ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. Jonathan H. Crane, chairman of the supervisory committee, for his guidance in the research of this project as well as the preparation of this manuscript. I would also like to extend appreciation to Dr. Howard W. Beck, Dr. James J. Ferguson, and Dr. Joseph W. Noling for their expert assistance and numerous contributions to this project. Appreciation is also extended to the following faculty members from the Tropical Research and Extension Center in Homestead, Florida, who unselfishly contributed numerous 35 mm slides from personal collections; Dr. Carl Campbell, Seymour Goldweber, Dr. Robert McMillan, Dr. Jorge Peña and Dr. Randy Ploetz. Dr. David Tucker, Dr. Larry Duncan and Dr. Harold Browning from the Citrus Research and Educational Center in Lake Alfred, Florida, also deserve recognition for contributing numerous 35 mm slides from personal collections.

I wish to acknowledge Dr. Pierce Jones, FAIRS Database Coordinator; Ms. Pamela A. Keith, Database Coordinator for Florida Citrus CD-ROM; Mrs. Pamela P. Kelly, Graphic Designer and Ms. Andrea Confer, Botanical Illustrator, for their valuable contributions.

I would also like to thank all the growers, IFAS extension faculty, County extension agents, researchers and specialists who participated in the testing procedure, reviewed documents and contributed information as well as 35 mm slides towards the development of this project. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Ed Hanlon, the personnel at the Soil Testing Laboratory and to the Horticultural Science Department, IFAS faculty and personnel whose assistance was vital to the success of this project. Special gratitude is also extended to Mrs. Jackie Host, Farm Manager, and Mr. Robert Smith for their assistance during the sand culture greenhouse nutrition study.

I would also like to thank the Dade County Agri-Council, the Sarasota Fruit & Nut Society and A.S. Herlong for their financial support throughout the development of this project. This thesis is dedicated to my parents, Eleanore and Bradley, and my sister Sue for all their guidance, support and encouragement they have given me throughout my life.