Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is the most serious disease of citrus.
The disease is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) (ACP).
ACP transmits the bacteria to the tree when feeding on new shoots.
There is no cure for this disease and all commercial varieties of citrus are susceptible to HLB.
In citrus-producing areas with little or no HLB incidence, early detection and removal of infected trees are critical to prevent spread of the disease.
However, it is difficult to identify HLB-infected trees because they may remain asymptomatic for months to years after infection.
Control of the ACP vector and removal of diseased trees are key to maintaining productive citrus.