Rebuilding Citrus: Scott Thompson and the Tree Defender Solution

About this episode

Scott Thompson discusses the innovative Tree Defender solution aimed at protecting citrus trees from pests and enhancing their growth.

In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, Kris and Tara sit down with Scott Thompson, co-founder of Tree Defender, a Florida-based company on a mission to help save the citrus industry. As citrus greening continues to challenge growers across the state and beyond, Tree Defender has developed an innovative solution designed to protect young trees and give growers a fighting chance.Scott shares the story behind Tree Defender and how their Individual Protective Cover (IPC) is helping shield citrus trees from the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect responsible for spreading citrus greening. But protection is only part of the story.Field studies have shown that trees grown with the Tree Defender IPC are not only surviving, but thriving. With reported growth rates more than 2.5 times greater than uncovered control trees, the results are turning heads across the industry. The conversation dives into how these covers may enhance photosynthesis, creating a more favorable microclimate for young trees to establish and grow stronger, faster.Even more exciting, early observations suggest that this technology could extend beyond citrus. Other crops may also benefit from the same enhanced…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kris, Tara

Guest: Scott Thompson

Topics covered

• citrus industry
• agriculture innovation
• pest management
• sustainability
• crop protection

Keywords

• citrus greening
• Tree Defender
• Asian citrus psyllid
• Individual Protective Cover
• agriculture technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tree Defender

Places: Florida, citrus industry, citrus greening, Asian citrus psyllid

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