Written Knowledge ●
Written Exam Format Look first The published middle-school Citrus written exam contains 15 questions and may use multiple choice, matching and/or true-false.
Know the format so test-day wording does not slow you down.
Treat every statement as evidence-based do not guess from one keyword.
Memory cue 15 questions; MC, matching or true-false.
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2026–27 Citrus Reference Update Look first Florida FFA's current-season revision calls for an updated Florida Citrus Production Guide.
Use the live Florida FFA Citrus resource folder as the season authority.
The public UF/IFAS chapters remain useful for learning the production concepts behind the exam.
Memory cue 2026–27 = updated Citrus Production Guide.
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Rootstock and Scion Jobs Look first The rootstock forms the root system below the graft; the scion is the desired fruiting top.
Rootstock choice can change how the scion performs.
Keep the graft relationship clear when a question asks which plant part controls roots versus fruiting variety.
Memory cue Rootstock = roots. Scion = fruiting top.
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What Rootstock Choice Can Change Look first Rootstock can influence scion vigor, canopy architecture, yield, fruit size and quality, disease susceptibility and pest tolerance.
Rootstock performance also interacts with climate, soil type, spacing and other biotic/abiotic factors.
Do not memorize a rootstock as universally best; suitability depends on the site and production goal.
Memory cue Rootstock changes more than roots: vigor, yield, fruit and stress response.
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Nematode IPM Decision Sequence Look first First determine whether damaging nematodes are present, then whether populations are important enough to cause loss, then select a profitable management option.
Management without diagnosis can waste money and create unnecessary risk.
Sampling and evidence come before treatment.
Memory cue Find it → measure it → manage it.
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Certified Nursery Trees Look first Using certified nematode-free nursery trees helps keep plant-parasitic nematodes out of new citrus plantings.
Exclusion is especially valuable because established nematode problems are difficult to eradicate.
Certified trees work best when combined with clean equipment and good sanitation.
Memory cue Start clean: certified trees.
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Clean Equipment Between Groves Look first Remove soil and root debris from equipment before moving between groves to reduce nematode spread.
Mud and root debris can move soil pests from one site to another.
Sanitation is a prevention step, not a diagnosis.
Memory cue No soil ride-alongs between groves.
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Sample Before Treating Nematodes Look first Soil and roots from under the tree canopy are used to determine whether plant-parasitic nematodes are present and at damaging levels.
UF/IFAS emphasizes laboratory evidence before choosing a nematode treatment.
Tree decline has many possible causes, so do not assume nematodes from canopy symptoms alone.
Memory cue Sample soil + roots before treatment.
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Nematode Decline Clues Look first Root damage from plant-parasitic nematodes can show aboveground as reduced vigor, thinner canopy growth and twig dieback.
Symptoms can become more obvious during environmental stress.
These clues are not unique to nematodes, so confirmation still requires sampling.
Memory cue Damaged roots can mean thin canopy + dieback.
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Swingle and C35 Nematode Resistance Look first Swingle citrumelo and C35 are widely planted rootstocks with resistance to citrus nematode.
Resistance is one management tool, not a substitute for site selection and sanitation.
Rootstock choice should match the whole site, not one pest alone.
Memory cue Swingle + C35 resist citrus nematode.
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High-pH Rootstock Warning Look first Swingle citrumelo and C35 do not tolerate high soil pH well.
Soil pH is one reason a rootstock that works in one grove may perform poorly in another.
Rootstock selection must include soil characteristics.
Memory cue Swingle/C35: nematode resistance, but not high-pH stars.
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Asian Citrus Psyllid and HLB Look first Asian citrus psyllid is a key citrus pest because it vectors the pathogen associated with Huanglongbing (HLB/citrus greening).
ACP feeds on phloem sap.
Young citrus flush is especially important to ACP reproduction and nymph development.
Memory cue ACP = HLB vector on young flush.
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HLB Symptom Pattern Look first HLB can be associated with blotchy leaf mottling, dieback and fruit drop as infected trees decline.
Symptoms develop after infection and can overlap with other problems.
Use the whole pattern and approved references rather than one color change.
Memory cue HLB = blotchy mottle + decline pattern.
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Why Irrigation Matters in Florida Citrus Look first Florida citrus often needs irrigation because sandy soils hold little water and rainfall is uneven through the year.
Much of Florida's rainfall occurs June through September.
February through May is often drier and overlaps important leaf expansion, flowering, fruit set and fruit growth.
Memory cue Sandy soil + uneven rain = irrigation matters.
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ET and Soil Moisture Look first Evapotranspiration (ET) estimates water lost through evaporation plus plant transpiration; soil moisture indicates water available for root uptake.
Both weather-based and soil-based measurements can help schedule irrigation.
The goal is to avoid both water stress and unnecessary over-irrigation.
Memory cue ET = loss. Soil moisture = what remains available.
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Identification Station Rules Look first Published middle-school Citrus procedures say contestants should not handle identification specimens unless officials specifically allow it.
Bring the permitted materials listed in the rules; a magnifying glass is listed as optional.
Observe first and protect the integrity of the station.
Memory cue Look, don't handle; magnifier may help.
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