Help needed to reconvert groves affected by Tristeza virus

According to the Cia Catania agricultural confederation, 45 thousand hectares of citrus groves have been affected by CTV in eastern Sicily. "The entire production is destined to vanish in the next couple of years. Businesses need help to reconvert the groves as well as healthy vegetable material." The alarm was raised by Cia etnea member Vito Amantia.

"We are now talking about an evolution of the Tristeza virus, a mutation that affects groves that have already almost disappeared. We need to protect them against new viruses attacking grafts tolerant to Tristeza."

"In eastern Sicily, 70 thousand hectares are dedicated to citrus fruit. Of these, 15 thousand are used to grow lemons and the rest is used for bitter oranges. Except for the 10 thousand hectares transformed by companies, the remaining 45 thousand are suffering."

"This is what the scientific community should be focusing on. Cia Catania has already prepared a document for councillor Cracolici and Minister Martina concerning a national plan for citrus fruit."