Dangerous Citrus Tree Disease Prompts USDA Summit

The USDA has announced a summit to be held later this month to discuss a disease capable of doing vast damage to citrus crops. The disease is called citrus greening, or huanglongbing, and is passed from infected to healthy trees through an insect.

Concern over the spread of the disease has led to 28 Florida counties being quarantined. Also, 32 counties in Texas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Guam quarantined over evidence of the insect culprit, Asian citrus psyllid, being present. The disease does not pose a threat to humans, but has harmed citrus trees from Asia, Africa, to Brazil. The first case in the U.S. was found in Florida in 2005.

The USDA summit will take place in Bethseda, Maryland, December 17th and 18th. Federal, state, and citrus industry representatives will be present to discuss how to improve protection, preparedness, and recovery from the disease.

Widespread citrus crop failure could be a disaster for the economy of many states, including Florida, Texas, and California. There is currently no cure for the disease, leaving only tree removal as a method of control.

Trees that are infected produce bitter, disfigured fruit that is unmarketable. In infected parts of the world the lifespan of citrus trees have dropped from 50+ years to an average of 15 or less because of the disease. The economic impact of having to replant citrus trees, which can take several years to mature, is significant.

Bruce Knight, under secretary for USDA marketing and regulatory programs, called the summit a unique opportunity.