Greening Facts zz Release the biological control agent Tamarixia radiata in abandoned citrus zz The vector of the disease the Citrus Status & Psyllid Diaphorina citri was confirmed in zz Use nutritional programme being Jamaica back in 2002. recommended for Citrus Management of zz In 2009, the debilitating disease huanglongbing or citrus greening was confirmed in major citrus growing areas Citrus Greening in Jamaica. & Its Vector in Jamaica zz Both the vector (psyllid) and the disease are now present island-wide. zz The psyllids have also been observed on the ornamental Murraya paniculata (Orange Jasmine). zz The psyllid reproduces only on the new soft flushes. zz Practice safe and effective pest control strategies zz In Jamaica the control of this disease involves an Area Wide Integrated zz Practice good field sanitation Management System (A.I.M.S) requiring zz Maintain accurate records implementation by all stakeholders in the citrus industry and the public. Residential Programme zz Drench citrus on residential properties Area Wide Integrated Management with imidacloprid once to twice/year System (A.I.M.S) involves: zz Release the biological control agent zz Establish management clusters among Tamarixia radiata on murraya on citrus farmers in all major growing areas residential properties zz Implement AIMS tactics within management clusters guided by a network involving personnel from NO A.I.M.S! NO CITRUS INDUSTRY! Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries & PLEASE JOIN THE EFFORT TODAY! other key agencies zz Use clean citrus plants from certified Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries nurseries Research and Development Division Plant Protection Unit Commercial Programme Bodles Research Station zz Monitor psyllid population weekly, using tap sampling & yellow sticky traps Old Harbour P.O., St. Catherine zz Implement scheduled biological & Phone: (876) 983-2281/2267 chemical control programme for ACP Fax: (876) 983-2822 Food and Agriculture on farms E-mail: [email protected] Ministry of Agriculture & Organization Fisheries of the United Nations Huanglonbing (HLB)/ Life cycle of the citrus psyllid Symptoms of Greening Citrus Greening Disease
What is Greening? It is a bacterial disease that greatly reduces yield and destroys the Eggs are laid on the newly economic value of citrus fruits and emerging flush on the citrus. eventually kills the tree. The disease Hatch in 4 days. specifically attacks all citrus species Adults Nymphs and poses no threat to humans or Live for an average Has 5 instars (or animals. of 40 days. nymphal stages) zz There is no cure or resistance Mottling in lime leaves varieties of citrus available for this disease.
Cause of Greening It is caused by phloem limited bacteria 10 days later Candidatus liberibacter of which there are three (3) species, africanus, americanus and asiaticus. In Jamaica it is the asiaticus species that is present. Green islands How is the disease spread? Damage caused by Psyllid zz It is spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri as they feed on the leaves. The adult psyllid must be infected in order to spread the disease. zz Greening can also be transmitted by grafting infected bud wood. It cannot be spread by wind or Colour inversion on fruit rain, or through contact with contaminated personnel.
Notching on leaf caused by psyllid feeding Aborted seeds in fruit