Citrus Greening Awareness

Warnings about a devastating citrus plant disease are targeted at consumers, educators, homeowners, gardeners as well as growers in Texas.

This disease is called the Citrus Greening Disease (CG), or Huanglongbing, caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which is vectored by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) insect.

Since 2005, CG has surfaced in multiple places in the U.S. It was first found in Florida, where the disease has since impacted the citrus industry. An infected plant and infected psyllids were found in Louisiana in 2008. Since then, this disease has been discovered in Georgia and South Carolina.

~~Fortunately, this disease pathogen has NOT been found in Texas~~. The insect vector is in south Texas, but no infected psyllids (to date) has been detected. On January 13, 2012 – USDA and TDA released information that Citrus Greening was found and confirmed in Hidalgo county.

In order to prevent citrus greening from getting a foothold in the state, residents should be aware of what to look for, who to contact for assistance, and to report potential finds. AgriLife Extension offers seminars, training programs and resources to assist Texas residents in identifying potential cases.

WHY look for signs of citrus greening?

There is currently no cure for an infected tree, so prevention is essential.
Early detection and action help to limit spread of disease.
Areas where citrus is grown must be protected from this devastating disease.

RESOURCES developed by the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in cooperation with various colleagues and entities are listed below and available to the general public.

PRINT PUBLICATIONS

Citrus Greening Guide tip sheet *

English Publication E-264

Spanish Publication E-264S

Vietnamese Publication E-264V

Citrus Disease Guide: The Quick ID to Emerging Diseases flash cards*

English Publication E-265

Spanish Publication E-265S

Vietnamese Publication E-264V

* Available from the AgriLife Extension Bookstore (http://agrilifebookstore.org). Call AgriLife Copy Services (979-845-2856) for bulk orders of any of the above products.