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4 . 1 . 11 Agricultural Pests and Diseases Florida is among the top three agriculture- producing states in the nation . Agriculture generates farm cash receipts of nearly $ 6 billion annually , of which citrus and vegetable crops contribute more than 40 % . The industry is susceptible tomany hazards including freezes , droughts , and exotic pests or diseases . Agricultural crops are grown throughout the state , and every region is vulnerable to the effects of an exotic pest or disease infestation . As a result , Florida uses the second highest volume of pesticides, in the nation . Agriculture and citrus production play a key role in the Indian River County economy; 52 % of the County is farmland . The main threats to the Indian River County agriculture industry are 1 ) Citrus canker, 2) Mediterranean fruit fly ( Medfly) , 3 Sugarcane pests , and 4 ) Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) . Best available data do not indicate that there have been incidents of agricultural pests and diseases in Indian River County or the municipalities . 4. 1 . 11 . 1 Citrus Canker Citrus canker has been found in Dade County , and the potential for its spread to other counties is high . Citrus canker is a bacterial disease of citrus that causes premature leaf and fruit drop . It affects all types of citrus , including oranges , sour oranges , grapefruit , tangerines , lemons , and limes . Symptoms found on leaves and fruit are brown , raised lesions surrounded by an oily , water-soaked area and a yellow ring or halo ( Indian River '4r County Department of Emergency Services , 2002 ) . There is no known chemical compound that will destroy the citrus canker bacteria . In order to eradicate the disease , infected trees must be cut down and disposed of properly. It is a highly contagious disease that can be spread rapidly by windborne rain , lawnmowers and other landscaping equipment, animals and birds , people carrying the infection on their hands or clothing , and moving infected or exposed plants or plant parts ( Indian River County Department of Emergency Services , 2002) . 4. 1 . 11 . 2 Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Another threat to Indian River County's agriculture industry is the Medfly, It is one of the world 's most destructive pests and infests more than 250 different plans that are important for U . S . food producers , homeowners , and wildlife . It is considered the greatest pest threat to Florida ' s $ 1 . 5 billion citrus crop , as well as endangering many other economically significant crops ( Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services , 1998a ) . For example , a Medfly outbreak in 1997 cost an estimated $ 32 million to eradicate in Manatee , Marion , Orange , Polk , and Sarasota counties ( United States Depa ment of Agriculture , 1999 ) . If a long -term or widespread Medfly infestation were to occur, Florida growers would not be permitted to ship numerous fruit and vegetable crops tc many foreign and domestic markets . The movement of fruits and vegetables , even within tie state , would be disrupted , which could lead to higher prices in the supermarket . Costly post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables to meet quarantine restrictions of domestic and foreign markets would also be required . If the Medfly is not eradicated in Florida , ongoing pesticide treatments by homeowners and commercial growers will be necessary . 4- 50