Florida citrus greening disease research and solutions
The FDA lowered the minimum Brix requirement for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% on July 17, 2026, to help Florida's orange industry use more citrus greening-affected oranges, while the USDA invested an additional $10 million for research and development. As of July 17, 2026, Florida's citrus industry is seeing a mix of challenges and advancements, with the USDA raising its 2025-2026 orange production forecast to 12.92 million boxes, a 5.7% increase, despite 100% of trees being infected with citrus greening and a new invasive pasture mealybug identified in 15 counties. New HLB-resistant orange cultivars have been authorized for planting, and researchers are exploring CRISPR gene editing and 'mantabodies' to combat the disease, alongside a $196 million state budget allocation for industry revitalization and research. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation and the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation have merged to accelerate therapy validation, and Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) technology is expanding to protect groves.
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July 2026 — 9 developments
FDA Lowers Orange Juice Sugar Content; USDA Invests $10M to Combat Citrus Greening
The FDA has lowered the minimum Brix (sugar content) requirement for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%, a move aimed at assisting Florida's orange industry by allowing juicers to use more Florida-grown oranges affected by citrus greening. Additionally, the USDA is investing $10 million to support Florida citrus growers in combating citrus greening disease through research and development of new technologies and strategies.
HLB-Resistant Orange Cultivars Authorized for Planting in Florida
Several HLB-resistant orange cultivars have recently been authorized for planting, representing a significant step in developing trees less susceptible to citrus greening disease. This advancement is part of ongoing research into resistant varieties and gene editing techniques to combat the invasive Asian citrus psyllid and its devastating impact on Florida's citrus production.
Scientists Explore CRISPR, Mantabodies, and Insect Predators to Combat Citrus Greening
Scientists are exploring CRISPR gene editing to modify citrus trees and deactivate genes susceptible to citrus greening. Researchers are also investigating 'mantabodies,' derived from stingray antibodies, as a novel therapy to combat the disease. Additionally, UF/IFAS researchers have identified three insect species that prey on the eggs of the Asian citrus psyllid, offering a potential new avenue for sustainable psyllid management.
USDA Raises Florida Orange Production Forecast Amid Citrus Greening Crisis
The USDA has raised its forecast for Florida's 2025-2026 orange production to 12.92 million boxes, a 5.7% increase from the previous season. This optimistic adjustment is supported by growers reporting improved tree health and fruit quality, as well as the EPA's approval of Soilcea's CarriCea T1 rootstock. This offers a glimmer of hope for the state's citrus industry despite the persistent citrus greening disease.
Biofertilizers Show Promise in Combating Florida Citrus Greening Disease
Biofertilizers, such as the Brazilian-developed Bio Extra Verde (BEV), are showing promise in reducing fruit drop and increasing sugar content in oranges. This research offers a potential new avenue for combating the citrus greening disease and revitalizing Florida's struggling citrus industry.
Florida Citrus Industry Receives $196 Million Boost Amidst Greening Crisis; New Research Underway
The University of Florida is analyzing data from its Millennium Block Project, involving over 5,000 trees bred for disease tolerance, with results expected later this year. Additionally, the Florida state budget for 2026-2027 allocates $196 million to revitalize the citrus industry, with $160 million earmarked for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program.
New Invasive Pest Emerges in Florida, Worsening Citrus Industry Crisis
A new invasive pest, the pasture mealybug, has emerged in Florida, exacerbating the ongoing crisis in the citrus industry which is already struggling with citrus greening disease. The pest has been identified in 15 Florida counties as of July 6, 2026, adding to the challenges that have seen production fall to historic lows.
Florida Citrus Industry Merges Research Foundations and Invests $196 Million for Recovery
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation have merged to accelerate the validation of therapies for citrus greening disease. Florida has also invested $196 million in a package approved in July 2026 to support groves and tree replacement as part of industry recovery efforts.
Florida Citrus Growers Shift to Fresh Market, Expand Protective Screen Technology
Florida juice orange growers are shifting towards fresh market production, increasing demand for specific varietal traits. Additionally, Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) technology is seeing significant expansion in Florida to safeguard groves against pests and diseases like citrus greening.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Florida Legislature Considers $320M for Citrus Greening Research Amidst 100% Tree Infection Rate
Florida's legislature is considering a $320 million funding initiative for citrus greening research and tree planting, pending the governor's approval. University of Florida scientists are testing gene-edited citrus varieties for resistance, with potential for orange production by late 2026 or spring 2027. Researchers now estimate that 100% of Florida's orange trees are infected with the disease.
UF Researchers Develop New Citrus Greening Detection Method and Biological Control Agent
University of Florida researchers have developed a new method for detecting citrus greening disease using advanced imaging and AI, enabling earlier intervention. Additionally, a new parasitic wasp has been discovered that specifically targets the Asian citrus psyllid, offering a promising biological control agent.
Florida Legislature Approves $320 Million for Citrus Research; New Pest Predators Identified
Florida's legislature has approved $320 million over two years for citrus greening research and tree planting, aiming to support field trials and develop disease-resistant varieties. Concurrently, UF/IFAS researchers have identified three commercially available insect species that effectively prey on Asian citrus psyllid eggs, offering a new biological control strategy.
Florida Citrus Growers Explore Bamboo as Alternative Crop Amidst Industry Crisis
Researchers are exploring bamboo as a potential alternative crop for struggling citrus growers, as over 50% of citrus acreage has been lost to citrus greening disease. Efforts to combat the disease include developing disease-resistant varieties, utilizing AI for protein interaction studies, and investigating natural compounds. The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is also educating residents on managing greening and psyllids.
May 2026 — 4 developments
Florida Allocates $196 Million for Citrus Greening Research and Recovery Efforts
Florida has allocated nearly $196 million for research and recovery efforts to combat citrus greening and the Asian citrus psyllid. A significant portion of this funding is directed to the CRAFT Foundation to address Huanglongbing (HLB). These efforts aim to revive the industry, which has seen production plummet to historic lows.
Florida Scientists Develop Greening-Tolerant Citrus, Identify New Pest Controls
University of Florida scientists are developing citrus varieties tolerant to citrus greening using gene editing and precision breeding, with results from a seven-year project expected later in 2026. Promising research has also identified three commercially available insect species that prey on Asian citrus psyllid eggs, offering a potential new defense.
Florida Legislature Allocates $140 Million for Citrus Industry Revitalization
The Florida legislature has committed $140 million to support the struggling citrus industry, with a significant portion dedicated to research and field trials aimed at combating citrus greening. Further legislative measures include providing tax incentives for farmers to replace infected trees. These initiatives underscore the state's commitment to addressing the crisis.
EPA Approves New Rootstock, Scientists Test GM Trees Against Citrus Greening
The EPA has approved CarriCea T1, a new genetically edited citrus rootstock designed to help trees defend against citrus greening. Separately, University of Florida scientists are testing a genetically modified tree that produces a protein to kill young Asian citrus psyllids, and researchers have identified three insect species that prey on psyllid eggs as a biological control method.
April 2026 — 2 developments
University of Florida Scientists Plant 300,000 CRISPR-Edited Citrus Trees to Combat Greening
University of Florida scientists are planting over 300,000 CRISPR-edited citrus trees this year in an effort to develop resistance to citrus greening, with promising results observed in test groves.
Alico Exits Citrus Market Amid Industry Decline; Scientists Develop GM Trees and CUPS Technology
Scientists are developing genetically modified citrus trees and breeding for greening tolerance, while 'Citrus Under Protective Screen' (CUPS) technology shows promise in excluding pests. Additionally, major grower Alico has exited the citrus market due to the industry's severe decline.
February 2026 — 4 developments
California declares citrus quarantine in Ramona due to Huanglongbing disease discovery
Researchers are using gene-editing technology like CRISPR to develop citrus greening-resistant oranges, with potential availability next year. Meanwhile, California has declared a new citrus quarantine in Ramona due to the discovery of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, learning from Florida's experience with the devastating impact of the disease.
UF/IFAS enlists Florida residents in fight against citrus greening and psyllids
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is now enlisting Florida residents in the fight against citrus greening and the Asian citrus psyllids. Workshops have shown that a significant majority of participants are willing to help identify, monitor, and manage the pests and disease.
Florida Citrus Growers Face Reduced Crop Yields Due to Drought and Extreme Weather
Florida citrus growers are facing reduced crop yields due to drought, exacerbated by global temperature increases and extreme weather events. This adds to the existing challenges of citrus greening disease and hurricanes, further impacting the industry's viability and contributing to rising food production costs.
Florida's Orange Production Collapses 94% Due to Citrus Greening Disease
Florida's citrus industry has seen a dramatic collapse, with orange production falling by 94% from 244 million boxes in 1997 to 14.5 million today, the lowest in over a century. This decline is attributed to the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease, with a definitive solution still estimated to be a decade away.
January 2026 — 18 developments
Florida citrus industry develops strategies to combat invasive citrus psyllid
Florida's citrus industry is actively developing new strategies to combat the invasive citrus psyllid, the carrier of citrus greening disease. Researchers are exploring genetically modified trees incorporating a pest-resistant gene and implementing protective screening structures to shield trees from the psyllids. These efforts aim to mitigate the significant reduction in acreage and production caused by the pest and disease.
University of Florida Researchers Focus on Greening-Tolerant Citrus Varieties
University of Florida researchers are now focusing on creating citrus tree varieties tolerant to greening disease for coexistence, rather than a definitive cure. The Millennium Block project, established in 2019 with 5,000 trees, is currently undergoing hand-harvesting for evaluation.
UF/IFAS Millennium Block project harvests citrus to identify greening-tolerant varieties
The UF/IFAS Millennium Block project, a seven-year research initiative, is currently undergoing harvest to identify citrus varieties and rootstock combinations tolerant to citrus greening. Researchers are evaluating fruit quality, marketability, stress tolerance, and yield, with results expected later this year.
FDA reviews orange juice Brix standard amid declining Florida orange quality
The FDA is reviewing the minimum Brix level for pasteurized orange juice, a standard set in 1963, due to declining Brix levels in Florida oranges caused by severe weather and citrus greening. This review proposes lowering the minimum Brix requirement.
Florida's citrus production falls to lowest levels since 1930
Florida's citrus production has fallen to its lowest levels since 1930, further emphasizing the severity of the ongoing crisis. This decline is primarily attributed to Citrus Greening disease and other systemic challenges over two decades.
Florida's 2025-26 orange harvest projected lowest in nearly a century
Florida's orange harvest for the 2025-26 season is projected to be the lowest in nearly a century, with an estimated 12 million boxes of fruit. This decline is largely attributed to the ongoing citrus greening disease and the impact of Hurricane Milton.
Florida citrus industry shows early comeback signs despite low orange production
The Florida citrus industry is showing early signs of a comeback, attributed to the implementation of innovative treatments, therapies, and the development of disease-tolerant trees. Despite this optimism, orange production for the current season remains low.
Florida Citrus Growers Urge EPA to Expedite Approval of CarriCea T1 Rootstock
Florida citrus growers and industry associations have urged the U.S. EPA to expedite the approval of Soilcea's CarriCea T1 rootstock, a genetically modified rootstock developed with UF using CRISPR technology, which has shown reduced disease levels against citrus greening in field trials.
USDA projects Florida orange production to hit record low for 2025/2026 season
The USDA projects Florida's orange production for the 2025/2026 season to hit a new record low of 12 million 90-pound boxes. This forecast represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
University of Florida Researchers Explore New Antimicrobial Treatments for Citrus Greening
Researchers at the University of Florida are exploring novel and target-specific antimicrobial treatments aimed at diminishing Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacteria responsible for citrus greening. This represents a new avenue of treatment being pursued.
UF/IFAS Researchers Publish Study on Invasive Thrips; Texas A&M AgriLife Leads Citrus Greening Research
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) published a detailed study on the invasive short-spined thrips, a pest causing significant economic losses. Additionally, Texas A&M AgriLife Research is leading a multi-institutional study to develop sustainable delivery systems for citrus greening treatments.
Florida Citrus Growers Target Pests in 2026 Management Strategies
Florida citrus growers' 2026 pest management strategies include targeting peak flush periods to control pests such as the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus leafminer. Researchers are also developing new approaches to protect fruit and maintain tree productivity.
University of Florida scientists research genetically modified citrus to combat citrus greening
University of Florida scientists are actively pursuing advanced research to combat citrus greening, including testing genetically modified citrus trees designed to kill psyllids. Researchers at the Crop Transformation Center are also using gene editing and AI to identify and introduce genes for natural tolerance into new citrus varieties.
Florida orange yields plummet to 50 boxes per acre, prompting citrus imports
Orange yields in Florida have plummeted from 500 boxes per acre to around 50, leading to local stores importing citrus due to inconsistent and poor-quality local produce. This highlights the severe crisis facing the industry.
USDA Secretary Rollins outlines 2026 research priorities, focusing on invasive species
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined the USDA's 2026 research priorities, emphasizing the protection of American agriculture from invasive species, specifically highlighting citrus greening and its estimated cost to Florida.
Florida citrus industry orange production drops 95% since 1998 due to citrus greening disease
The Florida citrus industry has experienced a nearly 95% reduction in orange production since 1998 due to citrus greening disease. This severe decline has led to some citrus land being converted for housing.
UF/IFAS Researchers Investigate Older Citrus Varieties for Greening Disease Resilience
Researchers at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are now investigating older citrus varieties for their natural resilience to citrus greening disease. This effort aims to help farmers reduce costs associated with the disease.
Florida citrus industry develops new strategies to combat Huanglongbing
New strategies, including peptide sprays and hot water treatments, are emerging to combat Huanglongbing (HLB) in Florida's citrus industry. These methods aim to address the devastating effects of citrus greening disease.
December 2025 — 3 developments
Florida citrus industry experiences resurgence with CUPS technology
The Florida citrus industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven by innovative technologies such as 'Citrus Under Protective Screen' (CUPS) structures. These large screened enclosures effectively keep out the Asian citrus psyllid, preventing the spread of greening disease and fostering faster tree growth.
UF/IFAS Researchers Explore Finger Limes as Citrus Greening Solution
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are exploring Australian 'finger limes' as a potential alternative or solution for Florida's citrus industry. This initiative aims to address the severe impact of citrus greening disease.
Florida citrus industry shifts strategy to managing greening disease after 90% production decline
The Florida citrus industry has shifted its strategy from eradicating citrus greening to managing the disease. Production has declined by over 90% from pre-HLB levels since the disease was first detected two decades ago.
November 2025 — 2 developments
ARS Scientists Discover Citrus Greening Tolerant Orange Tree
ARS scientists discovered a sweet orange tree named 'Donaldson' showing natural tolerance to citrus greening despite infection. University of Florida researchers are also implementing short-term solutions, long-term genetic resistance strategies, and studying biological control agents and Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) to combat the disease.
UF/IFAS Researchers Update on Florida Citrus Fungal Disease Battle
The Florida citrus industry is battling multiple fungal diseases, including greasy spot, greasy-green, citrus black spot (CBS), and phytophthora brown rot, in addition to citrus greening. Researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are providing updates on these challenges.
September 2025 — 3 developments
UF/IFAS study examines imidacloprid movement in Florida soils, groundwater contamination
A new UF/IFAS study is examining the movement of the systemic insecticide imidacloprid through Florida's sandy soils and its potential to contaminate shallow groundwater, highlighting environmental concerns alongside citrus greening.
IR-4 Project Explores Spinach Peptides to Combat Citrus Greening
The IR-4 Project is exploring emerging biological solutions to combat citrus greening, specifically by incorporating antimicrobial peptides from spinach (defensins) into citrus trees using a harmless virus.
Florida's citrus industry acreage drops 24% for 2025-2026 growing season
Florida's citrus industry experienced a 24% reduction in acreage for the 2025-2026 growing season compared to the previous year. This contributes to a 94% drop in orange production since 2005, attributed to disease, hurricanes, and development pressure.
August 2025 — 3 developments
UF/IFAS engages Florida residents in workshops to manage Asian citrus psyllid
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is now engaging Florida residents in workshops to manage the Asian citrus psyllid, while new research identifies ten novel insect-specific viruses for potential biological control. Concurrently, the Florida citrus industry is shifting towards agroecological 'push-pull' pest management and away from chemical-intensive practices due to legal challenges.
Florida citrus growers adopt new tool Fluopicolide to combat Phytophthora pathogens
Florida citrus growers have a new tool, Fluopicolide, to combat Phytophthora spp., which are bacterial and fungal pathogens causing root damage and crop loss. An estimated 16 million citrus trees in Florida are affected by these pathogens.
Florida citrus growers face new 'greasy green' disease in grapefruit
Florida citrus growers are now contending with greasy spot disease and growing fungicide resistance, alongside existing challenges like citrus greening. A newly identified disorder, 'greasy green,' linked to the fungus Zasmidium citri-griseum, is specifically affecting grapefruit.
July 2025 — 3 developments
UF/IFAS Researchers Observe Significant Reduction in Asian Citrus Psyllid Populations
UF/IFAS researchers have observed significant reductions in Asian citrus psyllid populations, ranging from 66% to 95%, attributed to natural enemies as part of biological control efforts. This demonstrates the effectiveness of a specific pest management strategy.
UF/IFAS Entomologist Advises Florida Citrus Growers on Insecticide Application Timing
A UF/IFAS entomologist advises Florida citrus growers to target flush periods for insecticide applications to effectively manage the Asian citrus psyllid.
Governor DeSantis approves $140 million for Florida citrus industry in 2025-26 budget
Governor Ron DeSantis approved nearly $140 million in funding for Florida's citrus industry as part of the 2025-26 state fiscal year budget. This substantial investment is earmarked for citrus research and revitalization efforts.
June 2025 — 2 developments
Florida's Orange Production Declines 95% Since 1997-98 Season, Alico Inc. Ceases Operations
Florida's citrus industry has experienced a staggering 95% decline in orange production since the 1997-98 season. Major producers like Alico Inc. are ceasing operations, deeming citrus growing in Florida no longer economic.
Bayer Partners with CRDF to Combat Citrus Greening Disease
Bayer has partnered with the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) to combat citrus greening disease. Additionally, scientists have engineered citrus trees with an 'attract-and-kill' system, utilizing virus-induced gene silencing and RNA interference to lure and eliminate Asian citrus psyllids.
April 2025 — 1 developments
UF/IFAS Breeders Release Six New Citrus Varieties Tolerant to Citrus Greening
UF/IFAS breeders have released six new citrus varieties that are tolerant to Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. These new scion and rootstock selections are intended to help growers combat the disease and improve the quality of not-from-concentrate orange juice.
March 2025 — 2 developments
Florida Senate President Albritton advocates $125 million for citrus tree replacement
Florida Senate President Ben Albritton is advocating for $125 million to be allocated for planting replacement citrus trees, as part of the state Senate's 2025-26 budget proposal which includes $200 million to support the citrus industry.
California surpasses Florida in citrus production due to Florida's industry decline
Florida's citrus industry decline is also attributed to freezes and rapid urban development, in addition to disease and hurricanes. This decline has allowed California to surpass Florida in citrus production.
February 2025 — 2 developments
Invaio Sciences' Trecise™ technology improves citrus greening by 30% in Florida trials
Invaio Sciences and Silvec Biologics are developing new solutions to combat citrus greening. Invaio Sciences' Trecise™ technology, which delivers active ingredients directly into trees, showed a 30% improvement in Florida trials in 2023.
UF/IFAS Researchers Develop Plant Hormone Solutions to Combat Citrus Greening
UF/IFAS researchers are developing innovative solutions to combat citrus greening by using plant hormones, such as gibberellic acid and synthetic auxins, to improve tree health. This approach aims to enhance the trees' natural defenses against the devastating disease.
January 2025 — 4 developments
Florida Legislature Allocates $47 Million to Support Citrus Industry
The Florida state legislature allocated $47 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year to support the citrus industry. This funding aims to assist the industry which is experiencing a severe decline due to citrus greening disease, extreme weather, and market pressures.
University of Florida Scientists Develop Genetically Modified Citrus Trees to Combat Citrus Greening
University of Florida scientists are developing genetically modified citrus trees to resist the Asian citrus psyllid, the carrier of citrus greening disease. This novel approach involves inserting a gene from a soil-borne bacterium to enable trees to produce a protein that kills young psyllids. The research is currently in lab and greenhouse stages, aiming to combat the significant reduction in Florida's citrus acreage and production.
Researchers explore gene-edited plants to combat citrus greening disease
Researchers are now exploring gene-edited plants that can recognize pathogens and activate the tree's immune response. This represents a new approach in the ongoing efforts to combat citrus greening disease.
Citrus Industry Faces Record Low Production Due to Greening and Hurricanes
The state's citrus industry anticipated one of its lowest production levels on record, with citrus greening having reduced total production by 74% and recent hurricanes further compounding the challenges, though new science offers some hope.
December 2024 — 2 developments
University of Florida researchers grow genetically modified tree to combat citrus psyllids
Florida's citrus production has declined over 90% since 2005, exacerbated by low fruit prices and rising input costs. Separately, University of Florida researchers successfully grew a genetically modified tree that produces a protein effective in killing baby Asian citrus psyllids.
Researchers study hurricane role in spreading invasive species across Florida and Georgia
Researchers are studying how hurricanes may have spread invasive species across Florida and Georgia by creating maps using data on known locations for non-native species combined with recent storm flood data.
October 2024 — 2 developments
Florida citrus industry attempts recovery after Hurricane Milton exacerbates challenges
The Florida citrus industry is attempting to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Milton, which exacerbated existing challenges. This natural disaster added a new layer of difficulty to the industry's ongoing struggles.
FIU Researchers Discover Antimicrobials in Citrus Trees Tolerant to Greening Disease
Florida International University (FIU) researchers have discovered that citrus trees naturally tolerant to greening disease harbor bacteria producing novel antimicrobials. These compounds have shown high effectiveness in killing the citrus greening pathogen in controlled environments.
June 2024 — 1 developments
New citrus greening therapies explored; UF research nears completion
Researchers are exploring novel therapies for citrus greening, including 'mantabodies' derived from stingrays and the use of endophytes from a plant's microbiome to suppress the bacteria. The University of Florida's 'Millennium Block' project, focused on citrus trees bred for greening tolerance, is nearing the end of its seven-year research with results anticipated later in 2026.
May 2024 — 1 developments
UFL Researchers Identify Natural Enemies of Citrus Psyllid for Biological Control
University of Florida researchers have identified three commercially available insect species that prey on the eggs of the Asian citrus psyllid, a vector for citrus greening disease. These beneficial insects, including green lacewing larva and mealybug destroyer, offer a new biological control strategy to significantly reduce psyllid populations. This discovery is particularly promising for organic growers seeking sustainable pest management solutions.
April 2024 — 2 developments
Federal Court Rules Against EPA's Streptomycin Approval for Florida Citrus
A federal court has ruled against the EPA's approval of streptomycin for use in Florida citrus, raising concerns about the industry's reliance on chemical-intensive methods and their environmental impact.
Scientists explore agroecological methods to combat citrus psyllid and greening disease in Florida
Scientists are exploring agroecological methods, such as 'push-pull' pest management, to combat the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease in Florida. This technique involves distracting pests with attractive plants and luring them to trap crops, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Florida citrus production declines 75% since 2003-04 due to citrus greening
A report highlighted that Florida citrus production had declined from nearly 300 million boxes in 2003-04 to under 20 million boxes in the 2022-23 season, a 75% reduction attributed largely to citrus greening.
May 2023 — 1 developments
Citrus Greening Continues to Devastate Orange Production 20 Years Later
Nearly 20 years after its appearance, farmers and researchers continued to struggle against citrus greening, with orange production at a fraction of what it was two decades prior, exacerbated by hurricanes.
February 2023 — 3 developments
FIU Scientists Investigate Plant Compounds and Gene-Edited Trees to Combat Citrus Greening
Florida International University scientists are investigating natural compounds from plant microbiomes to combat citrus greening, with the USDA awarding $500,000 for research into antimicrobial compounds. Researchers are also testing gene-edited citrus trees designed to resist the disease, with early results showing promise, though commercial planting is still estimated to be years away.
FIU Scientists Investigate Plant Microbiome to Combat Citrus Greening with USDA Funding
Florida International University (FIU) scientists are investigating the use of a plant's own microbiome to combat citrus greening. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $500,000 to FIU for this research, aiming to find natural compounds that can suppress the bacteria causing the disease.
Scientists investigate plant microbiome compounds to combat citrus greening disease
Scientists are investigating natural compounds derived from a plant's microbiome as a potential strategy to combat citrus greening disease. This research aims to identify antimicrobial agents that could suppress the disease, offering a new avenue for protecting Florida's citrus industry.
May 2022 — 1 developments
Florida's Orange Crop Suffers Worst Harvest in 70 Years, Production Down 78%
Florida experienced its worst orange crop in 70 years, with nearly every citrus grove infected and production slashed by 78%, costing the state nearly $8 billion.
August 2014 — 1 developments
Florida Citrus Groves Severely Affected by Greening Disease, Production Significantly Reduced
Reports indicated that nearly all of Florida's citrus groves were affected by greening disease, with production significantly reduced compared to pre-greening levels.
February 2010 — 1 developments
Citrus Greening Spreads Throughout Florida Citrus Areas
Citrus Greening had spread throughout all traditional citrus areas of Florida, including Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and Indian River.
January 2008 — 1 developments
Citrus Greening identified in most Florida citrus counties by 2008, threatening U.S. industry
By 2008, Citrus Greening had been identified in most of Florida's citrus-growing counties, posing a serious threat to the entire U.S. citrus industry.
January 2007 — 1 developments
Florida Department of Citrus redirects $2 million from marketing to greening research
The Florida Department of Citrus began redirecting significant funds from marketing to greening-related research, starting with almost $2 million in the 2007-2008 season.
June 2006 — 1 developments
Citrus Greening Spreads to Twelve Florida Counties Within a Year
Within a year of its initial detection, Citrus Greening had spread to twelve counties across Florida.
August 2005 — 1 developments
Citrus Greening disease detected in South Florida non-commercial citrus
Citrus Greening disease (HLB) was first detected in non-commercial citrus in South Florida.