ARS | Publication request: Huanglongbing, Citrus Greening: Preparing for the Future

Submitted to: Subtropics newsletter
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 28, 2006
Publication Date: June 1, 2006
Citation: Lee, R.F., Keremane, M.L., Williams, M., Vidalakis, G. 2006. Huanglongbing, citrus greening: preparing for the future. Subtropics newsletter.

Technical Abstract: Huanglongbing (HLB), more commonly known as citrus greening disease, was found in Florida in August 2005; Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the Asian citrus psyllid and insect vector of HLB, was found in Florida in 1998. Since the initial discovery, the presence of HLB has been confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in 12 counties in Florida as of March 7, 2006. The presence of HLB in Florida, coupled with citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv citri), presents severe challenges to continued economic production of citrus and has a major impact on nursery operations. We briefly describe greening disease, the research underway at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates (NCGRCD) to develop more robust detection methods, and the plans of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for a statewide survey for HLB.