New Citrus Pest Invades Florida From Caribbean
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A citrus pest tracked in Cuba and other Caribbean countries has made the 90-mile hop to Florida, according to state agriculture officials.
Brown citrus aphids capable of transmitting viruses devastating to groves were found recently on an orange tree in Fort Lauderdale during a routine inspection of fruit fly traps.
“We’re very hopeful that this is confined. We’re treating it with a pesticide that has yielded good results,” Department of Agriculture spokesman Terry McElroy said.
The aphids can spread when plants are brought in from infested countries.
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