DECEMBER 19, 2005

ISSUE 1094

STUDY SPREADS DOUBT ON CANKER PROGRAM

Citrus grower associations are holding a series of meetings this month reviewing the state-federal Citrus Canker Eradication Program after a new study showed that if the program continues as it is, unacceptably large numbers of commercial citrus groves could face destruction. Dr. Tim Gottwold, who conducted the study that determined the existing “1,900 foot rule” also led the current study.

The new study estimates that 70,000 additional trees would be destroyed under the current program, bringing the total since the 2004 hurricane season to about 150,000 trees.

Once the participants reach a consensus, they will bring their recommendations to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and federal officials.

Meanwhile, a USDA preliminary study just released suggests that Hurricane Wilma may have spread the disease to such an extent that the state may, under the current rule, be forced to destroy 70,000 to 170,000 additional acres of citrus south and east of Lake Okeechobee.