The objective of this project is to conduct surveys, collect suspect specimen samples and perform laboratory testing for the early detection of the presence and/or infestations of exotic citrus…

Texas A&M University-Kingsville received a $536,840 cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. The award funds surveillance and early detection activities targeting exotic citrus arthropod pests, citrus diseases, and their vectors across Texas. Texas A&M Kingsville will conduct intensive detection surveys in commercial citrus orchards and dooryard trees in South Texas's citrus belt, as well as in high-risk urban areas including Houston and the East Coast of Texas, supplemented by monthly statewide surveillance activities. Laboratory testing and suspect specimen collection will support early identification of federal and state-listed target pests threatening the sustainability of Texas citrus production.

The project delivers semiannual and final performance reports, financial reports, diagnostic reports, and comprehensive data and results from the citrus commodity survey. The deliverables and surveillance work will benefit the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Corporation, TAMU Kingsville Citrus Center, and Texas Nursery and Landscaping Association, while enhancing APHIS's early detection capabilities to protect the Texas citrus industry and other citrus-producing states from economically damaging pest infestations.

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.deliverables and expected outcomes: the citrus center will be providing semiannual and final performance and financial reports as well as diagnostic reports and reporting of data and results of this citrus commodity survey. Intended beneficiary(IES): this will benefit and enhance PPQ's mission and serve as an early detection method to respond early in protecting the texas citrus industry as well as other citrus producing states. The texas department of agriculture and the texas citrus pest and disease corporation, the tamu kingsville citrus center and texas nursery and landscaping association will benefit from this surveillance work. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: none