Lasers May Aid Greening-Diseased Citrus Trees (Morning AgClips)

A University of Florida scientist hopes to improve on laser technology to enhance the efficiency of spray solutions aimed at restoring vitality to greening-affected citrus trees and reducing amounts of chemicals applied.

With the updated technology, a laser shoots infra-red energy pulses at citrus tree leaves, said Ed Etxeberria, a professor of horticultural sciences at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. That energy cracks the cuticles on the leaves and increases the penetration of agrochemicals – including bactericides — into the leaves by more than 4,000 percent, he said.

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