Topic: Save our Citrus and Hungry Pests are essential USDA web sites to Know!

[Software Santa]

Save our Citrus and Hungry Pests are essential USDA web sites to Know!



http://www.saveourcitrus.org/images/media/home.swf

To save our citrus, we need to work together. That means knowing the facts about citrus diseases and getting the word out to others. If we don’t protect our citrus, that cup of juice you drink with your breakfast, the beautiful lemon tree in your yard, and the curry you use to add zest to your cooking might not be there in the future.

For citrus buyers, it means not moving citrus plants or plant materials out of a regulated area and buying gift citrus fruit or trees only from shippers that are in compliance with federal quarantine restrictions. Commercial fruit packers, Internet shippers and roadside vendors within regulated states should be able to prove their product complies with regulations to save our citrus. For citrus owners and growers, it means inspecting your citrus plants regularly and reporting it immediately if you detect an infected plant.

Communication is the key and you have a variety of resources at your disposal. Review the toolkit for resources to learn more and share information with others.

There is even a FREE iPhone App for submitting reports/images of suspected diseased trees to the Experts!!!

http://www.saveourcitrus.org



A Lot of Mouths to Feed (:60)

When it comes to preventing the spread of invasive pests, every one of us can play a big role. By doing the right things we can all help stop this threat to so much that we value. Please do your part and learn what you can do to leave Hungry Pests behind.

These damaging pests can hitchhike from place to place on our cars and trucks, hidden in fruit, vegetables, plants, firewood or on familiar outdoor items. But we can all learn to be more careful when we're traveling or involved in outdoor activities. Working together, we can protect our crops and trees from harm.

The first step is to be aware of the pests that might be a threat in your area. Then be sure to cooperate with any regulations or quarantines that might be in effect. Finally, take care to be sure that you're never packing a pest. Let's all leave Hungry Pests behind.

Preventing the introduction and establishment of invasive species in a new area is everyone's responsibility. And there are important, simple things that we should all be aware of:

    Invasive pests can easily be transported on living plants or fresh products such as fruit.
    Many pests can be found in recently killed plant material including firewood, lumber, and wood packaging material. Avoiding the long-range movement of these materials to help slow the spread of pests.
    Buy only certified, pest-free nursery whenever possible. Buy your plants from a reputable source and avoid using invasive plant species at all costs.


Based on your outdoor activities, outdoor hobbies, or your occupation, there are many specific actions you can also take. See the examples at the web site for more information.

http://www.hungrypests.com/