&LWUXV +HDOWK 5HVSRQVH 3URJUDPSharon Garrett 863-298-7734 Citrus Budwood Registration Mike Kesinger 863-298-7712 Citrus Nursery Registration Justin Ezell 863-298-7777 MULTI-COUNTY

CHRP Contact Information Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) offices Main Regulatory Office 3027 Lake Alfred Road Winter Haven, FL 33881-5219 TEL: 863-298-7777 FAX: 863-291-5219 Brevard (south of SR 520), St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee 4244 Bandy Boulevard Fort Pierce, FL 34981 TEL: 772-429-2000 FAX: 772-429-2009

Collier, Hendry, Lee, Charlotte, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Sarasota, Palm Beach, Broward and Glades 424 E Market Road, Unit 10 Immokalee, FL 34142 TEL: 239-658-3684 FAX: 239-658-3692

Highlands, Hardee and De Soto 3397 US Hwy 27 South Avon Park, FL 33825 TEL: 863-314-5900 FAX: 863-314-5911

Alachua, Brevard, (north of ST 520), Citrus, Flagler, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia and All northern counties) 4129 Country Road 561 Tavares, FL 32778 TEL: 352-253-4547 FAX: 352-253-4549 Polk, Osceola, Pinellas, Manatee and Hillsborough 3027 Lake Alfred Road Winter Haven, FL 33881-5219 TEL: 863-298-7777 FAX: 863-291-5219

Web Sites: Citrus Health Response Program Offices Web site:

www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/pec/pec-dist-map.html

FDACS DPI Citrus Health Response Program Web site: www.doacs.state.fl.us/chrp/

USDA APHIS Citrus Health Response Program Web site:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/pdmp/index.html

Florida Department of Citrus: http://www.floridajuice.com/growers.php

UF/IFAS Office Locator:

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/index.html

University of Florida-IFAS, CREC, Lake Alfred: 863-956-1151

Citrus Health Response Program Help Line:

800-282-5153

USDA-APHIS-PPQ: 301-734-8645

Div. Fruit & Vegetables:

863-291-5820

Compliance agreement and business plan: Tomas Gonzales 863-298-5244 Jack Searcy 863-298-7713

Sample submission:

Sharon Garrett 863-298-7734

Citrus Budwood Registration Mike Kesinger 863-298-7712

Citrus Nursery Registration

Justin Ezell 863-298-7777

MULTI-COUNTY CITRUS EXTENSION AGENTS CONTACT INFORMATION Mr. Chris Oswalt Polk and Hillsborough counties Polk County Extension Office Post Office Box 9005 Drawer HS03 Bartow, Florida 33831-9005 Phone: (863) 519-8677 ext. 108 Fax: (863) 534-0001 Email: [email protected] Website: http://polk.ifas.ufl.edu/Chris.htm Mr. Ryan Atwood Marion, Lake, Volusia, Orange, Seminole, Brevard and Osceola counties Lake County Extension/UF/IFAS 1951 Woodlea Road Tavares, Florida 32778-4052 Phone: (352) 343-4101 Fax: (352) 343-2767 Email: [email protected] Website: http://cfextension.ifas.ufl.edu Dr. Steve Futch Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota counties Citrus Research Education Center 700 Experiment Station Road Lake Alfred, Florida 33850-2299 Phone: (863) 956-1151 ext. 1202 Fax: (863) 956-4631 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/faculty/futch/futch_stephen.htm Dr. Mongi Zekri Hendry, Glades, Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties Mailing address: Hendry County Extension Office P.O. Box 68 LaBelle, Florida 33975 Physical address: Hendry County Extension Office 1085 Pratt Blvd LaBelle, Florida 33935 Phone: (863) 674-4092 Fax: (863) 674-4636 Email: [email protected] Website: http://flcitrus.ifas.ufl.edu/Mongi's%20Webpage/Zekri.htm

Gary England Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties Sumter County Extension Office 7620 State Road 471, Suite 2 Bushnell, Florida 33513 Phone: 352-793-2728 Fax: 352-793-6376 Email: [email protected] Website: http://sumter.ifas.ufl.edu/about_us.shtml *Vacant citrus position in Highlands County. Contact Steve Futch

ArcReader Interactive Maps Citrus Canker and Greening

This map allows users to interact with up-to-date citrus canker and citrus greening data, depicting all commercial and residential greening and canker finds from Jan. 01, 2004 to present. Users can create, export, and print custom maps as well as zoom, pan, measure, and locate features such as addresses, counties, and PLSS section grids. Getting Started Visit http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/chrp/index.html and click on the Interactive Map under CHRP Updates.

To view the map, you must first download the ArcReader software and the current interactive map file. Detailed instructions are available on the interactive map web page.

Once you install the software, you will only need to download the current map data to view an updated map.

Use the fully interactive map to find addresses, PLSS Sections, Cities and Counties. The map also contains the latest citrus canker and citrus greening (HLB) data. If you have any questions on problems using this map, please contact our helpline for assistance 1-800-282-5153.

Page 1 of 2

July 02, 2007

RE: CITRUS HEALTH RESPONSE PROGRAM

NEW 2007 COMPLIANCE AGREEMENTS – GROWER/ CARETAKER Dear Citrus Industry Member: The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has revised the Citrus Health Response Program Compliance Agreements and Business Plans and is prepared to issue the new documents for the approaching 2007 - 2008 citrus season. These compliance agreements have been changed significantly in an effort to better serve the current needs of the citrus industry. The intent of these regulatory changes is to offer a balanced approach that provides growers with the latest information on disease management strategies, allowing growers maximum flexibility in the development of customized disease management programs for each unique operation. In addition to signing a compliance agreement, the completion and submission of a basic business plan is required, which outlines each grower’s canker and greening disease management strategies. To assist growers in the completion of the business plan, examples will be available on our Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) website. In addition, a series of workshops is scheduled for this summer designed to provide growers with University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences’ (UF-IFAS) recommended disease management techniques. The Department plans to tabulate business plans and provide interested parties general information on disease management strategies being employed industry-wide.

For the 2007-2008 fruit harvesting season, there will be no penalties assessed for business plans that depart from the UF-IFAS disease management recommendations as long as there is some rationale to the strategies proposed; however, the Division of Plant Industry (FDACS/ DPI) plans to monitor compliance to determine the level of participation. The new compliance agreements and business plans must be returned to the FDACS/ DPI CHRP headquarters in Winter Haven by August 1, 2007. Both the compliance agreement and business plan are available on the DPI/ CHRP website: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/chrp/index.html. In closing, it is important to say that the FDACS/ DPI simply wants to work closely with the Florida Citrus Industry to determine appropriate measures that will allow profitable citrus production while keeping citrus canker and citrus greening in check.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry

Bureau of Pest Eradication and Control Citrus Health Response Program

3027 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881-1438 Phone: (863) 298-7777; Fax: (863) 298-4554 CHARLES H. BRONSON

COMMISSIONER

NEW 2007 COMPLIANCE AGREEMENTS – GROWER/ CARETAKER (continued)

Page 2 of 2

Instructions for completing compliance agreement by Form Section Number: Owner or agent should print legibly in the white spaces provided for each area as is applicable. Please correct any of your address / contact information before returning to the State CHRP office.

All agreements should be completed and returned to the State address as listed in Section 11. Please be aware that the new compliance regulations become effective as of August 1, 2007. For additional information and attachments (Schedules), or assistance in completing the compliance agreement, please visit our official Web site (http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/chrp/index.html), or contact our help line at 1-800-282-5153. For technical assistance with Business Plans, please contact our CHRP Statewide Regulatory Department in Winter Haven at 863-298-7723. Again, the Department’s intention is to continue to work closely with the UF-IFAS and Florida Citrus Industry to determine and implement the best methods available to grow and produce high quality fruit. In addition, we would like to provide services to the industry to enhance citrus grove inspections for citrus canker and citrus greening which will in-turn help determine the method and frequency of disease / insect vector control strategies. Sincerely, CHARLES H. BRONSON COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

James Heidegger, Chief Bureau of Pest Eradication & Control Division of Plant Industry

1. Please fill in section 1 with business or individual’s name and mailing address. 1.1 Record applicant’s ten-digit telephone number in space provided. 1.2 Record applicant’s email address or fax number in space provided. 1.3 Indicate whether this agreement is for a grove owner, a grove caretaker or an agent for the grove owner. 2. Print physical address of your primary facility or field operation headquarters. 2.0 Please list all grove blocks owned by name, county, T-R-S, variety and acres.

2.1 Record Township – Range – Section (T-R-S) for each grove location. 2.2 Print the name of the county (or counties) in which your physical operation, shop or barn resides. 2.3 Record name of the company or individual who currently caretakes your groves. 3. Regulated Articles are the items defined and regulated by federal and state authorities. 4. Applicable State Quarantine(s) or Regulations. 5. Sign in Authorized Signature box - requires the signature of applicant or authorized agent. 6. Print name & title in block #6 of person who has signed this agreement. 7. Fill in date signed - the date that the agreement was signed by applicant. 8. Agreement No. is reserved for State use, and indicates the agreement revision series. 9. Date of Agreement is the State’s effective date of this Program document. 10. Official Name & Title is reserved for use by State Program officials. 11. Official Address is reserved for the State’s Program office address. 12. Official Signature is reserved for a State Program official’s signature. Note: Schedules listed above the signature block of the agreement are legal attachments and integral parts of this

compliance agreement, and should be read, printed, and completed as indicated from the State’s official Web site.

DACS 08316 Rev. 5/07 Page 1 of 3

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry GROWER / CARETAKER COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT Section 581.031(26), F.S. 3027 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881

1. NAME & MAILING ADDRESS OF OWNER OR AGENT:

2. PROPERTY LOCATION / IDENTIFICATION:

1.0 C/A# VAL.DATE: 2.0 BLOCKS: ( ATTACH LIST & PLAT PAGES IF MORE SPACE IS NEEDED )

1.1 TEL# 2.1 T-R-S:

1.2 EMAIL: 2.2 COUNTY:

1.3 GROWER / CARETAKER / AGENT 2.3 CARETAKER: ( NAME OF CARETAKER ) 3. REGULATED ARTICLE(S): Any article capable of transporting or harboring citrus canker, citrus greening, or the Asian citrus psyllid

4. APPLICABLE STATE QUARANTINE(S) OR REGULATIONS: Rule Chapter 5B-63, F.A.C. In addition to the guidelines contained in Section 581, F.S. and Rule Chapter 5B-63, F. A. C., I / we understand the following provisions: GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR GROVE OPERATIONS 1. All grove owners / operators / agents and caretakers / contractors, who own, plant, maintain or service

commercial citrus groves or citrus plantings consisting of forty or more trees are asked to sign a Citrus Health Response Program “GROWER / CARETAKER COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT.” Owner or agent is the responsible party in this agreement, hereinafter referred to as “grower,” who will act in good faith to notify all who may enter grower’s property of Citrus Health Response Program (Program) decontamination guidelines, and report violators to Program officials.

2. A “Business Plan” is asked to be submitted by each grower requesting a compliance agreement. The plan should address site-specific strategies and action plans for controlling citrus greening, Asian citrus psyllid populations, and citrus canker disease. When creating this business plan, each grower may consider the latest recommendations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) communicated by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) for the detection of exotic diseases and the prevention of infection in each grove under control of said grower. The CHRP Business Plan should be updated each year and made available for inspection by CHRP officials as a part of the compliance agreement application or renewal process. See plan template outlined in Schedule 27; and submit a copy of the completed plan along with your completed agreement, and keep a working copy of your plan together with the agreement.

CHARLES H. BRONSON COMMISSIONER


3. Grower is asked to implement a mandatory self-survey, psyllid control, and decontamination programs in accordance with grower’s site specific Business Plan. At a minimum, the grower should keep records of all surveys, control actions and pesticide applications so State inspectors are able to help assess the Business Plan. Incidence of exotic citrus diseases is required to be reported to regulatory authorities.

4. Training in recognition and prevention of exotic citrus diseases, along with required sanitary and

decontamination practices will be conducted by UF-IFAS instructors or approved Division of Plant Industry (DPI) personnel. (See Schedule 10 for Program contact information).

5. All persons who enter a grove are responsible to decontaminate as described in this agreement. The Grower

is responsible for the decontamination of all personnel and equipment under contract or supervision of the grower who provide a service to the grower, upon each departure of the grower’s properties, statewide, unless said personnel and equipment are also in compliance with the Citrus Health Response Program, hold separate Citrus Health Response Program Compliance Agreements, and are, therefore, responsible for decontaminating their own equipment and personnel.

6. Approved decontamination of personnel and equipment is defined as follows:

6.1.1. Prior to departing a citrus grove, a receiving facility, or a disposal site, all personnel should inspect vehicles and equipment for plant material and debris and clean all vehicles, equipment, picking sacks and clothing free of fruit, limbs, leaves, soil and debris prior to bacterial decontamination. This plant material and debris should be left on that property or be disposed of in a landfill that is fenced, prohibits the removal of dumped material and requires that dumped material be covered at the end of every day on which dumping occurs.

6.1.2. Personnel and equipment must be decontaminated by an appropriate sanitizing method in accordance with Approved Decontamination Products & Methods (Schedule 11).

7. Grower is responsible for training its employees each year in the proper methods of decontamination.

8. All grove workers or caretakers accessing or working on any grove property should have adequate

decontamination equipment readily available, located on site at all times while equipment or workers are present at the subject grove property, with adequate quantities of approved decontaminant solutions premixed and maintained at approved use dilutions, to decontaminate all job related equipment and personnel on that site in accordance with Citrus Health Response Program regulations.

9. Contiguous grove blocks under single ownership may be treated as one grove for decontamination purposes only if the blocks are in the same Section, and are truly contiguous (a public road or canal would disallow this).

10. All citrus trees planted in new or established groves and all budwood used for top-working must be obtained from a citrus nursery registered with the Department.

11. Authorized CHRP personnel should have access to the grove / grove block, and to planting records and

documents showing the origin of trees as requested. 11.1. Grove middles and boundaries should be mowed or maintained by mechanical or other means to allow

reasonably clear passage for personnel and equipment as required for plant inspection processes. 11.2. Documents pertaining to the origin of citrus trees within the grove should be maintained for a period

of three years.


12. The Business Plan concept has been adopted as an integral part of our Citrus Health Response Program,

with the understanding that the best strategies for controlling our current exotic pests are still being refined and will likely continue to evolve as new research information is forthcoming. Therefore, no penalties will be assessed for strategies that deviate from the IFAS Best Management Practices for the 07-08 citrus harvesting season as long as there is some rational to their use.

[Schedules 10 and 11 incorporated by reference]

5. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

6. PRINTED NAME & TITLE

7. DATE SIGNED

The affixing of the signatures below will validate this agreement, which shall remain in effect until canceled or renewed, but may be revised as necessary or revoked for noncompliance. All previous editions of grove, caretaker, equipment, or citrus planting compliance agreements are rendered obsolete by this document.

8. AGREEMENT NO.

CA-GROW_DR78E

9. DATE OF AGREEMENT 01-AUGUST-2007

10. OFFICIAL NAME & TITLE

Mark Estes Regulatory Director

12. OFFICIAL SIGNATURE

11. OFFICIAL ADDRESS

Division of Plant Industry 3027 Lake Alfred Road Winter Haven, FL 33881-1438

Revised 29-Jun-2007 Schedule 27 - http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/chrp/schedules/bizplan.pdf Page 1 of 6

CHRP BUSINESS PLAN

CITRUS HEALTH RESPONSE PROGRAM - GROWER / CARETAKER AGREEMENT ATTACHMENT – SCHEDULE 27 Purpose: The Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) provides a framework to help manage citrus diseases in Florida, and within that framework the USDA/APHIS and FDACS/DPI are charged with CHRP administration along with survey and regulatory program activities. However, as with any agricultural protection program, industry support and participation are essential elements of the plan. Three key areas where the Florida Citrus Industry needs to provide assistance are: (1) decontamination of personnel and equipment, (2) self-surveys of citrus groves under control of the grower for citrus canker and citrus greening (and Asian citrus psyllid populations), and (3) general citrus disease management with emphasis on citrus canker, citrus greening and insects associated with these diseases. Industry Requirements: All segments of the Florida Citrus Industry share in the overall responsibility of protecting it from harm. Support of and compliance with the CHRP by the Florida Citrus Industry is of signal importance if we are to successfully manage and combat citrus diseases. To properly identify and maximize industry support and compliance with CHRP regulatory requirements, each citrus industry business should prepare a written document of decontamination procedures that outlines specifically how decontamination measures will be carried out on a day to day basis. In addition, those businesses that grow citrus or manage citrus production are asked to create and maintain a business plan in accordance with CHRP minimum standards and in consideration of UF-IFAS recommendations that outline management practices for grower self-surveys and for the control of diseases and the citrus psyllid. The UF-IFAS Citrus Pest Management Guide is, as the title indicates, a guideline to be used as a base to develop prescription plans for individual operations. Deviation from the guidelines will not constitute an incorrect business plan model if there is some logic to the management strategy employed. The courses of action set forth in the business plans need not be overly complex or lengthy, so long as they capture the key elements of the procedures required for each business and clearly explain how the business will properly carry out each initiative. These procedures are to be forwarded to the FDACS/DPI CHRP Headquarters (3027 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881; Telephone# 863-298-7777) along with your CHRP Grower/ Caretaker Compliance Agreement and a copy kept in your files to guide your business practices. (Although some tables are provided for your use in this outline, please plan to append additional pages as needed.) See UF-IFAS guidelines at these locations: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG086 ; http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG040. Decontamination, Survey, and Disease Management strategies are addressed on pages two through six of this business plan.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG086

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG040


Please enter company information below: CHRP BUSINESS PLAN

Business Name: Company Type: Contact:

Address: Telephone:

City: State: Zip: Cellphone:

Fax#: Email Address:

Who in your business is responsible for decontamination training, quality assurance, and compliance enforcement?

Name: Location: Phone #: Mobile #:

Who in your business is responsible for citrus grove pest management activities?


Who in your business is responsible for grove self-survey training, quality assurance, and compliance enforcement?


(Training documentation records must be maintained by all members of the commercial citrus industry for a minimum of three years.)

CHRP DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

Decontamination Plan Requirements: Describe the type of training program your business will provide. What training tools will be used (citrus canker video, flip charts, hands-on demonstrations, etc.) When will new employees be trained? Describe in detail what specific steps are in place to ensure people comply with your plan and how you plan to ensure appropriate decontamination by those not in your direct employment. What disciplinary action will be taken if employees are found violating the procedures? What action will be taken if contractors are found violating the procedures? Attached is a proposed outline of decontamination procedures that each regulated business may complete, or you may devise your own outline or plan.

Decontamination Action Plan:

Decontamination Logistics:

Task Who When Where Quality

Assurance? Employee Training

Personnel Spraying

Equipment Spraying

Equipment and Chemical Inventory and Ordering

Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning

Decontamination Chemical Mixing, Testing, Distribution

Records Maintenance

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact your local CHRP office or call the CHRP Helpline at 1-800-282-5153.


CHRP SURVEY PROCEDURES Survey Plan Requirements: To augment commercial citrus grove surveys currently conducted by the Citrus Health Response Program, growers must implement some form of self-inspection to help detect citrus diseases as quickly as possible. The sooner the disease is found, the less mechanical, human, insect, and weather related spread there will be on a grower’s own or his neighbor’s property. Describe any quality assurance measures you plan to use to ensure that employees are inspecting effectively for citrus disease and associated insect vectors. If an employee finds a disease suspect, describe the measures to be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Any citrus canker/ greening suspects must be brought to the attention of the Citrus Health Response Program. To report suspects, call the helpline at 800-282-5153. Survey Action Plan:

List of groves to be inspected:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres

Planned Method and Frequency of Inspection



CITRUS CANKER MANAGEMENT

Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus canker management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to citrus canker control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Citrus Canker Management Plan:

List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres



CITRUS GREENING MANAGEMENT Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus greening management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to greening control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Citrus Greening Management Plan:

List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres



Revised 5-June-2007 Schedule 27 - http://doacs.state.fl.us/canker/bizplan.pdf Page 1 of 6

CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE B GROVES WITH KNOWN GREENING OR CANKER DISEASE

These examples are general in nature. Specifics of your situation may require that you consider

detailed options available on the UF-IFAS website.

Purpose: The Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) provides a framework to help manage citrus diseases in Florida, and within that framework the USDA/APHIS and FDACS/DPI are charged with CHRP administration along with survey and regulatory program activities. However, as with any agricultural protection program, industry support and participation are essential elements of the plan. Three key areas where the Florida Citrus Industry needs to provide assistance are: (1) decontamination of personnel and equipment, (2) self-surveys of citrus groves under their control for citrus canker and citrus greening (and Asian citrus psyllid populations), and (3) general citrus disease management with emphasis on citrus canker, citrus greening and insects associated with these diseases. Industry Requirements: All segments of the Florida Citrus Industry share in the overall responsibility of protecting it from harm. Support of and compliance with the CHRP by the Florida Citrus Industry is of signal importance if we are to successfully manage and combat citrus diseases. To properly identify and maximize industry support and compliance with CHRP regulatory requirements, each citrus industry business should prepare a written document of decontamination procedures that outlines specifically how decontamination measures will be carried out on a day to day basis. In addition, those businesses that grow citrus or manage citrus production are asked to create and maintain a business plan in accordance with CHRP minimum standards and in consideration of UF-IFAS recommendations that outline management practices for grower self-surveys and for the control of diseases and the citrus psyllid. The UF - IFAS Citrus Pest Management Guide is, as the title indicates, a guideline to be used as a base to develop prescription plans for individual operations. Deviation from the guidelines will not constitute an incorrect business plan model if there is some logic to the management strategy employed. The procedure set forth in the business plans need not be overly complex or lengthy, so long as they capture the key elements of fulfillment required for each business and clearly explain how the business will properly carry out each initiative. These procedures are to be forwarded to the FDACS-DPI CHRP headquarters in Winter Haven along with your CHRP Grower / Caretaker Agreement and a copy kept in your files to guide your business practices. (Although some tables are provided for your use in this outline, please plan to append additional pages as needed.) See UF-IFAS guidelines at these locations: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG086 ; http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG040. Decontamination, Survey, and Disease Management strategies are addressed on pages two through six of this business plan.


CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE B – GROVES WITH KNOWN GREENING OR CANKER Please enter company information below: CHRP BUSINESS PLAN


Address: Telephone:



(Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators). Who in your business is responsible for citrus grove pest management activities?







Revised 31-Aug-2005 Schedule 27 - http://doacs.state.fl.us/canker/bizplan.pdf Page 3 of 6

CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE B – GROVES WITH CANKER OR GREENING


Decontamination Plan Requirements: Describe the type of training program your business will provide. What training tools will be used (citrus canker video, flip charts, hands-on demonstrations, etc.) When will new employees be trained? Describe in detail what specific steps are in place to ensure people comply with your plan and how you plan to ensure appropriate decontamination by those not in your direct employment. What disciplinary action will be taken if employees are found violating the procedures? What action will be taken if contractors are found violating the procedures? Attached is a proposed outline of decontamination procedures that each regulated business may complete, or you may devise your own outline or plan.

Decontamination Action Plan: Train all employees in decontamination methods utilizing materials available through the State CHRP offices including videos and flip charts. Provide hands-on demonstrations. All new employees to be trained at the time of hiring and an annual decontamination training review will be provided for all employees. Take advantage of decontamination training workshops made available through the State, IFAS, extension offices, etc. Daily decontamination will be monitored by supervisors. All persons and equipment entering and leaving the groves, or moving between groves, will decontaminate each time and this will include employees as well as outside contractors and anyone visiting the groves. Decontamination of equipment and personnel will be extremely thorough when moving equipment or personnel from any infected blocks to clean groves or those where the status is unknown. Only State approved decontaminants will be used. Signs will be posted on the property and decontamination rules will be enforced. There will be consequences made known to employees and outside visitors for not properly decontaminating. Outside contractors will be reported to the appropriate authorities for violations.

Decontamination Logistics: Task

Who When Where Quality Assurance?

Employee Training All Employees Upon hire and refresh annually On site Yes

Personnel Spraying All persons entering, leaving, and moving between groves

Upon entering, leaving and moving between groves

On site Supervised

Equipment Spraying All equipment entering, leaving, and moving between groves


On site Supervised


Grove manager / supervisor As needed On site or contracted Approved chemicals


By grove personnel, inspected by supervisor/manager

Daily On site Supervised


Grove manager As needed N/A Yes

Records Maintenance Office staff/grove manager Continuous Grove office Yes



CHRP SURVEY PROCEDURES

Survey Plan Requirements: To augment commercial citrus grove surveys currently conducted by the Citrus Health Response Program, growers must implement some form of self-inspection to help detect citrus diseases as quickly as possible. The sooner the disease is found, the less mechanical, human, insect, and weather related spread there will be on a grower’s own or his neighbor’s property. Describe any quality assurance measures you plan to use to ensure that employees are inspecting effectively for citrus disease and associated insect vectors. If an employee finds a disease suspect, describe the measures to be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Any citrus canker/ greening suspects must be brought to the attention of the Citrus Health Response Program. To report suspects, call the helpline at 800-282-5153. Survey Action Plan: Grove managers will be trained in the identification of canker and greening in addition to other citrus pests and diseases, making use of workshops, videos, and printed materials made available by the State, IFAS, or county extension offices. Managers/ supervisors will train and supervise canker inspection in the groves. Survey is planned for twice per year for canker with employees walking and/or riding ATVs, and three times per year for greening with employees on foot. Canker survey between May and December, and two of the three greening surveys should be conducted between September and March. Employees will tag suspicious trees, report findings to the supervisor/ grove manager who will contact the local State CHRP office for someone to come out and take samples to submit for testing. Further activity in that grove area will be suspended pending the outcome of the test. Proper decontamination rules for personnel and equipment will be followed. Employees will receive refresher training annually. Quality assurance achieved through close supervision.

List of groves to be inspected:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres


Eighty Foot Grove (TRS; street address; city/county) Valencia 80

Survey as listed above walking every other row for canker and inspecting all trees on foot for greening.

(Continue list of groves)




Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus canker management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to citrus canker and greening control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators. Citrus Canker Management Plan:

Survey is planned for twice per year, combined walking and riding. Suspect trees will be tagged and the CHRP office contacted to take samples and test; if results are positive, we plan to remove infected tree(s) and possibly some buffer trees following state-approved procedures for disposal. In limited situations, may cut trees back or chemically defoliate depending on the extent and location of the infection. Treat to the extent possible with copper sprays as well as insecticide treatments to control other pests, such as leafminer, when feasible. Adjust spraying schedules to meet needs. Additional spraying will be considered as needed and economically feasible based on IFAS guidelines. Follow up infected areas with inspections monthly to detect potential, further disease. Decontamination rules will be strictly followed and enforced at all times. Since windbreaks are recommended, we will make plans for all fresh fruit groves and consider also for process if economically feasible based on IFAS recommendations. List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres

Golden Grove

(TRS; street address if applicable; city/county, directions)

Valencia 120

Lower Forty


Grapefruit (fresh) 40

(Continue listing grove properties here)



CITRUS GREENING MANAGEMENT Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus greening management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to citrus canker and greening control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators. Citrus Greening Management Plan:

Plan to examine all grove trees at least twice per year from September through March, and attempt a third inspection if possible, simultaneously inspecting for canker and other pests. Inspect all trees on foot. When symptoms resembling greening are found in an area where not previous known to exist, contact the local CHRP office to collect samples and have tested. Psyllids will be managed with recommended insecticide applications applied as needed. Infected trees will be removed and disposed of according to State / UF-IFAS recommendations. Any resets will be purchased from a State certified nursery. List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres

Golden Grove

(TRS; street address if possible; city/county if needed; directions)

Valencia 120

Lower Forty


Tangerines 40



CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE A GROVES WITH NO KNOWN GREENING OR CANKER

These examples are general in nature. Specifics of your situation may require that you consider

detailed options available on the UF-IFAS website.

Purpose: The Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) provides a framework to help manage citrus diseases in Florida, and within that framework the USDA/APHIS and FDACS/DPI are charged with CHRP administration along with survey and regulatory program activities. However, as with any agricultural protection program, industry support and participation are essential elements of the plan. Three key areas where the Florida Citrus Industry needs to provide assistance are: (1) decontamination of personnel and equipment, (2) self-surveys of citrus groves under their control for citrus canker and citrus greening (and Asian citrus psyllid populations), and (3) general citrus disease management with emphasis on citrus canker, citrus greening and insects associated with these diseases. Industry Requirements: All segments of the Florida Citrus Industry share in the overall responsibility of protecting it from harm. Support of and compliance with the CHRP by the Florida Citrus Industry is of signal importance if we are to successfully manage and combat citrus diseases. To properly identify and maximize industry support and compliance with CHRP regulatory requirements, each citrus industry business should prepare a written document of decontamination procedures that outlines specifically how decontamination measures will be carried out on a day to day basis. In addition, those businesses that grow citrus or manage citrus production are asked to create and maintain a business plan in accordance with CHRP minimum standards and in consideration of UF-IFAS recommendations that outline management practices for grower self-surveys and for the control of diseases and the citrus psyllid. The UF - IFAS Citrus Pest Management Guide is, as the title indicates, a guideline to be used as a base to develop prescription plans for individual operations. Deviation from the guidelines will not constitute an incorrect business plan model if there is some logic to the management strategy employed. The procedure set forth in the business plans need not be overly complex or lengthy, so long as they capture the key elements of fulfillment required for each business and clearly explain how the business will properly carry out each initiative. These procedures are to be forwarded to the FDACS-DPI CHRP headquarters in Winter Haven along with your CHRP Grower / Caretaker Agreement and a copy kept in your files to guide your business practices. (Although some tables are provided for your use in this outline, please plan to append additional pages as needed.) See UF-IFAS guidelines at these locations: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG086 ; http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CG040. Decontamination, Survey, and Disease Management strategies are addressed on pages two through six of this business plan.


CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE A – GROVES WITH NO KNOWN GREENING OR CANKER Please enter company information below: CHRP BUSINESS PLAN


Address: Telephone:



(Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators). Who in your business is responsible for citrus grove pest management activities?







Revised 31-Aug-2005 Schedule 27 - http://doacs.state.fl.us/canker/bizplan.pdf Page 3 of 6

CHRP BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE A – GROVES WITH NO KNOWN GREENING OR CANKER


Decontamination Plan Requirements: Describe the type of training program your business will provide. What training tools will be used (citrus canker video, flip charts, hands-on demonstrations, etc.) When will new employees be trained? Describe in detail what specific steps are in place to ensure people comply with your plan and how you plan to ensure appropriate decontamination by those not in your direct employment. What disciplinary action will be taken if employees are found violating the procedures? What action will be taken if contractors are found violating the procedures? Attached is a proposed outline of decontamination procedures that each regulated business may complete, or you may devise your own outline or plan. Decontamination Action Plan:

Employees are trained through the State certified trainer program. We provide hands-on demonstration for all employees. Canker wash is provided at the entrances to groves and employees and outside labor and contractors are required to decontaminate. Personnel are responsible to spray themselves and to clean their equipment upon entering and leaving the grove. Decontamination will be enforced. Decontamination Logistics:

Task Who When Where Quality

Assurance? Employee Training All Employees When hired On site Yes

Personnel Spraying All persons working in and around groves


On site Supervised

Equipment Spraying All equipment entering, leaving, and moving between groves


On site Supervised


Supervisor As needed On site or contracted Approved chemicals


By grove personnel, inspected by supervisor/manager

As required On site Supervised


Supervisor As needed N/A Yes

Records Maintenance Owner/Staff Continuous Office Yes



CHRP SURVEY PROCEDURES

Survey Plan Requirements: To augment commercial citrus grove surveys currently conducted by the Citrus Health Response Program, growers must implement some form of self-inspection to help detect citrus diseases as quickly as possible. The sooner the disease is found, the less mechanical, human, insect, and weather related spread there will be on a grower’s own or his neighbor’s property. Describe any quality assurance measures you plan to use to ensure that employees are inspecting effectively for citrus disease and associated insect vectors. If an employee finds a disease suspect, describe the measures to be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Any citrus canker/ greening suspects must be brought to the attention of the Citrus Health Response Program. To report suspects, call the helpline at 800-282-5153.

Survey Action Plan:

Grove manager is trained to identify canker, greening and other pests and diseases and will train other employees who will survey the groves annually for canker and twice yearly for greening, with continuous inspection by grove workers. Canker inspections will be accomplished by inspectors walking and riding, while greening inspections are to be done on foot. Greening inspections will be done twice per year between September and March, and canker inspections will be performed between May and December. Special emphasis placed on inspecting new flushes and canopies of perimeter trees. Any suspect infection will be reported to DPI for sampling and testing. List of groves to be inspected:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres


Golden Grove (TRS; street address; city/county) Sweet oranges Mandarins Tangelos

Survey annually for canker and twice yearly for greening, with grove workers inspecting continuously. Examine harvested fruit for canker or greening symptoms.

Lower Forty (TRS; street address if applicable; city/county, directions)

Grapefruit (Fresh) Survey twice per year for canker, inspectors walking. Surveys will be more intense for blocks to be harvested as fresh fruit.

(Continue list of groves.)




Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus canker management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to citrus canker and greening control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators. Citrus Canker Management Plan:

Survey twice per year, combined walking and riding. Use copper sprays as well as other insecticides and spray to the extent possible. Spot check as needed. Decontamination rules will be strictly followed and enforced by management at all times. Report any suspect infections to the CHRP office for inspection and testing. . List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres

Golden Grove

(TRS; street address if applicable; city/county, directions) Valencia 560

Golden Grove

(TRS; street address if applicable; city/county, directions) Red Grapefruit 80

(Continue listing grove properties here…)



CITRUS GREENING MANAGEMENT Disease Management Requirements: Describe the citrus greening management strategies your business plans to employ. The UF - IFAS disease management guidelines are viewed as foundation to citrus canker and greening control strategy development. However, at this point in the program individual company business plans may deviate from the UF-IFAS Best Management Practices, provided that there is some logic to the citrus disease control method selected, and state and federal pesticide laws and rules are met. Please remember that pesticide labels should be closely followed and that treatments should be timed to minimize impact on pollinators. Citrus Greening Management Plan:

Examine grove trees twice per year in spring and fall inspecting for greening as well as canker and other pests. Inspect on foot when possible. Populations of psyllids should be controlled on new flush with insecticide applications as needed in an economically feasible manner. Report trees with greening suspect symptoms to the local CHRP office for sampling and testing. Infected trees will be removed. Replacement trees will be purchased from State certified nursery. List of Groves:

Grove Name

Location

Variety

Acres

Golden Grove

(TRS; street address if possible; city/county; directions)

Sweet oranges Mandarins Tangelos

160 40 40

(List remainder of grove properties…)


Citrus Canker Symptoms 1. (A) Leaf lesions-back and (B) front of leaf 2. Older leaf lesions 3. (A & B) Fruit lesions 4. Stem lesions 5. Leaf lesions in leaf miner wounds If you suspect citrus canker, contact your local CCEP office or call 1-800-282-5153.

Síntomas Del Cancro Cítrico 1. (A) Lesiones en la parte posterior de la hoja y (B) en la parte frontal de la hoja 2. Lesiones más viejas en la hoja 3. (A & B) Lesiones en los frutos 4. Lesiones en el vástago o tallo 5. lesiones en la hoja causados por el Leaf Miner Si usted tiene sospechas del Cancro Cítrico, contacte su oficina local del CCEP o llame al 1-800-282-5153.

1A

1B

2

3A

5

3B

4

Similar Diseases to Citrus Canker 1. Citrus canker front and back on left, greasy spot front and back on right 2. Citrus canker in leaf miner wounds in upper left, small dark lesions caused by melanose 3. Scab, upper surface, and lower surface, scab in leaf miner wounds 4. Alternaria 5. Citrus bacterial spot

Enfermedades Similares Al Cancro Cítrico 1. Cancro Cítrico al frente y en la parte posterior a la izquierda, punto grasoso al frente y en la parte posterior a la derecha 2. Cancro Cítrico en lesiones causadas por el Leaf Miner en la parte izquierda superior, lesiones obscuras y pequeñas causadas por la Melanosa 3. Cubierta en la parte superior, y en la parte inferior, cubierta en las lesiones causadas por el Leaf Miner 4. Alternaria 5. Punto de la bacteria cítrica

1

2

3

4

5

citrus canker greasy spot

citrus canker

melanose

alternaria

citrus bacterial spot

scab

HLB / Citrus Greening Symptoms 1 Mottle on sour orange 2 Mottle on Palmetto Bay, citrus sp. 3 Mottle on Citrus sp. 4 HLM symptoms on Florida Pummelo (dieback and yellow shoots) 5/6 Lopsided pummelo 7/8 HLB symtoms on the front and back of cirtus leaf 9 Asian citrus psyllid damage 10 Asian citrus psyllid nymph 11 Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

If you suspect HLB, contact the HLB helpline at:

1-888- 397-1517

2

3

6

6 7

7

10 11

5

1

4

8

9 10 11

PP-182

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Citrus Canker1

L.W. Timmer, J.H. Graham, H.L. Chamberlain, K.R. Chung and T.S. Schubert2

1. This document is PP-182, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, Florida Cooperative Exension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Date printed: September 1999. Date revised: September 2006. This publication is included in SP-43, 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide. For a copy of this handbook, request information on its purchase at your county Extension office. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. L.W. Timmer, professor, Plant Pathology Department, Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; J.H. Graham, professor, Soil and Water Science Department, Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; H.L. Chamberlain, coordinator extension education, canker, greening and exotic diseases, Plant Pathology Department, Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; K.R. Chung, assistant professor, Plant Pathology Department, Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; T.S. Schubert, FDACS, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida; Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signifiy that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, is a leaf, fruit, and stem spotting disease that affects numerous species, cultivars, and hybrids of citrus and citrus relatives. Grapefruit, Mexican lime, and some early oranges are highly susceptible to canker; Navel, Pineapple, and Hamlin sweet oranges, lemons and limes are moderately susceptible; Valencia orange, tangors, tangelos, and other mandarin hybrids are susceptible; and tangerines are moderately tolerant.

Symptoms. Young lesions are raised on both surfaces of the leaf, but particularly on the lower leaf surface. The pustules later become corky and crater-like with a raised margin, sunken center and are surrounded by a yellow halo. Fruit lesions vary in size because the rind is susceptible for a longer time, and more than one infection cycle can occur on the fruit. Stem lesions can support long-term survival of the bacterium. Older lesions can become colonized by saprophytic fungi such as Colletotrichum spp.

Major outbreaks of citrus canker occur when new shoots are emerging or when fruit are in the early stages of development. Frequent rainfall in warm weather, especially during storms, contributes to disease development. Citrus canker is mostly a leaf-spotting and fruit rind-blemishing disease, but when conditions are highly favorable for infection, it causes defoliation, shoot die-back, and fruit drop. When feeding galleries of Asian leafminer on leaves, stems, and fruit become contaminated with the bacterium, the number and size of individual lesions greatly increases and results in tremendous inoculum production.

Biology. The bacterium reproduces in lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. When there is free moisture on the lesions, the bacteria ooze out and can spread to new growth and other trees. Wind-driven rain is the main dispersal agent, and wind speeds >18 mph aid in the penetration of bacteria through the stomatal pores or wounds made by thorns, insects, and blowing sand.

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Citrus Canker 2

Leaves, stems, and fruit become resistant to infection as they mature. Almost all infections occur on leaves and stems within the first 6 weeks after initiation of growth. The most critical period for fruit infection is during the first 90 days after petal fall. Infection after this time results in the formation of only small and inconspicuous pustules.

Most spread of canker bacteria by wind and rain is for short distances, i.e., within trees or to neighboring trees. Canker is more severe on the side of the tree exposed to wind-driven rain. Spread over longer distances, up to miles, can occur during severe tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Long-distance spread occurs more commonly with the movement of diseased plant material, such as budwood, rootstock seedlings, or budded trees, or less commonly on fruit and leaves. Workers can carry bacteria from one location to another on hands, clothes, and equipment. Grove equipment spreads the bacteria within and among plantings, especially when trees are wet.

Management. The 1900-ft rule has been suspended and eradication of citrus canker-affected trees has been ended. The Citrus Health Response Plan (CHRP) is being developed, but removal of affected trees will not be obligatory. Thus, growers probably have to use their best judgment in management of citrus canker. Canker has been found in most citrus areas of the state except the northwestern production areas. Currently, 75% of the citrus acreage is within 5 miles of a canker find. The entire state of Florida is now under quarantine, and fruit movement is subject to specific regulations based on market destination.

Although it is difficult to predict exactly how severe canker will be under Florida conditions, indications from outbreaks in the state are that it will be difficult to control. Areas that are currently canker-free should be protected to the extent possible.

Protecting Canker-Free Areas. Decontamination. Rules for decontamination are still in place and should be followed. With more canker around the state, the possibility of spread is greater than ever. In moving equipment and personnel from grove to grove, every effort should be made to make sure that plant material is not moved inadvertently

and that all equipment has been thoroughly decontaminated. Decontamination is especially important in harvesting operations, hedging and topping, and in any other practices involving extensive contact with foliage. Obviously, when equipment is moved from blocks where canker is endemic to other infected blocks, decontamination serves little purpose.

Tree removal. If canker is detected in areas previously free of the disease, removal and burning of trees on site can slow the establishment of the disease. For tree removal to be effective, canker has to be localized and limited to a small number of trees. Tree removal is not likely to be effective if canker is already present within a mile of the grove. Before tree removal is attempted as a control measure, blocks should be thoroughly inspected to be sure that canker is not more widespread than initially thought. All infected trees as well as a few apparently healthy trees surrounding the infested area should be removed. More trees should be removed if the focus is large, but if it is very large, tree removal may need to be reconsidered. This measure is unlikely to eradicate the disease, but can substantially slow disease development. Tree removal must be followed by monthly inspections and removal of any more trees found positive for the disease. At some point, tree removal will no longer be economically sustainable and should be discontinued.

Defoliation. There are currently no registered defoliants, but it is possible to defoliate trees using high concentrations of legal copper or fertilizer products. However, no rates or spray volumes have been established for this practice. Chemical defoliants may be available at some point in the near future. Defoliation should only be used during dry times of the year and in conjunction with an intense inspection program.

Defoliation or even buckhorning of known canker-infected trees is not likely to eliminate the disease. A strong flush of highly susceptible leaves follow defoliation and is likely to become infected from residual inoculum in the tree or nearby. Defoliation can be useful in areas surrounding foci of infected trees that have been removed. These trees may appear healthy, but are likely to harbor


undetectable canker lesions. Defoliation can eliminate this inoculum and still save many trees. Following defoliation or buckhorning, the new growth flush should be treated with copper products once the growth is half expanded to protect it from new infections.

Endemic Canker. Where canker is already endemic, the primary means of control are: 1) planting of windbreaks, 2) protection of fruit and leaves with copper sprays, and 3) control of leafminer.

Windbreaks. Windbreaks are highly effective in reducing the spread of canker, but more importantly, they reduce the severity of the infection in endemic situations. When canker lesions are wetted, millions of bacteria ooze onto the leaf surface. While bacteria can swim very short distances, they have no active means to penetrate the fruit, leaves, or twigs. The vast majority of the infection occurs by wind-blown rains. Winds of 18 to 20 mph are needed to actually force bacteria into the stomates on leaves and fruit.

Windbreaks are the single most effective means of dealing with canker. In our observations in Argentina, the number of canker lesions was ten times greater on the side of the tree exposed to the prevailing winds than on the protected side of the same tree. In tests in nursery situations, artificial windbreaks greatly diminished the distance of spread of canker down the nursery row and reduced disease to only a few scattered lesions.

Windbreaks reduce wind speed for a distance ten times the height of the windbreak. That is, a 30-ft tall windbreak will exert an effect for about 300 ft. To be effective for canker control, windbreaks need not to be dense. All that is required is to reduce wind speed to less than 20 mph. The need for and the distance required between windbreak rows will depend on the destination of the fruit, fresh or processed, and the susceptibility of the variety. With grapefruit for the fresh market in Florida, it is likely that each 5- to 10-acre block will need to be surrounded by a windbreak. In many groves of less susceptible varieties, a windbreak down the row about every 300 ft may be sufficient. In some situations where some protection exists and tolerant varieties are grown for processing, additional windbreaks may be unnecessary. Additionally, not topping outside rows

of citrus will also serve as a viable, harvestable windbreak. Currently, we recommend that growers plant windbreaks along fence lines, ditches, around wetlands, or wherever they can plant without removing citrus trees. If it becomes obvious that more windbreak protection is needed, rows of citrus or end trees can be removed to accommodate windbreaks.

For more information on selection of plant species and design, see the CREC website (www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu).

Copper sprays. Over the last 30 years, IFAS has evaluated dozens of products for canker control in several projects in Argentina and Brazil. Products such as antibiotics, compounds that induce resistance in plants, and disinfectants often provide limited canker control, but no material has proven more effective than copper products.

Copper products are quite effective in preventing infection of fruit, less effective for reducing leaf infection, and have limited value in reducing spread of the disease. Application of copper to young leaves protects against infection, but protection is soon lost due to rapid expansion of the surface area. Fruit grows more slowly and is easier to protect. Fruit is susceptible to infection after the stomates open when the fruit is about 1/2- to 1-inch in diameter until they develop resistance in mid to late July. Infection through wounds can occur at any stage.

Programs needed for effective control of canker in Florida have not been determined. However, we believe that most of the infection will occur during June and July here. With endemic canker, we suggest that three copper sprays be used for early oranges grown for processing, one in mid-May, a second in early to mid-June, and the final one in early July. Two applications should be sufficient for Valencias, in early June and in early July.

Programs for fresh fruit are more complex, but many copper sprays are already used on these varieties. For fresh market grapefruit, a low rate of copper should be added to the spray of spring flush for scab. Subsequently, the copper spray program used for melanose control should also control canker, but additional applications may be needed in late June


and July. Copper may need to be added to applications of fungicides or petroleum oil.

Most tangerines are fairly tolerant to canker. Programs used for control of Alternaria should also protect against canker, but copper will have to be used in each spray. Navel oranges are highly susceptible to canker and will probably need to be sprayed every 3 weeks from late April to mid-July. Fallglo is more tolerant and probably three sprays in May, June, and July should suffice.

Spray programs will have to be adjusted as we develop experience. The rates needed depend on the length of protection expected and the weather. As little as 0.5 to 1.0 lb of metallic copper will protect spring flush growth or fruit during the dry spring season. However, in the rainy season, up to 1-1/2 to 2 lb of metallic copper will be required to protect fruit for 3 to 4 weeks.

To the extent possible, copper usage should be minimized since this metal accumulates in soil and may cause phytotoxicity and creates environmental concerns.

Leafminer control. Leafminers do not spread canker, but extensive invasion of leafminer tunnels by the bacterium greatly increases inoculum levels making the disease difficult to control. Leafminers are not usually a problem on the spring flush and no control is needed at that time. Leafminer control on the first summer flush can reduce disease pressure considerably. If properly timed, applications of petroleum oil, Agri-mek, Micromite, Spintor, or Assail will reduce damage by leafminer. Late summer flushes tend to be erratic and effective control at that time will probably be difficult. (See ENY-604 section of this Guide on Soft-Bodied Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit.)

Table 1. Recommended Chemical Controls for Citrus Canker

Pesticide FRACMOA1

Mature TreesRate/Acre2

copper fungicide M9 Use label rate.1Mode of action class for citrus pesticides from the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) 2003. Refer to ENY-624, Pesticide Resistance and Resistance Management, in the 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide for more details.2Lower rates can be used on smaller trees. Do not use less than the minimum label rate.

The citrus canker situation and the rules and regulations involving canker are changing rapidly. For current information on disease status and regulations, see the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/canker

or the CREC website:

http://www.lal.ufl.edu/extension/canker/

Contact your county agent for additional information, training materials, and programs.

Recommended Chemical Controls

READ THE LABEL.

See Table 1.

Rates for pesticides are given as the maximum amount required to treat mature citrus trees unless otherwise noted. To treat smaller trees with commercial application equipment including handguns, mix the per acre rate for mature trees in 125 gallons of water. Calibrate and arrange nozzles to deliver thorough distribution and treat as many acres as this volume of spray allows.

ENY-734

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Leafminer1

M.E. Rogers and P.A. Stansly2

1. This document is ENY-734, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Date printed: November 2006. This publication is included in SP-43, 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide. A copy of this publication may be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN686. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. For a copy of this handbook, request information on its purchase at your county extension office.

2. M.E. Rogers, assistant professor, Entomology and Nematology Department, Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; and P.A. Stansly, professor, Entomology and Nematology Department, Southwest Florida REC, Immokalee, Florida; Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.


Asian Citrus Psyllid

Psyllid Management

With citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) now present in Florida, management of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) has become very important. In other regions of the world where citrus is grown and greening disease is present, use of insecticides to control the psyllid vector has been a major component of greening management strategies. No scientific data has been collected in these countries to demonstrate that insecticide use provides a benefit in terms of reducing or slowing the spread of greening disease. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that reducing psyllid populations via insecticide application may help to slow the rate of spread of the disease. It should be noted that elimination of the disease from an area has never been successful.

Factors Affecting Psyllid Populations

The two main factors that affect the abundance of psyllids are 1) presence of new flush and 2) temperature. New flush is required for psyllid females to lay eggs as well as for subsequent development of the psyllid nymphs. When no new flush is present, psyllids populations do not continue to increase. During this time of no new flush, adult psyllids can be found feeding on the underside of leaves. The ability to survive for long periods in the absence of new flush allows psyllids to over-winter on hardened-off leaves. These overwintering psyllids will then lay eggs on new flush that is present in the early spring.

Temperature is also closely linked to the abundance of psyllids in the field. The ideal temperature conditions for psyllids are between 68-86°F. At these temperatures, a single female psyllid lives for 30-50 days and can lay between 300 and 800 eggs. When the daily temperatures are above 90°F, the average lifespan of a female psyllid

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Leafminer 2

decreases to less than 30 days with an average of fewer than 70 eggs produced per female. Thus, under Florida conditions, psyllid populations will be substantially lower during the mid summer months due to both high temperatures and a reduced amount of new flush available for egg laying. If insecticides are to be used for psyllid suppression, they should be applied earlier in the year when conditions are favorable for rapid buildup of psyllid populations. During the summer months, when temperatures and flush patterns are not favorable for psyllid development, insecticide applications made solely for psyllid management are less likely to be beneficial in terms of reducing psyllid populations. Predators and parasitoids of the psyllids are more likely to provide increased levels of control during these periods of low psyllid populations.

Psyllid Feeding Damage and Disease Transmission

Psyllid feeding damage is limited to new growth resulting in curling of the young leaves due to the withdrawal of plant fluids. Because of the nature of this damage, in the absence of citrus greening disease, past control recommendations were targeted to young trees on which the new flush comprised a significant portion of the total leaf canopy. While it is unlikely that pesticide application and other management strategies targeting psyllids will provide complete control of greening, efforts to manage psyllid populations (together with removal of trees that are visibly infected with greening) will be necessary to slow the spread of the disease in groves where present.

Much of the information on transmission of the citrus greening pathogen by the Asian citrus psyllid is still uncertain. Previous studies on psyllid-pathogen transmission suggests that a healthy psyllid feeding on a greening infected plant may be able to pick up the pathogen with as little as 30 minutes of feeding. After picking up the bacteria, a latent period which may last up to 25 days is required before the psyllid can transmit the pathogen. Transmission of the pathogen is thought to occur through salivary secretions, requiring 1-7 hours of feeding for successful transmission to occur. More detailed studies are needed to confirm these reports and

determine the exact nature of transmission and whether psyllid-pathogen transmission might be prevented or delayed by the use of insecticides.

Because psyllids and the disease cannot be completely eliminated from Florida citrus, the goal of psyllid management is suppression of psyllid populations, not total eradication of the insect or pathogen. To effectively maintain psyllids at low levels throughout the year, it will be necessary to incorporate chemical, cultural and biological control into a comprehensive management strategy for psyllid suppression. No one management strategy alone is likely to be able to provide the results desired in terms of reducing psyllid populations. Thus, managing psyllids will involve targeting control measures at appropriate times depending on the particular growing situation.

Nonbearing Trees

Young trees that produce multiple flushes throughout the year are at greater risk of greening infection than mature trees because of the attraction of adult psyllids to the new flush. Even without greening, young trees in the field need to be protected for about 4 years from psyllids and leafminers to grow optimally. Soil-applied systemic insecticides will provide the longest lasting control of psyllids with the least impacts on beneficials. Drenches are best applied once in the spring or summer and again in the fall, when the trees are flushing and rainfall is less likely to move the material past the root zone before it can be taken up by the plant. Foliar sprays with different modes of action can be used during the rainy season if psyllids are observed on the new flush of young trees. When making multiple foliar insecticide applications within a season, rotation between products with different modes of action is recommended to reduce the likelihood of pesticide resistance development.

Bearing Trees

Management options for psyllid control on bearing trees are much more limited than for non-bearing trees. Currently, the only soil-applied insecticide that has been shown to provide any reduction in psyllid numbers on large trees is aldicarb. If aldicarb is applied to bearing trees as part


of a program for psyllid management, application should be made at least 30 days prior to the initiation of flushing. This timing will allow for the material to move from the roots up to the tree canopy.

At present, the only other chemical control option for suppressing psyllids on bearing trees is the use of broad-spectrum foliar insecticide applications. If greening is present in a grove or nearby, the best timing of foliar sprays for psyllid control is during the early season flush periods when temperatures are at or below 90°F and psyllids are most abundant. Foliar sprays should be timed to the presence of feather-leaf flush. Successfully controlling psyllids with foliar sprays on large trees is difficult because of the unsynchronized sporadic flushing patterns within a grove and the short-residual effects of these foliar sprays. Successful suppression of psyllids during the early part of the year may result in lower populations throughout the rest of the summer when psyllids populations do not develop rapidly due to the higher temperatures, limited availability of new flush and a greater abundance of natural enemies.

Biological Control

Foliar insecticide applications should be used sparingly to minimize the impact on natural enemies that maintain psyllids at lower levels later in the year. While a single female psyllid can lay as many as 800 eggs, studies in Florida and Puerto Rico have shown that over 90% of psyllids that hatch in the field do not survive to become adults. Many are consumed by predaceous insects such as ladybeetles. The parasitic wasp, Tamarixia radiata, has been released in Florida and also contributes some mortality. Additionally, there are many potential pests such as scales, mealybugs, whiteflies, etc. that are generally innocuous in Florida citrus due to biological control. Excessive sprays could easily result in resurgence of psyllids and other pests.

Other Management Considerations

In groves where citrus greening has been confirmed, trees showing signs of infection should be removed quickly. Foliar insecticides that provide quick knockdown of psyllids should be sprayed on the infected tree(s) prior to removal to prevent further spread of the pathogen by psyllids.

Otherwise, the greening infected psyllids will disperse from the tree(s) being removed and infest nearby healthy trees. Be sure to follow re-entry interval (REI) directions on the pesticide label. Trees in the immediate vicinity of infected trees should be considered higher risk due to increased likelihood of infection and receive extra scouting and treatment if necessary.

Management practices used within a grove can also affect psyllid populations, especially those practices that promote new flush such as hedging and topping and fertilization. Management strategies that reduce or limit the duration of flush, may help to keep psyllid populations at low levels and reduce the need for additional pesticide applications. Alternate host plants surrounding citrus can serve as a source of psyllids for infestation. Two common host plants include orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) and box orange (Severinia buxifolia). Orange jasmine is a preferred host plant for psyllids and is also likely to be a host for the greening pathogen. Box orange is also a host for both the psyllid and the greening pathogen. When possible, both of these plant species should be removed from areas surrounding commercial citrus groves.

Citrus Leafminer

The adults of the citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) are tiny moths that hide within the canopy during the day and emerge at night to lay eggs individually on young, expanding leaf flushes. The egg first appears as a tiny dew drop, usually alongside the midvein on the underside of an unexpanded leaf. The larva emerges directly into the leaf tissue, mining first along the midvein, then back and forth as it makes its way to the leaf margin where pupation occurs.

Leafminer populations decline to their lowest levels during the winter, due to cool temperature and the lack of flush for larval development. Populations of leafminer build rapidly on the spring flush, although their presence is not apparent until late spring as populations increase while the amount of new foliage decreases. Throughout the ensuing warm seasons, leafminer populations vary with the flushing cycles and subsequent flushes are often severely


damaged. The summer period of high leafminer damage coincides with the rainy season when canker spread is most likely.

Citrus leafminer greatly exacerbates the severity of citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. This insect is not a vector of the disease. Nevertheless, leafminer tunnels are susceptible to infection much longer than mechanical wounds. Tunnels infected by canker produce many times the amount of inoculum than in the absence of leafminer. Control of leafminer should be optimized in areas where infection by canker is high. Natural enemies already present in Florida have responded to leafminer infestations, causing in excess of 50% mortality of larvae and pupae in some areas. The introduced parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola has established throughout most of Florida, with rates of apparent parasitism reaching 90% or more. However, these high rates of parasitism are not seen until late in the year.

Leafminer Management

Nonbearing Trees

On young trees, use of the soil-applied systemic insecticide imidacloprid is the most effective means of preventing mining damage on the new flush and has little direct effect on natural enemies. Soil drenches directly to the base of the tree with imidacloprid have been shown to provide at least 8 weeks control of leafminer. Injection through the irrigation system is less effective because a large portion of the material falls beyond the root zone. Compared to soil-applications of imidacloprid, foliar-applied insecticides provide a shorter duration of protection lasting only about 2 weeks depending on weather conditions and the uniformity of flush pattern.

Soil applications of imidacloprid should be made about 2 weeks prior to leaf expansion to allow time for the pesticide to move from the roots to the canopy. Avoid applications 24 hours prior to significant rainfall events which will result in movement of the product out of the root zone before it can be taken up by the plant. Because of limits on the amount of imidacloprid that may be applied on a per acre basis each season, only one application in the

spring and possibly one in the fall are recommended. When the residual effects of the spring application have worn off, typically during the mid-summer rainy season, foliar sprays can be used on small trees to reduce leafminer damage. Reapplication of soil-applied imidacloprid is not recommended during this season because of the likelihood of the material being washed away by frequent summer rains. Foliar sprays should be timed to coincide with the appearance of the first visible leaf mines which occur immediately following the feather leaf stage or about 13 days after budbreak. At this time, insecticide applications will provide protection for most of the leaves in the new flush.

Bearing Trees

If canker is present in a grove (or in a nearby grove), healthy trees with leafminer damaged leaves are more likely to become sites for new canker infection. The only products currently available for leafminer control on large trees are foliar insecticide sprays. Soil applications of imidacloprid are not effective for leafminer control on large trees due to use rate restrictions that limit the usefulness of the product on trees greater than 6-8 feet in height. It should also be noted that aldicarb (Temik®), which has been demonstrated to suppress psyllid populations on large trees, does not provide control of leafminers. While there are a number of products that are effective for controlling leafminer, achieving control of leafminer using foliar sprays on large trees is difficult due to the unsynchronized flush typically encountered during the summer period when leafminer populations are at their highest levels.

Since leafminers affect only developing leaves, coverage of peripheral leaves in the canopy should be adequate to exert suppression when applying foliar pesticides.

Recommended Chemical Controls

READ THE LABEL.

Some product labels specify rates per acre, while others specify rates per volume delivered (e.g. per 100 gallons). Refer to label for details on how product should be mixed for desired targets.


Rates for pesticides are given as the maximum amount required to treat mature citrus trees unless otherwise noted. When treating smaller trees with commercial application equipment including handguns, mix the per acre rate for mature trees in 250 gallons of water. Calibrate and arrange nozzles to deliver thorough distribution and treat as many acres as this volume of spray allows.

Table 1. Recommended Chemical Controls for Asian Citrus Psyllids

Pesticide IRAC MOA1

Mature Trees Rate/Acre2

Comments Other Pests Controlled

Admire 2F 4 16 to 32 fl oz per grove acre

OR 1/8 oz per tree

(4-6' height)

Soil applied systemic intended primarily for use on young trees. Apply prior to or at onset of pest infestation for optimal results. See label for application options. Do not apply more than 32 oz/acre/year.

Aphids, citrus leafminer

Provado 1.6F 4 10 to 20 fl oz per acre

Foliar-applied systemic Aphids

Danitol 2.4EC 3 1 pt Restricted use pesticide. Highly toxic to bees. Flower and orchid thrips, adult root weevils

Lorsban 4EC 1B 5 pt Restricted use pesticide. May increase spider mite populations.

Mealybug, orangedog, katydids, grasshoppers, aphids, thrips

Temik 15 G 1A 33 lb Restricted use pesticide. Notification of intent to apply is required. Application permitted only between Nov. 15 and Apr. 30. See label for application restrictions. When psyllid control is required, apply at least 30 days prior to anticipated flush.

Citrus nematodes, citrus rust mites, aphids, psyllids

1Mode of action class for citrus pesticides from the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Mode of Action Classification V4.2.1 (2005). Refer to ENY624, Pesticide Resistance and Resistance Management, in the 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide for more details. 2Lower rates may be used on smaller trees. Do not use less than the minimum label rate.


Table 2. Recommended Chemical Controls for Citrus Leafminer (Nonbearing/Young Bearing Citrus)

Pesticide IRAC MOA1

Mature Trees Rate/Acre2

Comments Other Pests Controlled

Admire 2 F 4 16 to 30 fl oz per grove acre

OR 1/8 oz per tree

(4-6' height)

Soil applied systemic intended primarily for use on young trees. Apply prior to or at onset of pest infestation for optimal results. See label for application options. Do not apply more than 32 oz/acre/year.

Aphids, citrus psyllid

Agri-Mek 0.15 EC + Petroleum Oil 97+% (FC 435-66, FC 455-88, or 470 oil)

6 5 oz + min of 1 gal

Restricted use pesticide. Do not apply within 7 days of harvest. Do not apply within 30 days of last treatment. Do not make more than 3 applications or apply more than 40 fl oz/growing season. No more than 1 application per year recommended to avoid pest resistance. Always apply with horticultural spray oils as directed. Do not apply in citrus nurseries. Do not apply by aircraft. 470 weight oil has not been evaluated for effects on fruit coloring or ripening. These oils are more likely to be phytotoxic than lighter oils.

Citrus rust mites, citrus bud mite, broad mite (See ENY 603 for appropriate rates)

Assail 70 WP 4 2 oz Do not apply within 7 days of harvest.

Micromite 80WGS + Petroleum Oil 97+% (FC 435-66, FC 455-88, or 470 oil)

15 6.25 oz Restricted use pesticide. Up to three applications per season. See restrictions on the label. Do not apply when temperatures exceed 94°F. 470 weight oil has not been evaluated for effects on fruit coloring or ripening. These oils are more likely to be phytotoxic than lighter oils.

Citrus root weevils, citrus rust mites

Petroleum Oil 97+% (FC 435-66, FC 455-88, or 470 oil)

NR3 5 gal Do not apply when temperatures exceed 94°F. 470 weight oil has not been evaluated for effects on fruit coloring or ripening. These oils are more likely to be phytotoxic than lighter oils.

Spintor 2SC 5 6 oz Limit of 2 applications per season. Orangedog

1Mode of action class for citrus pesticides from the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Mode of Action Classification V4.2.1 (2005). Refer to ENY624, Pesticide Resistance and Resistance Management, in the 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide for more details. 2Lower rates may be used on smaller trees. Do not use less than the minimum label rate. 3No resistance potential exists for these products.

PP-225

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening)1

R.H. Brlansky, K.R. Chung and M.E. Rogers2

1. This document is PP-225, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Date printed: November 2005. Date revised: October 2006. This publication is included in SP-43, 2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide. For a copy of this handbook, request information on its purchase at your county Extension office. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. R.H. Brlansky, professor, and K.R. Chung, assistant professor, Plant Pathology Department; and M. E. Rogers, assistant professor, Entomology and Nematology Department; Citrus REC, Lake Alfred, Florida; Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.


Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly called citrus greening disease, is caused by the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter spp. The name huanglongbing means “yellow shoot” which describes the symptom of a bright yellow shoot that commonly occurs on a sector of infected trees. HLB is a serious disease of citrus because it affects all citrus cultivars and causes decline of trees. HLB has seriously affected citrus production in a number of countries in Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, and was discovered in July 2004 in Brazil. Wherever the disease has appeared, citrus production has been compromised with the loss of millions of trees. HLB has not been reported in Australia or in the Mediterranean Basin. In August 2005, the disease was found in the south Florida areas of Homestead and Florida City. Since that time, multiple residential and commercial citrus sites have been found infected with huanglongbing. The HLB type found is the Asian form which occurs in warm low altitude areas and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama). The Asian citrus psyllid was discovered in Florida in 1998

and now occurs throughout the state wherever citrus is grown.

The initial or early symptoms of HLB on leaves are vein yellowing and a variegated type of chlorosis referred to as a blotchy mottle. The blotchy mottle symptom is the most diagnostic symptom of the disease. Leaves might be small and upright with a variety of chlorotic patterns that often resemble mineral deficiencies such as those of zinc, iron, manganese, calcium, sulfur and/or boron. Often some of the leaves may be totally devoid of green or with only islands of green spots. The blotchy mottle symptom also may be confused with other diseases such as stubborn, severe forms of Citrus tristeza, Phytophthora root rot, water logging or citrus blight. Root systems of infected trees are often poorly developed and new root growth may be suppressed. The early symptoms of yellowing may appear on a single shoot or branch. Hence the Chinese names of yellow shoot and yellow dragon are descriptive of this symptom. The yellowing usually spreads throughout the tree and affected trees may show twig dieback and the productivity may decline in a few

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) 2

years. Fruit are often few in number, small, may be lopsided with a curved central core and fail to color properly remaining green at the stylar end. A yellow stain may be present just beneath the peduncle on a cut fruit. The affected fruit often contain aborted seeds and have a salty bitter taste. Symptoms may be enhanced by the presence of other pathogens such as CTV.

The causal bacterium, Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus has not been cultured and diagnosis is by PCR. Detection of the bacterium is usually only possible from symptomatic tissues. Four different types of the HLB bacterium exist. One causes the Asian type, one causes the African disease and another causes a disease of Cape Chestnut in South Africa. A fourth type was found in Brazil where the Asian type also was found and has been named Ca. Liberibacter americanus. The host range includes all citrus species regardless of rootstock. Normally symptoms are severe on sweet orange, mandarins and mandarin hybrids; moderate on grapefruit, lemon and sour orange; lime, pummelo and trifoliate orange are listed as more tolerant. However in south Florida, the symptoms were severe on pummelo, lime and grapefruit.

When psyllids are abundant and conditions are favorable, HLB can spread, destroying existing groves and preventing the commercial production of oranges and other citrus cultivars. Infected mature trees may decline and become non-productive and young trees that become infected never come into full production. In China, the disease was reported to kill young trees in 1-2 years. HLB also can be transmitted with infected budwood. Therefore, use of certified disease-free planting materials is essential to minimize further spread.

Recommended Practices

1. HLB is difficult to manage and continued production of citrus has proven difficult and expensive in areas where it is widespread. Since HLB is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid which is well established in Florida, there is clearly a potential for the continued spread of HLB throughout Florida citrus. The use of clean budwood and certified healthy trees is essential. Budwood sources and nursery stock should be

protected from psyllid infestation by screened enclosures and the use of systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid (see Soft-Bodied Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit section). Some biological control of the psyllid is available but the amount of psyllid control provided by introduced parasitoids has yet to be fully determined.

2. The Asian citrus psyllid feeds on many rutaceous plant species. The psyllid has a preference for the landscape ornamental, orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata). It has recently been found to be a host of the HLB bacterium, and can serve as a multiplication host for the psyllid. Another rutaceous ornamental, Severinia buxifolia or orange boxwood, is also a host for the bacterium as well as the psyllid. Movement of these ornamentals is restricted under state compliance agreements and should not be moved from areas where the disease occurs.

3. Removal of infected trees is the only way to ensure that they will not serve as a source of the bacteria for psyllid acquisition and subsequent transmission. Prior to removal, the infected tree should be treated with a foliar insecticide (such as Danitol, fenpropathrin) to kill all adult psyllids feeding on that tree. Failure to control these psyllids will result in the infected psyllids dispersing to new plants once the diseased tree is removed. Pruning of symptomatic limbs has been used in many countries to reduce the inoculum available to the psyllids. However, because the disease is systemic, pruning may not be useful since other parts of the tree may already be infected but not yet symptomatic. Additionally, if a tree is still infected after pruning, the new flush produced will serve as a feeding site for adult psyllids to acquire the greening bacteria. The infected psyllids may then disperse to uninfected trees once the new flush hardens off.

4. Integrated pest management strategies should focus on the following: use of disease-free nursery trees, reduction of the inoculum by frequent disease surveys, removal of symptomatic trees, and suppression of Asian citrus psyllid populations through chemical,

2007 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide: Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) 3

biological and cultural controls. Refer to ENY-604, Soft-Bodied Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit, in the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide for more information on management of Asian citrus psyllid. Links to websites on citrus greening disease can be accessed through the Citrus Research and Education website at the following address: http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/greening/index.htm

Citrus Health Response Program Meeting Notes