What's even worst than the public not knowing about the illegal transportation of Citrus from Florida, is people that SHOULD have some idea.
Being a Master Gardener now here in Charleston, I have given a couple of lectures and written a few articles for the MG monthly newsletter "Taproot" on growing Citrus. I am forever getting Master Gardeners come up to me and say, I just brought back a cute little Orange, OR, I am going to Florida next week what would be a good thing to bring back. I shutter and explain to them ...PLEASE DON'T DO THAT!!!
They have NO idea what so ever that the ban is in place.
Darren

Glad you are a MG now, good going!
I just returned from a trip to South Florida. I go to this Home Despot in Stuart, and I'm checking out the citrus trees. A young gal with a snow white tan from Jersey is explaning to her parents how they could stuff it in a suitcase to take back home. Overhearing this, I told them that I'd like to have one too, but that greening was bad news, and that taking them out of state was a violation of Federal law. The parents didn't look comfortable with that info, The daughter looked like she knew but didn't care.

Just 15 miles from the Ga. border I popped in another H.D. Beautiful cheap citrus for sale, just 100 yards from I-95 North.

I've noticed Citrus down there have tags with the date that they have been sprayed with Imcliden(sp?) Might kill the psyllids for a while, but won't clear up the greening if its already infected.

I go to the Florida Dept. of Ag website often to check the progress of this disease. The latest update is very sobering as to spread and vectoring.
I encourage every one to check it out for themselves. Try:http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/chrp/greening/citrusgreening.html

People have got to know. Warning labels. Signed contracts not to transport. SOMETHING!!!

I'm glad that you are telling people Darren. You are a good man!

QUESTION:

Is it legal then to buy and transport Orange Jessamine (psyllid crack) across state lines? They produce this plant mainly in the Miami/Dade area, and ship it all over the country.

Saddened in SC.................
Scott

I have to put my 2c worth in..

My neighbor called me over to show off her new baby trees.. I was explaining to her that she had WAYYYY over potted when she said it was on the label to pot it so and brought out the little box her new trees came in, as I'm looking at the box I see that they are the same trees as posted in the first photo.. From FL.. I asked how she got them and she said at the airport.. I tried to explain the ban and all.. but I was ignored.. soo.. I figure.. her trees won't last long anyway.. no wasting my breath.. can't counter "they wouldn't sell them in the air port if it was illegal to ship them".. and of course the instructions on the box know more than I do about growing container citrus *IN KANSAS* than I do..
They probably don't pose a threat.. But it is still unnerving.. Upsetting..
I've been avoiding Citrus fruit from FL since I first read of all canker and greening.. and here my neighbor goes to FL and brings back trees!!!.. GRRRRRRRRR!!!!!
I've never wished ill on a tree till now..
There should be signs or something saying DON'T TAKE THESE OUT OF STATE!!!!!
May not be an industry here and other parts north of the citrus belt.. but those who have invested time, heart and a bit of $$ in their private collections should not have to be put at risk either..
if they can't stop it at the airport with all their secruity checks etc then how can they secure the trees that are going out of state via car truck etc..??
I might try and get some pics up some time this week.. My plants are doing well.. Thankfully they have not been exposed to the down pour that has kept us on flood watch almost once a week since april.. Thankfully the closest the river has gotten is neighbors back yard.. but after last year I haven't slept very easy..
heh.. maybe neighbors trees will wash down river??
Gina *BabyBlue*

Nice hearing from you Gina. - Millet

Hey Gina...Homegirl, where ya been? Hope all is well!

Gina, Glad to hear from you. Hope all is well. Barbara

Gina is back!!!!! Glad to hear from you again, wanted to tell you one avacado survived the winter and is doing famously well, now if I can keep the tree rats at bay, they got to my banana plant yesterday, all will continue to grow well. Glad you are back!