The National Institute of Food and Agriculture from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of nearly $11 million for research to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening disease.
NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille: “NIFA’s Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension program brings the nation's top scientists together with citrus industry representatives to find scientifically sound solutions to combat and prevent HLB at the farm-level. This year’s awards represent all three major U.S. citrus growing regions and include possible solutions ranging from blocking HLB transmission from inside the insect vector to utilizing novel anti-microbial peptides to treat HLB-infected trees.”
Huanglongbing is considered the most destructive disease in citrus growing regions worldwide and has become the greatest challenge for the U.S. citrus industry. Currently, HLB has no cure. Since HLB’s initial U.S. detection in 2005, citrus acreage and production in Florida has decreased by 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively. The disease has spread to all citrus-producing states, including Texas and California.
Source: nifa.usda.gov