The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (AgriLife) advises citrus growers in Harris County to look for signs of Huanglongbing (HLB) ,or what is known as citrus greening.
According to AgriLife Today, citrus greening was confirmed in a tree at a retail nursery south of Houston on July 16. The disease, which is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid, has no cure and eventually kills infected trees.
Monte Nesbitt, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist, said, “Citrus trees owners who manage their trees with vigilance can help prevent the spread of citrus greening.” This means year-round tree inspections. Insecticide is effective once psyllids are present.
Look for blotchy mottling, yellowing of leaves or leaves growing in bunches or twig and branch die-back. Also, look for a white, stringy and waxy substance on new growth that the insect secretes.
The Asian citrus psyllid is approximately the size of a toothpick tip. While in the nymph stage, it is slightly larger, yellow-orange with bright red eyes. Adult psyllids have a distinctive 45-degree angle posture when on a leaf.
Citrus greening poses no health problems to humans, but the fruit of an infected tree can taste bitter.