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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Office of Communications
404-656-3689

Citrus Canker Detected in Georgia

Atlanta, GA - The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is alerting commercial and backyard citrus growers that citrus canker has been found in the state. Late last week, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA APHIS PPQ) laboratory confirmed a suspected sample from a commercial citrus grove in Decatur County was citrus canker.

"Citrus canker is not harmful to humans, pets, or other animals but it is another disease our growers need to be on the lookout for," said Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. "We want our citrus growers to be aware, so their produce remains marketability as fresh fruit."

Citrus canker is caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri, subspecies citri, and is a serious disease of all citrus varieties. Another citrus disease, citrus greening (also known as "HLB" or "Huanglongbing") is already established in some Georgia counties and is regulated by the USDA.

Federal guidelines require surveys to determine the extent of citrus canker establishment in the state. GDA and USDA APHIS PPQ personnel will begin surveying in the area this week.

Any backyard or commercial citrus grower that suspects his or her trees may be infected with citrus canker should contact the local University of Georgia Extension Agent (https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices.html) or our Plant Protection office at 404-586-1140 to submit a sample.

Pictures of infected leaves and fruit may be viewed by visiting: www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/citrus/citrus-canker.

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About the GDA The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state's agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce. For more information, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.

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