CITRUS GREENING The disease devastating the Florida Citrus industry WHAT IS CITRUS GREENING? Citrus Greening (also known as Huanglongbing or HLB) is a disease spread by a small insect called the Asian Citrus Psyllid. The psyllid feeds on the Greening impairs the stems and leaves of the tree’s circulation and Once a tree is infected, trees, which infects the nutrition status, there is no cure. The trees with bacteria resulting in fewer and tree ultimately dies. that causes citrus fruit smaller fruit over time. to turn green. HISTORY OF CITRUS GREENING CONFIRMED SIGHTED CONFIRMED ORIGIN: IN IN IN ALL CITRUS CHINA FLORIDA PRODUCING FLORIDA COUNTIES Originated Psyllid first Disease first In all counties in China appeared confirmed by 2015 nearly a in Florida in in Florida in Movement of citrus century ago 1998 2005 greening across Florida. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AN IMPORTANT TO THE STATE INDUSTRY 203.2MM boxes CITRUS IS THE STATE’S LARGEST AGRICULTURE CROP 1995 to 1996 Florida provides MORE THAN HALF 147.9MM boxes ORANGES of the nation’s ORANGE JUICE 2005 to 2006 68.5MM boxes & is the 2nd largest producer in the world. (Florida Oranges: 90% processed for juice, 10% sold in fresh market) 2016 to 2017 45MM boxes* FLORIDA IS THE ONLY *Damage caused by Hurricane Irma reduced the orange crop by more than 30% in 2017–18 2017 to 2018 U.S. PRODUCER OF POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS AND RESEARCH Scientific researchers and Florida Citrus growers are working The Florida Citrus Industry has an annual economic together to combat citrus greening. impact to the state of more than $8.6 BILLION. The Florida Citrus industry provides more than 45,000 JOBS. One possibility for success: Increased caretaking in the groves - spoon-feeding nutrients and closely monitoring soil and water quality. For more information on the Florida Citrus industry, visit FloridaCitrus.com/newsrooom ©2018 Florida Department of Citrus.