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Fight against citrus greening to get boost from state

Palm Beach Post – April 30, 2008

The Florida citrus industry’s battle against greening disease will be getting a $2 million boost from the state’s 2008-09 budget, a grower’s group said today.

The appropriation will help fund critical pest and disease research, said Mike Sparks, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This appropriation is very important to the Florida citrus industry at a time when research may determine our futures,” Sparks said today in a statement.

Greening, also known as huanglongbing or HLB, was first detected in Florida in August 2005. It is considered one of the world’s most devastating citrus diseases.

Citrus trees infected by the bacterial disease spread by the Asian citrus psyllid may live only five to eight years. They produce misshapen, bitter and unmarketable fruit.

“HLB has the potential to devastate the industry,” Sparks said. “We as an industry must find a scientific solution.”

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