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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #368883
Research Project: Mitigating High Consequence Domestic, Exotic, and Emerging Diseases of Fruits, Vegetables, and Ornamentals

Location: Subtropical Plant Pathology Research

Title: Citrus greening: Management strategies and their economic impact

Author
item SHENG, LI - University Of Florida
item FENG, WU - University Of Florida
item Duan, Ping
item ZHENGFEI, GUAN - University Of Florida
item SINGERMAN, ARIEL - University Of Florida

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2020
Publication Date: 3/23/2020
Citation: Sheng, L., Feng, W., Duan, Y., Zhengfei, G., Singerman, A. 2020. Citrus greening: Management strategies and their economic impact. HortScience. p. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14696-19.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14696-19

Interpretive Summary: Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is currently the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. HLB has become one of the greatest challenges for citrus growers in Florida. The estimated damage over the past five years amounts to over $1 billion per year, with nearly 5,000 jobs lost. However, there are no effective strategies and treatment options available for controlling in a feasible, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly manner. In this study, we reviewed the costs and benefits of different strategies used in HLB management and vector control. We also estimated the economic impact and recommended the most cost-effective treatment strategies. The information in the study will play an essential role in the decision-making process of growers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Technical Abstract: Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide, threatening sustainability and survival of the industry. Various strategies have been discussed to provide solutions for disease control; however, research to estimate effective options available for management in a feasible, sustainable, and environmentally friendly manner is limited. This study reviews the HLB management strategies and investigates the associated effects on the changes in fruit yield and quality. The optimal strategies are identified based on the cost-effectiveness of the treatments and management practices. The results suggest that antibiotics sprays and broad-spectrum insecticides are the most effective strategies for mitigating diseases and controlling insects. The conclusions in this study will play an important role in the decision making of growers, regulators, and other stakeholders.