Publications - Faculty - Recently Submitted Faculty Publications 2008

Futch - Proc. Florida State Horticultural Society

Determining HLB Infection Levels Using Multiple Survey Methods in Florida Citrus [C18]

Steve Futch, Shawron Weingarten and Mike Irey

Abstract. A study was initiated to determine the effectiveness of various scouting methods within multiple blocks in a citrus grove in DeSoto County, Florida. Surveys of the blocks were conducted by 5 different greening survey crews using multiple methods over a 2-week period in January and February, 2009. Survey methods utilized in the study included walking, ATV, platform alone and platform in combination with ATVs. Each crew flagged the trees which they determined to have HLB symptoms by visual detection methods. After flagging, the position of the noted tree was recorded and the flags were removed to allow other crews to survey the blocks unaided by previous surveys. Upon completion of scouting by all crews, each noted tree was tested using a DNA-based laboratory method (PCR) to determine if the tree actually contained greening pathogen. Survey results varied between survey methods as well as between crews.  The combined average HLB positive tree found by each survey method was calculated.  Of all of the trees identified as being HLB infected during the survey process by walking and platform/ATV averaged 47% detection, ATVs averaged 61%, and platform without ATVs found 59% of the infected trees across all blocks and survey crews.