[StBernard] 2 incurable citrus diseases spreading in La

[Westley Annis]

2 incurable citrus diseases spreading in La
By Amy Himmelberg
Published: July 19, 2014, 9:56 am

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A plant scientist says two incurable citrus diseases are
spreading in Louisiana, but so far neither has been found in commercial
orchards.

Citrus greening turns fruit bitter. Citrus canker leaves fruit spotted but
still edible.

LSU AgCenter's Plant Diagnostic Center chief Raj Singh says citrus canker
was found last month in St. Bernard Parish. It was found last year in
Plaquemines Parish - Louisiana's citrus center - and in New Orleans and
Jefferson and St. Charles parishes.

He says greening has been found in New Orleans and in Washington Parish.

Plaquemines Parish grower Ben Becnel Jr. says that with 5,000 trees, there's
no way to check each one regularly. He says he keeps an eye out while
working in the orchards.