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A genetic discovery by ARS and University of Florida scientists could speed the search for hybrid citrus trees that tolerate citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) and produce orange-like fruit ideal for making juice.

New clues to how the bacteria associated with citrus greening infect the only insect that carries them could lead to a way to block the microbes' spread from tree to tree, according to a study in Infection and Immunity by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) scientists.

Dogs specially trained by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have proven to be the most efficient way to detect huanglongbing—also known as citrus greening—according to a paper just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Currently, the only solid hope of curtailing the spread of citrus greening is to eliminate trees with the disease as quickly as possible to prevent further spread. Early detection of the citrus greening pathogen is crucial because trees can be infected and act as a source to spread the disease months or years before showing symptoms that are detectable by the naked eye. ARS plant epidemiologist Timothy R. Gottwald with the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida, discovered that dogs can be trained to sniff out the presence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacteria that causes citrus greening, with greater than 99 percent accuracy.

Provides information to both growers and home gardeners, in two distinct sub-sites -- to get the basics on the insect and the disease it can vector, how to inspect your trees, how to treat your tree if you find ACP, critical things to do to help contain the insect population and deal with Huanglongbing (HLB), as well as additional information more specific to California.

A unique program run by the Agricultural Research Service in Fort Pierce, FL, uses specially trained dogs to detect citrus greening in orchards. The canine-detection method has an accuracy rate of 99 percent.

ANR Publication 8218

Select layer to view quarantine by species (Asian citrus psyllid, citrus black spot, citrus canker,  citrus greening, sweet orange scab).
See related resource: Data Visualization Tools to explore plant and animal health management data and interactive story maps

Provides comprehensive Asian citrus pysllid and citrus greening information including: what to look for, how to prevent this disease and how it is treated. Also provides image gallery and information how to report signs of citrus disease. And provides control information including: current status, regulatory information, Huanglongbing multi-agency coordination, potentially actionable suspect sample policy, and spread the word (videos).

This portal shares information about how ARS research is combating the disease that is devastating the citrus industry and provides information for the general public, as well as points of contact for those seeking more specialized answers.

Huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, poses the most serious threat that the Florida citrus industry has ever faced. ARS scientists across the country are actively engaged in research with university and industry partners on all aspects of this disease problem, including the host, pathogen, and insect vector. Our goal is to overcome citrus greening and ensure the U.S. citrus industry can provide consumers with tasty, high quality citrus fruits for years to come. 

A USDA NIFA Coordinated Agriculture Project.

Contains the requirements for moving fruit, nursery stock, or other regulated articles for several citrus pests and diseases.

USDA established a unified emergency response framework to address Huanglongbing (HLB), a serious disease of citrus that affects several U.S. states and territories. This framework will allow USDA and its many partners to better coordinate HLB resources, share information and develop operational strategies to maximize effectiveness.

Researchers have been working on a solution to fight citrus greening disease and may have found one in the unique antibodies found in camels, llamas, and alpacas.

See also: Plant Diagnostic Center - Publications for more resources