Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Could we lose our Avocado industry?

A recently published IFAS story details how Florida's avocado industry could be in danger from a fungus that's transmitted by a beetle.

"Florida’s avocado industry, the nation’s second-largest, could lose millions of dollars if a new disease reaches the state’s southern tip, according to University of Florida experts.

Laurel wilt disease, caused by a fungus transmitted by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle, kills avocado and several native trees including redbay, said Jonathan Crane, a professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and co-author of a paper estimating the disease’s financial impact. The paper is expected to be published later this year."

I don't eat avocados, but it's sad to see another of Florida's iconic agriculture industries in jeopardy. Hopefully, they find a solution soon. Good luck researchers!

2 comments:

h said...

UF/IFAS and affilliated groups absolutely rock! I've given y'all link-love at the troll report a few times. We can be proud to have the WORLD'S BEST University AG Department in this State.

P.S.

If you can steer me to a site with great PICTURES of invasive (critter) species, that'd be great.

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