The Brazilian federal, state and research authorities have joined together to set up a task force under the auspices of the foundation for citrus plant protection, Fundecitrus, to try and stop citrus sudden death (MSC) from spreading. The body has 2,300 people and a fleet of vehicles scanning the growing regions of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Parana.

The task force aims to evaluate the pest's attack to groves and determine strategies. The disease is apparently caused by a mutation of the citrus Tristeza virus, which plagued Brazil's industry for 20 years 70 years ago.

Fundecitrus has estimated that sudden death has already killed 1 million trees, with losses estimated at $20 million. The disease was identified about two years ago and the infected trees died two or three months after the first symptoms. The characteristics are very similar to those of tristeza, however, for the time being there is no cure and the virus spreads very quickly. 'Just one single infected plant in a grove will destroy everything in a very short time,' said a Fundecitrus spokesperson. 'It is a huge headache for the producer.'

Topics