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Citrus Greening Research Conference Draws Hundreds To Central Florida
Greening is a disease that weakens citrus trees. The fruit becomes unusable. Photo by Amy Green / WMFE
Hundreds of researchers are in Orlando this week for an international research conference on citrus greening.
Some of the most promising research comes from Central Florida.
In the decade since it appeared in Florida citrus greening has devastated the crop.
Jack Payne of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences says the research represents a lifeline for an industry on the brink.
“A lot of folks out there have faith in us, have faith in the science. They see good things happening. I think we will solve this problem. The $64,000 question is will we solve it in time to save the industry.”
Payne says scientists at UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred are developing new citrus varieties that are resilient against the disease.
Ten years ago Florida groves produced 300 million boxes a season. This year they produced just 103 million boxes, the worst season ever.
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