Citrus Greening |
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Disease Spread
See Image Gallery figures 11-17
Citrus greening pathogens can also be spread through the activities of humans by grafting with diseased budwood and by insect vectors.While citrus greening had not previously been found in the U.S., the insect that transmits citrus greening, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was discovered in the Florida in 1998. Surveys and testing for citrus greening in Florida has been in place since the discovery of this insect. The concern is that this insect, in the presence of the citrus greening bacteria, will spread the disease to new areas. In September 2001, the Asian citrus psyllid was found in Texas. Another vector of citrus greening is the African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae (Del Gercio), but this species has not been detected in the US.
Illustrations
- Adult and nymphal instars of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. Illustration from Catling, 1970
- Egg (A), nymphal instars (B) and adults (C and D) of the African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae (del Guercio). Illustration from Catling and Annecke, 1968