Insight No. 29 Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D. (the Silly Goose Grandpa)Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–Kingsville During my recent travels in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, one sight kept repeating itself — a biryani shop on nearly every corner. From roadside stalls to fine restaurants, the word biryani glowed everywhere like a shared cultural…
Insight No. 8 “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” -John Muir Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US Citrus A Scientific Journey with Citrus Diversity In March 2025, I traveled to Mildura, in Victoria, Australia, to attend the International Organization of Citrus Virologists meeting. It was…
Insight No. 7 “True organic comes from how we grow, not just how we wash.” Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US Citrus Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is one of the most versatile and safe household products. It helps in cooking, personal health, and even plant care. But despite its many…
Insight No. 6 “Sometimes the roots of scientific revolutions are found in the most unlikely places.” Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US CitrusProduction Date: August 31, 2025 Executive Summary This Inside Story reveals a hidden chapter in citrus history. While Dr. Richard Hensz is celebrated as the father of the Texas…
Production Date: August 18, 2025 Introduction: What is an Espalier? Espalier, pronounced es-pal-YAY, is the ancient horticultural practice of training fruit trees to grow flat against a structure, such as a wall, trellis, or series of wires. The technique originated with 16th–17th century European master gardeners who sought to grow fruit in confined courtyards, castle…
by Mani Skaria, Ph.D. In the sun-kissed breeze of the Caribbean isle, Where trade winds whispered through citrus groves with style, A fruit was born in golden light— A citrus gem, both bold and bright. From pomelo’s depth and orange’s grace, Came grapefruit’s flesh with a bittersweet face. Barbados, the cradle of this tale, Launched…
The Texas A&I Citrus Center opened in 1947 in Weslaco under the leadership of Dr. P.W. Rohrbaugh. In 1964, Dr. Richard Hensz became the second director, contributing significantly to the Center’s national reputation. The Center launched an ambitious research and education program, accommodating students, WWII veterans, and teachers, with faculty from Kingsville supporting academic teaching…
by Mani Skaria, PhD [Verse 1]Down in Weslaco, where the orchards grow,I met a tree with a Texas soul.Born of sunlight, sweat, and rain,Carved by hands that knew the strain. Dick, he saw you bloom,In that quiet old research field.He called Beto in, said “Take the lead,”And there began a lifelong seed. [Chorus]You’re not just…
Puliyangudi: The Heart of South India’s Lime Cultivation Production Date: July 27, 2025 📍 Introduction Puliyangudi, located in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, is widely recognized as the ‘Lemon Town’ of South India. This town has built its reputation on the strength of acid lime cultivation, creating a thriving economy based on this single…
Hello, I am Dr. Mani Skaria—Professor Emeritus, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of plant health and soil fertility.Today, we’re diving into a foundational topic for home gardeners and growers alike: Complete Fertilizers. Plants require a wide range of nutrients to thrive, broadly categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients.Macronutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—often listed as N-P-K on…