Citrus Greening is a devastating disease of citrus in Florida. It is also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). This bacterial disease is transmitted into citrus through tiny insects called Asian Citrus Psyllids. Once infected, diseased plants decline gradually, and fruit quality decreases. The disease may go undetected for some time following infection. Infected trees that may otherwise thrive for 50 years or more often succumb to the disease within 5-10 years.
The most characteristic symptom of Citrus Greening disease is leaf yellowing in uneven patterns across the leaf midvein, on both sides of the leaf. Other symptoms that may be associated with Citrus Greening disease is overall yellowing, dieback of leaves, stems, and branches, poorly-tasting fruit, dry fruit, and misshaped fruit. With exception to the characteristic leaf mottling associated with Citrus Greening disease, all other symptoms may also be associated with nutrient deficiencies and other insect pest infestations or diseases.
There is no treatment for Citrus Greening. Current efforts to manage the Asian Citrus Psyllid include releasing wasps that parasitize the psyllids and investigating citrus varieties that show resistance to the disease.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is offering free parasitic wasps. To be considered, you will need to fill-out their form and follow the instructions. Here’s a link: www.freshfromflorida.com/tra.
Picture: Beneficial Tamarixia wasps provided by FDACS for management of Asian Citrus Psyllids.
