Accurate Huanglongbing (HLB) Diagnosis

In the United States, citrus orchards are plagued by two devastating invasive diseases introduced in the past decade. The first, citrus canker, is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, a bacteria associated with citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) damage. The damage caused by CLM larvae opens the door for canker infection. The second disease, Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease, is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter spp., a bacteria vectored by Diaphorina citri, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). Since 1995, (the third cycle of detection) citrus canker has been detected in 24 Florida counties, and along with the first detection of HLB infected citrus trees in 2005, has triggered a concerted effort to detect and remove infected trees, which has now become a monumental task. Successful completion of this project will provide citrus growers with a valuable tool for managing these two terrifying diseases, and enhance the diagnosis of diseased trees, even in the beginning stages of infection. If successful, there is a high potential that this pathogen sensory system could be used throughout the agricultural industry and beyond, including public health and those orchards that cannot or do not use conventional pesticides.