Masters Graduate Student University of Florida Lakeland, Florida
Body of Abstract: When natural disasters like hurricanes strike, trees must endure and recover from effects of high-wind speeds to continue to thrive in their environment. We do not know how the xylem responds to mechanical damage from high-speed winds for an extended period nor how long it takes to recover. Understanding recovery time can assist in predicting the effects of storms on the trees. The objectives of this study are to 1) determine the recovery time of citrus trees through the path of Hurricane Ian and to 2) determine the long-term impacts of wind damage on xylem function. We hypothesize that trees that underwent greater wind intensities will have greater xylem dysfunction and a slower recovery than trees exposed to lower windspeeds. To test our hypotheses, we are surveying trees managed by 8 growers, spread across the path of Hurricane Ian, including one outside of the storm, for damage in response to wind speed and flooding. Trees of sweet orange, mandarin, or grapefruit varieties were identified to compare across regions for a total of 23 total sites in the study. Trees on the ends and middle of each grove were chosen and branches from lower, middle, and upper areas of the canopy were tagged depending on the direction of the wind from hurricane Ian. We are evaluating canopy health by measuring canopy density and photooxidation via chlorophyll fluorescence. Through active xylem staining, x-ray tomography and hydraulic conductivity measurements, we will assess three groves to see whether the mechanical strain led to hydraulic failure the xylem. With the knowledge from this project, we will have a better understanding of the tree recovery and timeline and impacts of different wind intensities of tree growth.