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Pest and Disease

The Florida citrus grower battles a variety of pest and diseases on a daily basis. The state’s humid climate provides an inviting habitat to a wide range of bacteria and viruses that can cause significant damage to citrus trees. Fruit flies, tristeza, CVC, brown aphid and rust mites are just a handful of the pest and diseases that can effect a grower’s operation.
Currently, citrus greening (also known as HLB) and citrus canker are the two most serious diseases facing the Florida citrus industry. Both diseases have been declared endemic in the state.
Canker is caused by a bacterium that creates lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus trees, including oranges and grapefruit. While not harmful to humans, canker significantly affects the health of trees, causing leaves and fruit to drop prematurely. Wind and rain serve as the vector of canker.

Citrus greening is a bacterial disease that greatly reduces production. Trees diagnosed with citrus greening often die within a few years. The disease, which is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, presents no threat to humans or animals. The most characteristic foliage symptoms of citrus greening are the blotchy mottling of leaves and yellowing that may appear on a single shoot or branch.

The industry is now marshalling its resources to find short and long term solutions to each disease. More than 100 research projects are currently underway in an attempt to find scientific answers to greening and canker.

For more information on canker and greening visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/index.html