Citrus Greening: Management Strategies and Their Economic Impact

Abstract

<jats:p>Citrus huanglongbing (HLB), or greening, is the most destructive citrus disease worldwide and is threatening the sustainability of the industry in major citrus-growing regions. Various treatments have been proposed in the literature to manage the disease. We review such literature and conduct an economic analysis based on the reported treatment effects on fruit yield and quality to identify cost-effective management strategies. Our results suggest that, among the treatments we reviewed, broad-spectrum insecticides provide the only cost-effective strategy for mitigating the impact of the disease. Our findings and discussion should help growers, policymakers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions in the search for effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly treatments and policies against HLB.</jats:p>

Quantification of insecticide spatial distribution within individual citrus trees and efficacy through Asian citrus psyllid reductions under different application methods

“…Since detection in Florida in 2005, citrus production has decreased by 74% 3, 4 . As one of the largest citrus‐producing states in the US, Florida has experienced a decline of about 5000 jobs and $1 billion annually since 2015 2, 5, 6 . HLB causes citrus trees to develop weakened root systems, discolored leaves, and greener fruit that prematurely falls off the tree, leading to lower crop yields 7, 8 .…”

“…Brazil, China and the United States (US), the largest citrus producers worldwide, are struggling the most with devastation to the citrus industry due to HLB. 1,2 Since detection in Florida in 2005, citrus production has decreased by 74%. 3,4 As one of the largest citrus-producing states in the US, Florida has experienced a decline of about 5000 jobs and $1 billion annually since 2015.…”

“…3,4 As one of the largest citrus-producing states in the US, Florida has experienced a decline of about 5000 jobs and $1 billion annually since 2015. 2,5,6 HLB causes citrus trees to develop weakened root systems, discolored leaves, and greener fruit that prematurely falls off the tree, leading to lower crop yields. 7,8 Chemical changes in fruit due to HLB infection results in distinctly bitter juice that lacks sweetness and fruity/orange flavor.…”

“…8 Currently no cure exists for HLB despite several research efforts of potential treatments and management strategies. 2 Insecticides are widely used to control ACP populations and prevent further spread of the disease. 7,9,10 In order to halt transmission of HLB, effective insecticides must quickly kill ACP or interrupt the feeding processes by which they infect the phloem.…”

“…Citrus greening disease, or Huanglongbing (HLB), continues to spread throughout citrus groves globally, plummeting citrus production and profits. Brazil, China and the United States (US), the largest citrus producers worldwide, are struggling the most with devastation to the citrus industry due to HLB 1, 2 . Since detection in Florida in 2005, citrus production has decreased by 74% 3, 4 .…”