"Citrus greening has decimated Florida’s industry and the infection is spreading in California. But a novel treatment, still in the testing phase, may suppress the disease and give trees immunity."

"The Asian citrus psyllid fills its stomach by feeding on the leaves and stems of citrus trees.

The tiny brown insects infect the trees with bacteria that cause citrus greening, a disease that makes the fruits inedible. Natives to Asia, the citrus psyllids were first found in the United States in Florida in 1998.

Over the last 15 years, citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing or HLB, has ripped through Florida’s storied citrus crop, and now has moved into California. But an experimental treatment holds promise for combating a disease that has proved resistant to attempts to halt its spread."

Stacy Kim reports for Inside Climate News March 1, 2021. [2]