environmentalists.

It is the first time Citrus Tristeza Virus has been discovered on the Island.

Now a top American plant pathologist has flown over to help combat the disease.

Dr. Richard Lee, from the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Centre, has been touring local orchards and will make recommendations to Government.

He will also speak on citrus diseases at 8 p.m. tonight at the Horticultural Hall, Botanical Gardens.

Bermuda is now known to have mild and severe strains of CTV, mainly caused by an insect.

The discovery follows an Island-wide survey carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks. It was masterminded by Ms Terrylyn Thompson, the department's plant protection officer.

Samples were taken from 112 sites -- and tests revealed the virus in 23 of them.

A total of 202 trees were found to be infected, and the samples were sent on to Dr. Lee, who confirmed diagnosis.

"We were shocked. We couldn't believe we had the virus here,'' said Mr Thompson, who attended an international workshop at Costa Rica last year on citrus diseases.

Senior Plant Protection Officer Mr. Kevin Monkman was also taken aback by the discovery.

"The survey showed the virus fairly well spread across the Island,'' he said.

"I wouldn't like to say how many trees in all are affected. We urge the public, however, to attend tonight's meeting.'' Symptoms of the virus are varied and depend on the strain, the variety of citrus involved, and environmental conditions.

Severe strains would shorten the life of a tree, leading to its collapse, said Dr. Lee.

He said it was probable CTV had been in Bermuda for several years without being discovered.