Florida's Citrus Black Spot Quarantine Expands: What You Need to Know!

Citrus County, Florida, USA - In recent news from the citrus orchards of Florida, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded quarantine measures for Citrus Black Spot (CBS), a troublesome disease caused by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa. As noted by Fresh Fruit Portal, this strategic move affects several counties, including Collier, Glades, Hendry, DeSoto, and Highlands. The most significant changes will be seen in DeSoto County, which will add a staggering 17 sections to the quarantine list. Meanwhile, Collier County is set to incorporate nine sections, and both Glades and Hendry Counties will each see an addition of seven sections. Highlands is a newcomer to the quarantine list, adding just one section.

The decision to tighten these quarantine areas stems from confirmed detections of the CBS pathogen during the annual surveys conducted for the 2024/2025 growing season. The aim is clear: to protect the citrus industry from the devastating impact of this disease, which leads to blemished fruit and significant yield losses, especially in sweet oranges like the beloved ‚Valencia‘.

Understanding Citrus Black Spot

CBS is no small issue. This disease causes significant physical blemishes on fruit and can lead to considerable losses in various citrus species grown in Florida. Citrus growers need to be especially cautious, as all commercial citrus cultivars are at risk. According to UF/IFAS, ‚Hamlin‘ sweet oranges and tangerines/mandarins exhibit moderate susceptibility, while grapefruit has limited information regarding its vulnerability.

The symptoms of CBS are varied but concerning. Growers may observe hard spot lesions on fruit, sometimes measuring from 0.1 to 0.4 inches in diameter, featuring a gray necrotic center with distinct brick-red to black margins. Other signs include false melanose, which may appear on green fruits early in the season, and large lesions known as cracked spots that are often exacerbated by rust mites and the CBS fungus.

Stringent Management Practices

With such a significant threat to Florida’s citrus heritage, management practices in affected groves cannot be overlooked. Regular fungicide treatments from early May to mid-September are recommended to control the spread, with careful rotation to manage pathogen resistance. Furthermore, cultural practices, such as minimizing movement of plant debris and maintaining strong nutrient programs, play a crucial role in managing CBS in quarantine zones. In addition, vehicles transporting fruit must adhere to strict guidelines, including covering loads and ensuring that each shipment comes with a comprehensive trip ticket detailing the material.

To move fresh fruit from quarantined areas, growers must follow APHIS-approved protocols. Only fruit and leaves from these quarantine zones may go out, and even those leaves are not always permitted. Treatment processes need to be adhered to, involving washing and specific chemical treatments to prevent further disease spread.

Grave Implications for Citrus Industry

As USDA underscores, confirmation of potential cases is vital. Any symptomatic samples must reach the Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory (PPCDL) for final determination, highlighting the gravity of keeping our citrus crops safe. This is a matter not just of plant health, but of economic sustenance for many Florida families whose livelihoods depend on thriving citrus industries.

With efforts focused on compliance and vigilance, it remains crucial that all citrus growers, caretakers, and haulers understand the depths of these quarantine requirements and actively participate in safeguarding their crops. In this age of challenges, there’s certainly something to be said for proactive measures in protecting Florida’s treasured citrus fruits.