I have reposted this from the 2009 Citrus Expo area because of the subject matter.

After Stan brought the possibility to my attention, I emailed a USDA in Charleston that is responsible for the Citrus Greening program here. He tells me that greening has been found in a lemon in downtown Charleston this past week. "The tree is 10-12 years old and evidence appears to indicate that it has carried the disease for a number of years." They are still working on a strategy for dealing with the problem and an announcement should be made next week.

It is an understatement to say this is not good. The fact that the tree has been infected for a number of years tells me it may have spread beyond the infected lemon. I think the least that will happen is that no citrus will be allowed to be transported from Charleston county. This will directly impact the Citrus Expo.

Ned

Thanks Ned for bringing this to everyones attention. It just goes to show that you can never be too careful when it comes to plant viruses. I sure hope they find a way of slowing the spread of this virus because I think that is about all they can do to help.

I would hate to be relying on the USDA if my grove was in danger of Citrus Greening. I believe if help is to come, it will be from private industry, or the University system, or a combination of the two. - Millet (1,380-)