Disease threatens South Texas citrus industry

[TexasTowelie]

Citrus greening, the disease that has Florida’s citrus industry fighting for its life, likewise poses a major threat to the Rio Grande Valley’s citrus industry if a solution isn’t found.

Worst case, a key part of the Valley’s identity could vanish along with the livelihoods of growers.

After the disease was first detected in Florida in 2005 it spread quickly, causing a steady decline in that state’s citrus production as scientists race to find answers. The disease was confirmed in the Valley, at two San Juan orchards, in January 2012. Three trees on residential property in the area also were found to have been infected.

Ray Prewett, president of Texas Citrus Mutual, said an emergency quarantine covering a five-mile radius was immediately put in place.

More at http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_590ddfce-fe49-11e2-8075-001a4bcf6878.html .

[Gman]

1. They've paved over and developed over the citrus orchards in the Valley

so much, it'll be hard to notice.