The U.S. has seen an increase in introductions of invasive plant pests into agricultural crops. In Florida, one such invasive species is a bacterial plant pathogen that causes Asiatic citrus canker. Its eradication has received considerable press attention and legal challenges, has produced far-reaching political and socioeconomic impact in Florida, and has implications for national and international trade. Accepted for publication 17 July 2002. Published 12 August 2002.