Jamaica: New citrus disease found in St Catherine

The Agriculture Ministry has detected a new disease in St Catherine that could wipe out the $3.7 billion citrus industry if it is not properly managed.

The disease called Citrus Greening has been found on properties in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

Dr Lisa Myers-Morgan, Senior Research Director in the Agriculture Ministry said the disease has been detected on less than 1 per cent of the farms surveyed.

She said farmers should still be concerned, because although the disease can be treated, it cannot be eradicated.

Citrus trees less than 15 years old are considered to be more vulnerable to the disease than others.

According to Dr Myers-Morgan, several years ago Brazil had a similar problem and suffered extensively before taking drastic measures to correct it.

Dr Myers-Morgan said it may be difficult to treat the small plant-sucking insects known as the citrus psyllids, which transmit the disease.

Dr Myers-Morgan also said there are several symptoms that farmers should look for to determine whether the citrus greening disease is on their properties.

The agriculture ministry said farmers whose citrus farms show signs of the disease should immediately contact its offices.


Source: go-jamaica.com

Publication date: 11/6/2009

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