IPC Programs
Projects & Resources
Tristeza Virus: Program Details
The Department contracts with the Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency to supply the agency a plant pathologist to provide technical expertise in detection, identification and eradication of citrus tristeza virus.
Central California Tristeza Virus Eradication Agency Overview:
The Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency, formed in 1963, is charged with the survey, detection and eradication of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) within participating Pest Control Districts. They represent approximately 111,000 commercial citrus producing acres within portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties. The Agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners comprised of representatives of each of the JPA districts. It employs a staff of 22 regular and up to 35 seasonal employees. During the 2000-2001 fiscal year, these employees will be responsible for surveying approximately 31,400 acres and conducting up to 375,000 individual ELISA assays in the Agency’s laboratory facility.
Diagnostic services are also provided on a contract agreement basis for individual growers, nurserymen, and other governmental entities, including the State of Arizona and the County of Riverside. As a grower-funded program, growers are charged a special assessment on their commercial citrus acreage. The special assessment appears on the annual property tax bill, and is calculated on a 100-tree-acre basis. The assessment is computed by County Auditors, based on budgets independently established by each pest control district. In addition, the individual districts pay compensation directly for the infected trees removed within their boundaries. Currently, pursuant to the State Ag Code, a maximum of $25 compensation (adjusted for tree age) is paid for each infected tree, if removed by the grower. In December 1999, the Board revised the tree removal policy to define tree removal as the elimination of both the scion and rootstock. Unless special circumstances exist, CTV-infected trees must be removed using a backhoe or similar equipment.
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Contact Information
Program Manager: MaryLou PolekE-mail: mpolek@cdfa.ca.gov