Chris Rollins spoke in West Palm Beach, FL Friday 02/10/2017

[mangomandan]

South Floridians who haven't heard Chris Rollins speak may enjoy this presentation on establishing an orchard.  Chris is very knowledgeable, as well as entertaining.

http://www.pbrarefruitcouncil.org/page-1571397

[Capt Ram]

I was there and he's was very good..I'm happy I went
I bought a coconut cream mango at auction $24
One thing he said is Avacado trees are out in S.Florida
..there catching something that kills them
I've got 5 trees. So I'm concerned. .he also says there is a new disease killing bananas and we may lose all of them also..is a possibility

[mangomandan]

I'm glad the Coco Cream went to a good home.

May you both live long and prosper.   

[johnb51]

I was there and he's was very good..I'm happy I went
I bought a coconut cream mango at auction $24
One thing he said is Avacado trees are out in S.Florida
..there catching something that kills them
I've got 5 trees. So I'm concerned. .he also says there is a new disease killing bananas and we may lose all of them also..is a possibility

Was he referring to Laurel wilt disease?  And was he saying that we shouldn't bother to plant avocado trees in South Florida because they have no future here and will all succumb to disease eventually?  That would be really grim news.  I don't know that I'm ready to give up on avocado trees.

[Capt Ram]

That's was my understanding John..but I'm not getting rid of my trees unless thay become infected

[mangomandan]

John, Chris was mainly talking about selecting a fruit for a small orchard (as in selling the fruit). I don't think he was suggesting that home growers should give up on their avocado trees without a fight.

[Mr. Clean]

I was there and he's was very good..I'm happy I went
I bought a coconut cream mango at auction $24
One thing he said is Avacado trees are out in S.Florida
..there catching something that kills them
I've got 5 trees. So I'm concerned. .he also says there is a new disease killing bananas and we may lose all of them also..is a possibility

The presentation was for creating a commercial orchard.  Laurel Wilt is infecting Avocado trees and will kill them.  But the beetles that transmit Laurel typically target larger trees (trunk diameter 4"+) because they make a lattice of borings.  Homestead has 8,000 Acres of avocados, so it is difficult to contain the infection.

Panama Disease #4 is the big issue for bananas, but they are breeding resistant varieties.