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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Wunder (321) 214-5207

GOTTWALD RECEIVES RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

MAITLAND, Fla. (September 19, 2006) - Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) presented its Researcher of the Year Award today to Dr. Timothy Gottwald, head of plant pathology at USDA'S Agricultural Research Service horticultural lab in Ft. Pierce, Florida.The presentation took place during FFVA's Annual Convention at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples.

Dr. Gottwald is best known for his citrus work. "He has been and will be instrumental in providing the scientific information to deal with citrus canker and greening," said Dan Botts, director of FFVA's Environmental & Pest Management Division.

Dr. Calvin Arnold, director of the Ft. Pierce facility nominated Dr. Gottwald, saying Gottwald is "an outstanding researcher who has made major contributions in support of the Florida citrus industry."

Among his accomplishments and contributions are his work determining the distance of spread of citrus canker, as well as the development of new models to predict disease increase and spread of canker and many other diseases of citrus.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.

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