New funds to combat citrus greening disease

More efforts are being made to ensure the longevity of citrus, not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but across the nation.

"The citrus industry is a very important part of our economy and provides a lot of jobs for South Texas," said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez.

On Wednesday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced record-level funding to combat the citrus greening disease. In total, the funding would add up to more than $67 million.

The citrus greening disease has affected citrus farmers in the RGV, like Jimmy Pawlik.

"Citrus greening is a bacterial disease that infects part of the tree and its ability to transport nutrients up and down inside the tree," said Pawlik.

Pawlik says hes been fortunate because the disease has only slightly affected his crops, but hopes the funding helps find a cure to stop the disease from no longer affecting the industry.

"It'll affect, mostly start with one part of the tree and you'll see on limb on the tree with funny looking leaves," said Pawlik. "As the fruit progresses, it'll be misshaped, odd shaped, not round. It'll be kind of lopsided and when you cut it open, you'll see seeds that are not formed properly."

Currently, all citrus growing counties are quarantined to stop the insect that spreads the disease — including the Rio Grande Valley.

The Valley's citrus industry makes up over 25,000 acres across three counties.