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…
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