The U.S. citrus industry has been facing a serious threat from Huanglongbing (HLB), better known as citrus greening disease, caused by an insect, Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), as it feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees, according to Southwest Farm Press.
HLB greatly reduces production, destroys the economic value of the fruit, and can kill trees. Economic losses attributable to HLB in Florida are estimated at greater than $1.7 billion.
The disease has been confirmed in Texas and more recently California, resulting in citrus stock quarantines and concentrated chemical control efforts to reduce populations of the psyllid that spreads the disease.
A biological approach may be a better answer. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed issuing permits for the field release of a parasitic wasp, Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis, to reduce the severity of infestations of ACP in the U.S. and retard the spread of HLB.
APHIS is making an environmental assessment and is available for public review and comment. To review APHIS’ assessment and for information to comment, click here.