The primary goal of this project is to evaluate the likelihood of citrus plant pest and pathogen dispersal resulting from hurricane events

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded North Carolina State University a cooperative agreement totaling $184,336 on August 1, 2026, to evaluate the likelihood of citrus plant pest and pathogen dispersal resulting from hurricane events.

The recipient will assess hurricane factors, biological characteristics of citrus pests and pathogens, and ecological susceptibilities to understand biosecurity threats posed by hurricane-induced dispersal. The project will identify high-risk areas for targeted surveillance and early detection, enabling timely risk assessments to minimize economic losses for nursery industries.

Performance runs through July 31, 2027, and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The assessment will include hurricane factors, biological characteristics of citrus pests and pathogens, and ecological susceptibilities to better understand the biosecurity threats posed by hurricane-induced dispersal. The project will identify high-risk areas for targeted surveillance and early detection, enabling timely risk assessments that will help minimize economic losses for nursery industries.