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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #178255

Title: CONFLICTING AGENDAS OF COMMERCIAL GROWERS AND RESIDENTIAL TREE OWNERS DURING CANKER AND PLUM POX ERADICATION PROGRAMS

Author
item Gottwald, Timothy

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2005
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. 95:6S129.

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 for elimination. However, some pathogens can affect both homeowner and commercial agricultural interests when the same plant species are grown in dooryards and commercially in the same region. This is often the case for fruit and nut tree crops such as citrus, peach, apple, etc. If eradication is elected, then both residential tree owners and commercial growers are affected. Depending upon community composition and cohesiveness, interests of residential homeowners and commercial growers for eradication can coincide well 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 dooryard peach owners with a common objective concerning 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.