HLB and Psyllids in Georgia Commercial Citrus

One of Georgia citrus growers’ worst fears is slowly becoming a reality.

Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), was observed in a Georgia commercial citrus grove for the first time in 2023. This is alarming news for the industry, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist.

“We knew HLB was here in residential trees in people’s backyards in older trees that have been here a long time. We knew that there were Asian citrus psyllids present, the vector of HLB, along the coast. But now we have found both the psyllids and the bacteria that causes greening in trees in commercial groves in a few places in Georgia,” said Oliver during the Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting in Valdosta, Georgia, on Sept. 10. “Evidence suggests it’s probably spreading or has spread in the past among trees in some of these groves, to some extent. That is a concern long-term, of course, for the industry.”

HLB has been found in trees that are also not yet showing symptoms, which could indicate it is present in additional trees, just not at a high enough level that can be detected. It has also been found in inland counties, not just those located along the coast.

Citrus greening is concerning for Georgia growers because of the devastation it has wreaked on the Florida citrus industry. Millions of trees have been lost in Florida since the disease was first observed in the state in 2005. Oliver said more than 80% of Florida citrus trees have been affected, resulting in more than $4.5 billion in losses.

Georgia’s up-and-coming citrus industry has largely avoided the disease up until last year. While not yet widespread, the presence of the disease serves as a reminder of how vulnerable Georgia’s citrus industry is.

“It’s not a surprise. We know the psyllid can survive to some extent in Georgia, and we know the bacteria can survive in the trees if the trees can survive,” Oliver said. “We expected it to happen eventually. We’re not seeing as many psyllids to the extent they see them in Florida, but we’ve seen more than we’ve ever seen in the last couple of years.”

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