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Dozens Of Calls Already In About Citrus Disease Not Normally Seen In Panhandle

APSnet
Citrus Canker, a bacterial disease, symptoms found on a grapefruit.

Florida Department of Agriculture officials are warning Panhandle farmers and gardeners of a highly contagious citrus tree disease that’s been found farther north in the state than has ever seen.

The department has received dozens of calls from concerned residents whose citrus crops are showing signs of citrus canker—a bacterial disease that’s easily spread by wind and rain. It causes premature fruit drop and discolored fruit and eventually causes the tree to become unproductive. Agency spokesman Mark Fagan says while there’s not much residents can do about the disease, there is one way to slow its spread.

“We would encourage homeowners, residents in the Panhandle region, to not move citrus plant material,” said Fagan.

Fagan says the disease has been discovered in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties—a first for the Panhandle. He says it’s possible it originated downstate, where most of Florida’s citrus fruit is grown.

“Say, you pick up a tree from Aunt Mary in Brevard County and you took it and planted it in your backyard in Santa Rosa County, you can move the disease that way, because once the disease expresses itself in the form of corky-like lesions on the top and the bottom, then the bacterium is being picked up by wind-blown rain and moved about,” he added.

Fagan says while cankers are not as serious as citrus greening—another disease affecting citrus crops in Florida—he advises residents to take the bacteria seriously. Those who suspect their trees are affected by citrus canker can call the agency’s Division of Plant Industry Helpline Center at 1-888-397-1517.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.