There is a threat to Florida's billion-dollar citrus industry, citrus greening. However, citrus greening isn't just bad for business, it affects people too.
With a quick glance at a grapefruit, you may not notice anything wrong. But, with a closer look at the leaves, there is evidence of citrus greening.
The disease ISD spreads by a tiny bug called an Asian Citrus Psyllid, and its killing citrus trees across Florida.
The fruit has been dropping, says Urban Forestry Agent Larry Figart.
“Citrus greening has had a huge impact on citrus in the state of Florida,” said Figart, who has seen greening spread across Florida.
Growers sell their fruit based on the weight of pulp and juice. Over the past 15 years that price has fluctuated from a low of 65 cents to a high of $2.20 per pound. This harvest is projected to be the lowest in quite a long time.
Neighbor Ms. Watson, who wished to only use her last name, said her fruit tree means the world to her. The seed for it was planted next to a Bonzai tree she bought in Hong Kong when her husband was in Vietnam. When the seed sprouted, it was planted at her home in 1972.
Watson's husband has since died, but she is comforted when walking near the trees that hold so many memories. Now, what's been at the home for more than 40 years is dying.
“It has to come down, so it won't affect other trees,” said citrus agent Gary England.
Toni Martin recently learned her lemon tree has citrus greening.
“I noticed a color of this leaf all over and leaves were falling down everywhere,” Martin said.
Martin said the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to send a leaf to the University of Florida for testing. After that, growers can only remove the trees to keep it from spreading.
England said greening has spread to almost every commercial citrus grove across the state and everyone who goes to the grocery store to pick up citrus juice is impacted.
There is no cure for the disease. Citrus agents said research projects are underway to try to combat the disease, but until then people will pay higher prices for smaller crops.
Cox Media Group
