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UNIVERSITY of
UFIFLORIDA
WAS
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
Philip A. Stansly
239 -658 -3427, 239 -658 -3469 Fax
pstansly @ufl.edu
Agenda Item # 5 —
Meeting Date: 20I3
Presented by:
2686 State Road 29 North
Immokalee, FL 34142 -9515
httlp://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu
To Whom It May Concern,
As entomologist at this Center I am addressing myself to the Collier County Commission and other interested
parties concerning the key role played by the Immokalee Airport and specifically Fletcher Flying Service in the
welfare and continued economic viability of the agricultural community in southwest Florida. The citrus
industry in particular has been in crisis mode since 2005, the year that citrus greening disease or
"huanglongbing" (HLB) was first detected in the state. HLB is a devastating disease transmitted by a sucking
insect, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri known in only since 1998. just as with Malaria or many
other insect- vectored diseases, the best, and in many cases only effective management strategy is vector
control. In the case of ACP, timing and coverage are key control factors. Sprays put out too early or too late
may not have the desired effect. Application over too small an area invites reinvasion from adjacent untreated
blocks. Aerial application is rapid and effective, especially during the pivotal "dormant" (winter) season, and
thus an indispensable tool in the struggle against HLB.
Since 2008 citrus growers in southwest "Gulf' region have banned together in a program of cooperative area
wide applications timed for optimal effect. The program has obtained almost 100% coverage of citrus acreage
in the area, reduced the vector population to low levels and served as a model for the rest of the state. Over 30
such "citrus health management areas" CHMAs and vector populations have plummeted. Much of this
success is due to Mr. Fletcher's diligence and technical expertise. The citrus growers in our area recognize his
contribution and owe him a huge debt of gratitude. 1 urge the Collier County Commission and other
interested parties to support Fletcher Flying Service and do everything possible to maintain a good
relationship between this critical local business and the Immokalee Airport. This would be a win win for
everyone concerned.
Best Re s,
Philip A. Stansly
Professor of Entomology
The Foundation for The Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Institution