Editors Note: We’re back! It’s been a few months since last I posted – and for good reason. I’ve been knee-deep (pen / computer deep doesn’t sound right) in working on my 1st book. More on that at a future date. Although I’m currently in rewrites, you can expect to see a bit more from me here. And hopefully you’ll let me know how you like what you read! So onwards!
Citrus Greening is devastating the citrus industry. Photo courtesy of USDA, Flickr
$3.3 billion. That’s what the National Agricultural Statistics Service rates the value of the citrus industry in the United States. Yet danger and some of the industry’s greatest challenges lurk in citrus groves across the country – devastating pests and diseases.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates invasive species annually cause $136 billion in overall lost agricultural revenue in the U.S.
The Asian Citrus Psyllid, which creates a disease-causing bacteria known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, is one of the citrus industry’s most destructive insects. It has infected commercial and residential citrus trees across the country from Florida to Texas to California. The disease clogs an infected tree’s vascular system, preventing fruit from maturing and eventually killing the tree.
To learn more about what’s being done to combat this devastating disease – including some innovative projects that are showing great promise – check out the full article here.
Filed under: Citrus industry | Tagged: Asian citrus psyllid, citrus greening, Citrus industry, Department of Homeland Security, invasive species, USDA | Leave a comment »
Envirothink 