What is killing the citrus trees in Florida?
Natives to Asia, the citrus psyllids were first found in the United States in Florida in 1998. Over the last 15 years, citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing or HLB, has ripped through Florida’s storied citrus crop, and now has moved into California.
What happened to the citrus trees in Florida?
Citrus greening can move with alarming speed. In Florida, the disease was first detected in 2005. Fourteen years later, orange production has fallen by more than 75 percent, and grapefruit production is down 85 percent. Backyard citrus has virtually disappeared in some areas.
Is there a cure for citrus greening disease?
Once a tree has citrus greening, there is no cure. Over time, your tree will deteriorate and the disease will ultimately destroy the tree. It is incredibly important to remove trees that have citrus greening disease.
What disease kills citrus trees?
A plant disease that kills citrus trees has been found in California. The disease, called Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease, isn’t harmful to humans, but it is fatal for citrus trees and has no cure. The disease is spread by a pest called the Asian citrus psyllid as it feeds on citrus tree leaves.
What kind of diseases do citrus trees get?
The most common fungal diseases of citrus in Florida are greasy spot, melanose, scab, and foot rot. The first three affect fruit, leaves, and twigs; the fourth, a disease of the “foot” of the tree, near ground level, directly affects the trunk of the tree.
How to stop the spread of citrus disease in Florida?
Learn more about how homeowners play a part in slowing the spread of citrus disease at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website. Citrus trees tolerate light shade but will be more productive if grown in full sunlight. The spacing recommended should be a minimum of 15 feet between trees.
What kind of bugs are on citrus trees in Florida?
Citrus leafminers, now widespread in Florida, cause damage to newly emerged leaves and shoots. The larval form of this tiny moth eats a serpentine tunnel through leaves, twigs and, occasionally, fruit (Figure 31). Figure 15. Aphids cause cupping, curling and distortion of young leaves.
Do you need to prune citrus trees in Florida?
Mature citrus trees do not require pruning except to remove serious disease or freeze damage. Unnecessary pruning often will reduce fruit production. When citrus are young, fertilizer will stimulate vigorous growth of leaves and branches.
