The Texas Citrus Clean Plant Program has grown significantly and expanded in the last several years. Prior to 2013, the Citrus Center Budwood Program provided approximately 140,000 budeyes annually to the Texas citrus industry. In the last 10 years since the program expanded and moved to exclusive use of enclosed, insect-resistant structures the program has averaged nearly 250,000 budeyes supplied annually, and over 300,000 each of the last two years. These new structures are certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and USDA-APHIS.
The program has continuously added to, and upgraded its infrastructure, and most recently installed a new heating system in the structures to protect against potential freeze damage. The Diagnostic Lab has added state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate the quality and speed of processing samples. The program has also expanded and upgraded its Stephenville, Texas Foundation greenhouse, with the ability to service potential future citrus production in the Gulf Coast and Northeastern Texas and Louisiana areas. In addition to serving the local industry, the Texas program is now collaborating with Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia citrus nurseries in providing clean, pathogen free citrus budwood to these neighboring citrus producing states. Under the leadership of Citrus Center Director Mamoudou Setamou and Program Manager Mark VanNess, the Texas Clean Plant Program continues to grow and flourish in its mission to support and ensure the sustainability of the U.S. citrus industry.
Foundation Screenhouse (Stephenville, Texas)
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