In the center of the image above is the adult Asian Citrus Psyllid and to the right in the image is a psyllid nymph.
The Destructive Spread of Citrus Greening Disease: Impacts and Emerging Threats
Executive Summary: The Looming Threat of Citrus Greening Disease
Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, stands as one of the most devastating bacterial diseases known to affect all cultivars of citrus plants 1. This relentless disease is primarily transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), a tiny insect that acts as a vector, carrying the disease-causing bacteria from infected trees to healthy ones 2. The consequences of HLB have been nothing short of catastrophic for citrus production in various parts of the world, most notably in Florida, where the industry has suffered a staggering decline in production and massive economic losses 2. Adding to the growing concerns, HLB has recently been confirmed for the first time in Arizona, leading to the implementation of quarantine measures in the affected area 9. Given the presence of the ACP in California and the history of HLB detections in the state, there is significant apprehension regarding the potential for widespread devastation in California’s citrus industry as well 2. The global spread and the severe nature of HLB position it as a major threat to citrus production on a worldwide scale, necessitating immediate and coordinated efforts to mitigate its impact…. (See the full report)
Images of the Greening disease symptoms and the Asian Citrus Pysllid which carries the bacterial disease.