. The first Citrifact was about the origin of citrus concentrate in 1920. This article explains how Dr. J. E. Crump, a veterinarian and citrus grower, was the first to produce citrus concentrate in an ice cream freezer. 

 

Citrus concentrate is a powdered juice that can be used to make things taste like citrus. The production of citrus concentrate was a game changer for the citrus industry because this allowed growers the ability to sell citrus year-round. As the citrus industry grew larger and larger, growers began to look for more ways to store excess crops; this is where concentrate comes into the picture. 

 

Creating concentrate is a multi-step process. After harvesting, the fruits are juiced, and the juice is collected. The juice is then strained leaving a clear liquid and is evaporated to remove any water from the solution. This liquid is then deoxygenated meaning all dissolved oxygen is removed from solution; this is done to prevent oxidation from taking place because oxidation can cause rotting. The product then goes through another round of evaporation; it is then cooled and packed away in storage for later use. When it is time to use, the concentrate can be rehydrated by the addition of water.

 

 

Written by Tanzy Zviitwah, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Fellow
In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center
Fall 2023

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Sources:
 

Mack, Thomas B. Citrifacts. Bartow, Florida: Associated Publications Corporation, 1992.

 

Powers, John Robert and Robert Sidney Moore, Barry Jay Anderson, Galen Edward Downton, Judith Ann Kennedy, Donald Raymond Kearney, and David Arthur Strang. 1983. Process for Preparing Citrus Juice Concentrate. European Patent EP0110638A2, filed November 18, 1983, and issued June 13, 1984. https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0110638A2/en.

From the Archives: O.J. the Jumping Frog

In California during May 1965, an event would take place that would forge the story of an unlikely star. This event, referred to as the Calaveras County Frog Jump contest, was to be held on the 19th of the month to try and find the “jumpingest” frog in the world. This was where a star was born. Captured the Monday before his big event, Polk County’s champion was pampered at Dick Pope Sr.’s Cypress Garden by water skiers in an attempt to train him to hop over water. These skiers also wanted to build up the ego of the frog, so that he would have the confidence required to bring home the gold medal. To inflate his amphibious ego further, he gained sponsorship from the Florida Citrus Commission who planned to keep him pampered and fresh. After his intense training, the frog was airlifted from Tampa to Sacramento to take place in his jump. Dubbed the name O.J., for it was claimed he was trained on orange juice that increased his advantage by 500%, the frog that was unknown just 24 hours before had the fate of Polk County’s fame relying on his giant legs. The day of the event came, and through over half the event, it seemed as though O.J.’s name would go down in frog history. Steadily moving towards the top of the ranking, everything was going his way. Sadly, however, his 9 foot, 1¾ inch leap was not enough, for a few frogs beat him out for spots in the international competition. Even with the loss, it was thought O.J. would win the honor of longest traveled frog to compete, but an amphibian hailing from Africa would claim that prize. Even though he fell short of his ultimate goal, that he learned of a mere 48 hours before, O.J. could still be proud that he was the “jumpingest” frog in the history of Polk County. With that honor, O.J. retired. His inspiring and legendary career was over after just two short days. O.J. settled down in Angel’s Camp, California and planned to live out the rest of his days in seclusion, but the limelight was not yet done with the superstar jumper. Scandal arose from Angel’s Camp as rumors about O.J. being romantically involved with California frogs hit the papers. His jockey, Mrs. Hildred Cooper, reported that O.J.’s decision to step away from jumping had more to do with the Californian succubi of frogs O.J. had been around than retiring for the peace of it. With that news leaked to the press, the Florida Citrus Commission launched a probe into the private life of O.J. the frog. When reached out to by The Ledger frog editor, who spoke the native tongue of the frog, O.J. only had one thing to say about the rumors: “Nothin’ to it, nothin’ to it at all. I just shared a few flies with them. What’sa matter anyway? You don’t trust me or somethin’?” With the scandal put down and his name restored, O.J. lived the rest of his life in the peace he desired.

 

Written by Blake Hale, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Fellow
In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center
May 2023

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Source:
Frog Contest, 1965, James A. Haley Papers, 1948-1977, Box 123 Folder 13, Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Center, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida.

Exciting New Exhibition!

October 15th was an exciting day for the Florida Citrus Community. The Exhibition: Plant City and the Agriculture, Food Processing, and Supermarket Revolution; 1939 - 1975, opened to the public with a flourish. The exhibition dictates the changes in Plant City agriculture and has several unique exhibits. The exhibition has a lot of interesting information regarding all-things agriculture, specifically citrus distribution, scientific experimentation, and even how super markets came to be the way they are today. Sponsored by Publix Super Markets, this exhibition is running until November 4th, 2018.

Below is a photo from the ribbon cutting ceremony which took place on October 15th, 2018. In the background is the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Exhibit and prominently displayed within this exhibit are numerous citrus crate labels.

If are interested in attending this exhibit, here is a link to the Plant City Chamber of Commerce website where you can find more information. Feel free to send us any photos you take while attending the event, and it just may get featured on our social media.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

DIY Citrus Frost Prevention

Here in Central Florida temperatures can vary drastically. While this is not particularly

damaging to most native plants, citrus trees can suffer if the temperature is not stable enough.

Citrus plants have been known to survive temperatures of about 20 degrees fahrenheit, but this

is not without damage to the tree. Many small citrus trees lack cold hardiness and can suffer

damage during the chilly winters and brisk spring months.

When the temperatures start falling, many large citrus groves warm their plants with

warm water sprayers, or semi-flammable products to ensure that their groves stay at a constant

temperature. This process ensures that the trees in their groves suffer less shock when the

temperatures plummet, and is said to help keep the plant alive for longer. This is a remarkably

effective process for large scale growers, but what about those of us who have citrus trees at

home? How can you ensure the health and safety of your own trees when you do not have access

to the large scale warming methods that are used at the nearest grower?

Luckily, this is a fairly simple task, and with a little help from tools you likely have

around the house, you can ensure that your trees remain strong, tall, frost damage free, and

bearing fruit for years to come.

If you happen to grow a lemon, orange, grapefruit, or lime tree in your yard, you may be

concerned about how to ensure that it continues to gain cold hardiness during its juvenilicy. One

of the easiest ways to prevent the frost build up and minor injuries that can result from chilly

weather is by watering your tree with copious amounts of warm water in the days before a

freeze. This will help your plant face the rough weather with well hydrated roots, which will help

to keep the plant flushing out toxins, as well as keeping the plant tissue at about 32 degrees

fahrenheit. It is also a method to ensure that the roots remain warm, since moist soil usually

radiates more heat than dry soil.

Another common at home method, is to wrap the trunk of your tree in plastic wrap. This

will also help your tree retain heat, as well as keep the frost off the physical trunk of the tree. If

you are still concerned about the impending weather, try wrapping the trunk in christmas lights

as well, for additional warmth (if you choose to utilize this method, please ensure you are using a

functioning outdoor plug so that you do not suffer a nasty shock, or risk lighting your tree on

fire). This method is highly effective, but it only protects the trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, this

will not protect the fruit your tree has born.

Unfortunately, fruit is very susceptible to damage via inclement weather. Since oranges,

grapefruits, lemons, and limes are primarily made up of sugars and liquid, they freeze and spoil

very quickly. The best way to salvage your fruit is to just harvest it immediately. While it is

unfortunate that you plant will no longer have any fruit on it, the more important thing to

remember is that doing this will ensure that your plant will still be able to bare fruit in the future.

Large, mature trees usually withstand cold damage better than young samplings, although

this is not always true.

Overall, citrus trees survive best in warm, stable weather, but this does not mean that you

cannot have a citrus tree of your very own. As long as you are able to keep the temperature

relatively stable, you can enjoy fresh fruit right from the comfort of your own backyard. Just

make sure to take a tip from your local growers and keep your trees wet, wrapped, and warm.

If you’re interested in learning more about the citrus industry, and the history behind it, please feel free to stop by the Mckay Archives Center at Florida Southern College, as we currently have an exhibit case dedicated entirely to citrus frost, as well as an entire gallery of citrus history.

Do you have any at home tips for keeping your trees warm throughout the last few weeks

of chilly weather? If so, let us know in the comments section below!

Works Cited

Dan Gill, The Times-Picayune garden columnist. “How to Protect Citrus Trees from Freezes.” NOLA.com, NOLA.com, 10 Dec. 2016, www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2016/12/how_to_protect_citrus_trees_fr.html.

Data, US Climate. “Temperature - Precipitation - Sunshine - Snowfall.” Climate Florida - Temperature, Rainfall and Average, www.usclimatedata.com/climate/florida/united-states/3179.

“How to Cover a Citrus Tree in Freezing Weather.” Home Guides | SF Gate, homeguides.sfgate.com/cover-citrus-tree-freezing-weather-59756.html.

“Q&A: How Can I Protect My Citrus Tree from Frost?” Horticulture, 13 July 2010, www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/citrusfrostprotection.

“Http://Ljournal.ru/Wp-Content/Uploads/2017/03/a-2017-023.Pdf.” 2017, doi:10.18411/a-2017-023.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Days of Citrus Past - Elfers, Florida

Before being enveloped in the latter half of the 20th Century by its neighbors (New Port Richey and Holiday), Elfers, Florida participated in the citrus industry in West Florida.

“Elf,” “Gulf,” “Tavern,” “Whoopee,” and “Elfers Winner” fruit labels came from Elfers citrus groves owned by two main companies, the Elfers Citrus Growers Association and Sans Souci Growers. The farmers and growers of the Elfers area made up a tight-knit community in the early 20th Century, which outsiders viewed as little more than a small crossroads-town at the west end of Florida Highway 54.

Early on, Elfers was characterized by the richness of the soil in the area, a mixture of Norfolk Sand and muckland. The soil was so good for citrus, one paper claimed, that Elfers was a “poor man’s country for citrus fruit growing,” and that “The people of this section of Florida do not know how to grow citrus fruit; it grows simply because it can’t keep from growing.”

In 1966, however, the Elfers Citrus Growers Association packing house was destroyed in a fire that reportedly caused over $250,000 in damage; less than a third of it was insured. Following the destruction of the packing house, the citrus industry declined in Elfers. Today, while citrus plants still grow in the area, almost all of the town has been developed into residential communities.

The name ‘Elfers’ originated from the former name of the area, which was a Native American hunting ground called Alafia. Sam Hope surveyed the land in the 1840s, allowing the land to be sold to white settlers. Soon after, the Baillie family settled the area. The land was subsequently referred to by several names (Baillie’s Bluff, Alfiers, The Neck, and Sapling Woods, among others) until the residents of the area organized.

The foundation of an official municipality was assisted by the establishment of the Elfers Post Office in 1909, the connection of a railroad in 1913, and the Association of Elfers Citrus Growers in 1920.

Elfers as it is known today contains several historic sites within its limits: Perrine Ranch Road Bridge, which crosses the Anclote River; the Elfers Historical Marker, which recognizes the town as a whole; the Baker house, the oldest “cracker house” in western Pasco County (restored in 1993); and the First State Bank of Elfers Building. 

In 1925, the City of Elfers was officially incorporated, but only lasted for eight years. In 1926, during the Florida land boom, the State Bank failed, and in 1932, during the Great Depression, taxes were bad enough for growers that they filed to abolish the City of Elfers, a motion which passed the Florida Senate and took effect in July of 1933.

Today, while Elfers still exists as a census-designated place and not an incorporated municipality, addresses north of Moog Road—which runs east-to-west through the lower two-thirds of the town—have New Port Richey addresses, and those south of Moog Road have Holiday addresses.

According to public maps, the most easily-identifiable borders of contemporary Elfers are Interstate 19 as the western edge and the Anclote River and surrounding forest on the south and east edges. The north border aligns with neighborhood borders and may have to do with school district zoning, as public schools lay on or near those limits.

The boundaries of Elfers can also be imagined through county district maps. Comparing public maps to the regional, government-zoned regions, Elfers can be seen taking up most of Precincts 15 and 57, as well as roughly half of Precinct 58. Elfers is dominated by school District 3, but its northeasternmost neighborhoods are part of District 4.

Written By: Peter Edgar

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center