Virus
Huanglongbing (HLB), citrus greening or yellow dragon: what it is, how it occurs, and how to effectively eliminate it.
Huanglongbing (Hlb), Citrus Greening Or Yellow Dragon
Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus
Pathogen:
Bacterium
Type:
Risk to the plant:
CRITICAL
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus is a non-culturable gram-negative bacteria associated with the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. This bacteria is mainly found in the phloem of plants and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). Infection begins when the psyllid feeds on the sap of an infected plant and then transfers the bacteria to other plants during feeding. Once inside the phloem, the bacteria multiply and spread through the vascular tissues, blocking the flow of nutrients and causing systemic symptoms throughout the plant. The survival of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in the host plant is mediated by the pathogen's ability to evade the plant immune response and persist in variable phloem conditions.
SYMPTOMS
Huanglongbing (HLB) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus affects citrus, producing symptoms that significantly weaken the plant and reduce both the quality and quantity of fruit production. The disease is known for its devastating impact on the citrus industry due to the difficulty in controlling it and the damage it causes.
- Asymmetrical yellowing of the leaves (mottled).
- Small and deformed fruits.
- Bitter taste in the fruits.
- Regressive death of branches.
- Flowering out of season.
- Plant dwarfism.
- Premature fall of fruits.
- Weakened root systems.
- Yellow Taches on the leaves that remind of a nutrient deficiency.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
22°C - 32°C
60% - 80%
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Psyllids, Grafts, Infected plant material
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
There are no effective treatments against this pathogen, the treatments are focused on combating the insect or vector that carries the bacteria, the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri (SEE THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AGAINST THIS INSECT)
Authorized treatments in organic farming
There are no effective treatments against this pathogen, the treatments are focused on combating the insect or vector that carries the bacteria, the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri (SEE THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AGAINST THIS INSECT)
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
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- Use citrus varieties resistant or tolerant to HLB when available.
- Implement a control and management program for Diaphorina citri through the use of approved insecticides.
- Regularly inspect orchards to detect and eliminate infected plants.
- Protect nurseries and orchards with anti-insect mesh to prevent the entry of the psyllid.
- Promote the use of integrated pest management (IPM) practices to reduce the vector population.
- Promote cooperation between farmers to implement control measures at the regional level.
- Apply thermotherapy treatments to infected plants to reduce the bacterial load.
- Maintain hygiene in the orchards, eliminating pruning remains and plant material that may harbor bacteria or vectors.
- Use certified HLB-free plants when establishing new orchards.
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