Author
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Gottwald, Timothy |
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Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2005 Publication Date: 6/1/2005 Citation: Gottwald, T.R. 2005. Conflicting agendas of commercial growers and residential tree owners during canker and plum pox eradication programs. Phytopathology. 95(6):S129. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: With the increase of international travel and trade comes the potential introduction of numerous exotic plant pathogens. Eradication is considered a biologically sound regulatory response when a pathogen is detected if incidence is low, distribution is limited, and scientific studies indicate a possibility of elimination. However, a pathogen can affect both homeowner and commercial agricultural interests in the same region when the same plant species is grown in residential gardens and commercially. This is often the case for fruit and nut tree crops such as citrus, peach and apple. If eradication is pursued, then both residential tree owners and commercial growers are affected. Depending upon community composition, cohesiveness and common interest, the support for eradication among residential homeowners and commercial growers can coincide or be in opposition. For example, in Florida the citrus industry finds itself in opposition with some segments of the residential community over citrus canker eradication, whereas the peach industry of Pennsylvania is more in harmony with residential owners, both of whom support plum pox virus eradication. These two eradication programs and others will be used as examples to present the range of compatible to opposing objectives of the two groups, the legal, social, and economic ramifications, and possible resolutions. |
