I agree about the money. Researchers live for one thing - funding, so they can continue to research. It's their bread and butter, Mr. Dean and Dr. Webb believe these research teams are following the wrong trail, and as long as the USDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture keep the paychecks coming they seem content with the path they've chosen. Generous offerings from Monsanto help them stay on focus ….
I think this greening problem is primarily a commercial grower problem. We hear about it when thousands of acres die due to greening and many growers have given up. No doubt the problem is huge for them but has greening been a problem for people like me and others in here who have a few trees in the back yard and know exactly how to choose, plant and care for their prized fruit trees?
I have never used an herbicide in my yard. I have always used a hoe and garden rake to clear everything inside the drip line, treated with insecticides only when absolutely necessary, given the trees light feedings every other month and always kept them watered. I have been lucky to an extent but I know that experience and some elbow grease go a long way to successful fruit production and healthy trees. I do not intend to give up on the tried & true varieties that have given me so much outstanding fruit, nor do I feel like waiting 10-15 years for some GMO creations of unknown quality.
So I guess I'm saying I'm not scared.
Question: has anyone here ever lost a tree in the back yard to greening, or had a confirmed diagnosis?