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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). 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 areas and a yellow ring or halo (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). 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. If is a highly contagious disease that can be spread rapidly by windborne rain, lawnmowers and other landscal-ing equipment, animals and birds, people carrying the infection on their hands or clothing, and moving infected or exposed plants or plant parts (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). 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 plants 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). For example, a medfly outbreak in 1997 cost an estimated $26 million to eradicate (Florida Department of Community Affairs, 1998). Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 20