Conduct surveys, collect suspicious samples and perform laboratory testing for the early detection of the presence and/or infestations of exotic citrus insect pests, citrus diseases and their…

This $536,840 federal Cooperative Agreement award, issued by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), supports Texas A&M University-Kingsville in conducting surveys, collecting suspicious samples, and performing laboratory testing to detect the presence of exotic citrus insect pests and diseases in Texas. The project aims to provide early detection of these threats in order to limit their spread and impact on the state's $250 million citrus industry. Key activities include intensive detection efforts in commercial citrus orchards and urban areas, monthly statewide surveys, and rapid response coordination with state and federal agencies upon any positive findings. The award period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to conduct surveys, collect suspicious samples and perform laboratory testing for the early detection of the presence and/or infestations of exotic citrus insect pests, citrus diseases and their vectors that could negatively affect the sustainability of citrus production in texas.

Activities

Intensive detection efforts will be conducted in citrus orchards in commercial citrus and dooryard trees in the belt of south texas, as well as in high-risk areas (houston, east coast of texas, and other large cities). Statewide surveys will also be conducted monthly. DR. Setamou from tamuk-citrus center will lead the project and oversee the diagnostic lab activities WHERE4 personnel will be housed. He will train and supervise project staff in pest detection and sample collection and oversee the field surveys. A three-staff crew will conduct surveys in citrus orchards and the targeted counties identified as high-risk areas and map all sites with GPS. Any positive finds will result in concerted actions between tamuk-citrus center, USDA-aphis and TDA to control the pest and disease. Further, assistance from a curator from aphis-PPQ or elsewhere will be sought, for additional identification, if needed for the invasive pests. The following specific tasks will constitute the plan of action for the project.deliverables and expected outcomes: commercial citrus in texas contributes to more than $250 million to the state economy, and the state prides itself for its quality red-flesh grapefruit that represents the official state fruit. Invasive insect and mite pests do not only TH reaten the sustainability of citrus production in texas, but represent serious risks of spread in the U.S., causing a devastating economic impact and increasing our dependence on foreign citrus fruit and products. Early detection of any exotic pests and disease is essential to limit its large scale spread as IT will allow rapid response for quarantine and eradication programs. Intended benefic iary(IES): the entire nursey, fruit and juice industry in texas and all of the food chain that benefits from said industry to include the domestic retail, export and trade market.subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a