For citrus growers around the world, huanglongbing represents a deadly threat. The disease, also called citrus greening disease or yellow dragon disease, originated in China and has spread to many citrus-growing regions.
With the tiny citrus psyllid as a vector, HLB spreads rapidly through a grove, and the impact is profound: the infected trees die and the fruit is bitter, acidic, abnormally green and worthless.
In Florida, where HLB first appeared in the U.S., citrus production is down 74% in the past 15 years and the cost of production has doubled, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
HLB has invaded much of Asia and Africa. In…
Source link
