SECOND TRISTEZA FINDING IN THE FOUNDATION & EVALUATION BLOCK

Citrus Clonal Protection Program Bulletin - February 2, 2006

The CCPP has confirmed a second tristeza (CTV) positive tree in the Lindcove Foundation and Evaluation Block. After the removal of the tristeza infected tree VI 105 – CRC 1452 Citrumelo CCPP began retesting the surrounding trees with ELISA to verify the initial tristeza negative results.

The first sample retested was from the adjacent tree, VI 106 – Fisher Navel and was found positive for tristeza. This tree was originally planted in 1996 and was not registered for budwood distribution. The tree has been already removed from the planting. CCPP will continue with the retesting of the adjacent trees since we feel that the January negative ELISA results were produced while the CTV titer was low and maybe other positive trees are escaping diagnosis.

The CCPP will continue monitoring the situation and on April of 2006 when CTV titer is expected to be high the entire Block will be tested with ELISA. This way CCPP can proceed safely with the June budwood cut.