Wheeler Farms Citrus Study: Evaluating JC 9465 Against Citrus Canker & HLB

• Study Location: Wheeler Farms, Florida
• Conducted By: Anthony Pascher
• Product Evaluated: Jenfitch® JC 9465
• Target Issues: Citrus Canker & HLB (Citrus Greening)
• Study Period: January–February 2015
• Citrus Varieties Observed:
  • Hamlin Orange
  • Honey Tangerine
  • Mid-Sweet Orange

The study followed multiple trees through before-and-after treatment observations, documenting foliage condition, infection presence, and overall tree vitality after application of JC 9465.

Application Details

• Rate: 3 oz per gallon of water
• Application: Evening foliar spray + light soil drench
• Date Initiated: January 5, 2015

Observations
Prior to treatment, the Hamlin Orange tree showed severe decline, with visible canker infection and symptoms consistent with greening disease. Within approximately 10 days, infected leaves began dropping, followed by the emergence of a new, healthy flush.

Post-treatment images show no visible signs of infection on new leaves, and the tree continued to show improved vigor until an unrelated freeze event ended the first trial. Subsequent testing continued on unaffected trees, reinforcing early observations of positive response WHEELER FARMS Citrus Study – Je….

Application Details

• Rate: 3 oz per gallon of water
• Application: Foliar spray + light soil drench
• Frequency: Every two weeks

Observations
Trees treated with JC 9465 exhibited:

• Continued defoliation of infected leaves
• Triggered vibrant new growth
• Noticeable reduction in visible canker lesions

As the trial expanded from individual trees to a broader area, follow-up applications showed a significant decrease in canker presence, documented clearly through before-and-after photography. New flush growth consistently appeared healthier than pre-treatment foliage WHEELER FARMS Citrus Study – Je….

Application Details

• Rate: 3 oz per gallon of water
• Application: 4x foliar applications + light soil drench
• Timing Adjustments: Morning vs. afternoon spray comparison

Observations
Trial Three reinforced earlier findings while highlighting the importance of application timing and rate sensitivity. While some leaf burn was noted on new foliage when application strength was high, overall results demonstrated:

• Strong recovery after initial leaf drop
• Cleaner, healthier new growth
• Improved canopy density and tree vitality

These observations contributed to later decisions to integrate ORP meter usage for improved application control and consistency moving forward WHEELER FARMS Citrus Study – Je….

Across all three trials, JC 9465 was associated with:

• Reduction in visible citrus canker symptoms
• Healthier new leaf flush following treatment
• Improved overall tree appearance and vigor
• Consistent response across multiple citrus varieties

While this study is observational and field-based, it offers meaningful insight into how JC 9465 performs under real agricultural conditions when addressing persistent citrus disease pressures.

Jenfitch would like to recognize Anthony Pascher for conducting and documenting this study at Wheeler Farms. Field research like this is essential for understanding how solutions perform outside of controlled laboratory settings and for advancing practical tools for growers facing ongoing disease challenges.

The complete Wheeler Farms Citrus Study includes:

• Detailed trial notes
• Application methods and timing
• Before-and-after photographic documentation
• Observations across multiple citrus varieties