Florida citrus production is off more than 70 precent as a result OF HLB disease.
Florida is facing the prospect of losing its signature crop and its more than $10 billion economic impact.
Citrus Greening Disease or Huanglongbing (or HLB) is the reason for the reduction in Florida citrus production.
HLB has also been found in Southern California
“Today’s citrus crop forecast further illustrates that Florida’s citrus industry is on a precipice,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Florida is synonymous with citrus, and without immediate and tangible support, as well as a long-term solution, Florida is facing the prospect of losing its signature crop and its more than $10 billion economic impact.”
Putnam recently announced a multifaceted plan to provide Florida growers with more immediate support, including, among other things, a cost-sharing program for the removal or destruction of abandoned citrus groves to eliminate material that harbors citrus greening and the vector that spread the bacterial disease.
Found in Southern California
HLB, or greening disease, is fatal for citrus trees. Once a tree becomes infected, there is no cure and it will die. The disease is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid.The disease can also be spread by grafting infected plant tissue onto another plant.The disease destroys fruit production, appearance and value of citrus trees.
HLB is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. When an Asian citrus psyllid feeds on an HLB-infected tree, it can pick up the bacteria that causes the disease. Once infected, a psyllid carries the disease-causing bacteria for life and can transfer the disease when feeding on other citrus trees. An important way to control the spread of HLB is to stop the Asian citrus psyllid.
READ ARTICLES:
Article 1 Florida
Article 2 California