Eradication of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri in Florida (US) is no longer considered feasible
In January 2006, USDA announced that the eradication programme against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (citrus canker – EPPO A1 list) in Florida (US) was no longer considered possible as the disease was too widespread. Efforts will now be targeted at maintaining the bacterial inoculum at levels which would still allow satisfactory citrus production. New phytosanitary measures are being developed to contain citrus canker in Florida. As a consequence, USDA announced in June 2006 a plan proposing an interim rule prohibiting Florida citrus shipments to the citrus producing states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana and Texas, and US territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands). This plan raised strong debate about the risks presented by the movements of infected symptomless citrus fruits.
Sources
NAPPO Pest Alert System. Alerts (2006-01-13).
USDA support of citrus canker eradication efforts terminated. http://www.pestalert.org/viewNewsAlert.cfm?naid=5
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Weekly Newsletter.
USDA: Florida citrus banned in producing states, $100 million in canker compensation coming.