June 17, 2010

National Plant Board Laws & Regulations

Updated PLANT PROTECTION REGULATIONS for Texas (PDF)

Citrus Greening (CG) 
Disease Threat to Texas Citrus

Citrus greening disease, or Huanglongbing (HLB), is considered to be the most destructive disease of citrus. It is endemic in large parts of Asia and Africa, and has recently invaded the Americas. It is caused by a bacterium which is transmitted by insects called psyllids. There is no cure for greening, and the lengthy latent period after infection makes eradication almost impossible. The disease is now in Brazil, Cuba, Belize, southern Mexico and four US states (Florida, Louisiana. South Carolina, Georgia) - so far, it has not been detected in Texas, although the psyllid is widespread.

Thousands of crops have been lost citrus greening since it was first detected in 2005. Infected plants may not show symptoms for several months, so nationwide emphasis on early detection is being increased, including here in Texas. TDA has established this website containing more information.

Invasive Species

We have an opportunity to make a positive impact on invasive species that affect our eco-systems here in Texas. The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council, or TIPPC, was officially chartered by the state this summer. I am serving as Green Industry Representative on the Board of Directors of 15, which is largely made-up of governmental and non-governmental agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., Texas Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Lady Bird Wildflower Center, USDA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, plus Academia, Private Landowner, and Allied Industry Rep.  The goal of the council is to foster statewide collaboration among diverse interests that share in the common goal of protecting Texas from the threat of invasive species.

The issue of invasive species is wide and deep, consisting of both flora, aquatic, terrestrial plants, fauna animals, fish, reptiles, and insects. Our main point of contact for the green industry will be plants, of course, but, insects also will warrant constant consideration.

We are looking at ranking systems for invasive species to target priorities. The systems we are reviewing are from CA, NV, and AZ, one from FLA, plus the system used now by Texas Dept of Agriculture. We are going to run some plants through the systems to see how they differ.

As we move forward on the invasive issue in Texas, the more educated and informed members of  the green industry we have, the greater likelihood we will have to make a positive influence. I encourage you to go to www.texasinvasives.org and learn more about invasives and the conference. I also would like to get interested party feed-back.

 “GET INVOLVED and MAKE A DIFFERENCE”