Pre-harvest fruit drop significantly challenges citrus orchard yield and economic viability, especially those affected by Huanglongbing (HLB). This issue is relevant in Florida’s citrus industry. This study investigated the efficacy of propionic acid he experiments applied three monthly doses of propionic acid in two consecutive years—in 2023 treated doses were 300 ppm, 1,100 ppm and 2,200 ppm— to trees, with an untreated group serving as the control. For this experiment, results indicated that the 1,100 ppm of propionic acid was most effective in controlling fruit drop, significantly reducing losses by 30% compared to the control. In 2024, the second experiment aimed to fine-tune doses. Trees were treated with three monthly doses of propionic acid utilizing 700 ppm, 1,100 ppm, and 1,400 ppm, with an untreated group serving as the control. Results showed that the 700 ppm dose was the most effective treatment in preventing fruit drop, retaining 15% more fruit than untreated trees. In both years, propionic acid increased average fruit weight. The 700 ppm dose improved yield by 36% compared to the control in 2024, while the 1,100 ppm dose led to a 17% increase in 2023 and 6% in 2024. Propionic acid did not alter fruit quality parameters, including °Brix and acidity. These findings suggest that propionic acid is a promising management tool for reducing pre-harvest fruit drop under HLB conditions.
