State services have announced the destruction of thousands of citrus plants in Gros-Morne, in Martinique. This measure concerns 47 citrus trees planted and 6,000 citrus plants in pots that are affected by citrus canker. This parasite causes lesions on the leaves, stems and fruits of citrus trees.
This destruction aims at containing the proliferation of the disease and follows the epidemic in northern Martinique. It is nevertheless the first time that traces of the disease are found south of the first observation areas.
Martinique is the only Caribbean territory that is infested with citrus canker. This represents a threat to the 120 orchards of the entire sector.