Detection of Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri) in Louisiana

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION

DA-2013-26

June 28, 2013

 

SUBJECT:  Detection of Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri) in Louisiana

 

TO:  STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS

 

On June 21, 2013, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the identification of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, the bacterial causal agent of citrus canker (CC), from citrus leaf samples collected from two trees in City Park, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana.  This is a new state record.

 

APHIS and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) are working together to survey citrus trees in City Park and the surrounding area for CC symptoms.  To date, three trees at City Park and a tree in a residential area nearby have been confirmed positive for CC.   Currently, APHIS regulates Orleans Parish for citrus greening.  There is no commercial production in this urban area or commercial citrus packing houses or commercial citrus nursery stock operations in the Parish. Following the completion of delimiting surveys and an analysis of the information, APHIS and the LDAF will determine the extent of the quarantine boundaries.

 

Prior to this detection, the disease had only been confirmed in Florida.  Under the CC regulations (7 CFR §301.75),  the interstate movement of citrus plants and plant parts, other than commercially-packed and disinfected citrus fruit, remains prohibited with the following exception.  Citrus nursery stock that is moved in accordance with regulations contained in 7 CFR §301.76 may move from areas quarantined for CC.

 

For additional information regarding the CC program, please contact Prakash Hebbar, Citrus Health Response Program, National Coordinator at (301) 851-2228 or Lynn Evans-Goldner, Citrus Disease Program, National Policy Manager at (301) 851-2286.

 

     /s/  Rebecca A. Bech

 

Rebecca A. Bech

Deputy Administrator

Plant Protection and Quarantine