2016-069V - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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 Department 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 to many foreign and domestic markets. The movement of fruits and vegetables, even within the 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. Adult Med flies are up to '/4 inch long, black with yellow abdomens, and have yellow marks on their thoraxes. Their wings are banded with yellow. The female Medfly damages produce by laying eggs in the host fruit or vegetable. The resulting larvae feed on the pulp, rendering the produce unfit for human consumption. In addition to citrus, med flies will feed on hundreds of other commercial and backyard fruit and vegetable crops. Because med flies are not strong fliers, the pest is spread by the transport of larval-infested fruit. The major threats come from travelers, the U.S. mail, and commercial fruit smugglers. Several steps have been taken to prevent new infestations. State and Federal officials are working with postal authorities to develop ways to inspect packages suspected of carrying infested fruit. In addition, public education efforts carrying the message, "Don't Spread Med" are being expanded (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 1998b). q. Sugarcane Pests — Hazard Identification. Changes in sugarcane agriculture, including new disease and insect pests, have seriously impacted the quality of cane and juice delivered to the mill for processing. These changing developments affect the level of sucrose, purity, fiber, and color of cane, resulting in a loss of sugar and decrease in the quantity and quality of sugar produced (Legendre et al., 1998). Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 54