LCD in 2022 Pt 2
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. “Little Cherry Disease” is creating serious problems for the Northwest cherry industry, spreading at an alarming rate.
Northwest Horticultural Council president, Mark Powers says thanks to the efforts in both the Senate and the House, funding is set aside for LCD research with more hopefully on the way …
POWERS … “So, it’s a starting place, right? It’s something we can build on. But it’s impressive that Senator Murray and Congressman Newhouse have been working to get, you know, specific monies dedicated to fighting this LCD.”
Thankfully, Powers says LCD has been getting the attention it deserves …
POWERS … “And it will continue to get it. Research is ultimately the solution, right? So, we need to get researchers the resources they need.”
And possibly, Powers says through other sources …
POWERS … “Whether that’s the tree assistance program, whether it may be area-wide management. You know, there may be efforts that have to be undertaken by USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. There’s testing programs, there’s, you know, a question about virus-free replanting materials, there’s any number of issues here that are going to have to be tackled in order to come out on the other side.”
Little cherry disease is caused by one or more of three pathogens known to occur in Washington State. Disease symptoms include small size, poor color and bitter tasting cherries, while foliage is not affected.
