Representatives from Fundecitrus participated in a recent roundtable discussion about the challenges of combating citrus greening. The roundtable was part of the 44th São Paulo Congress of Phytopathology in Brazil. Participants included Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanezi, Technology Transfer Manager Ivaldo Sala and board member Luiz Fernando Girotto, who is an agricultural director at a citrus company.
The participants discussed an integrated approach to greening management, combining research insights, technology transfer strategies and the practical experience of those dealing with the disease’s challenges in the field.
Bassanezi presented an overview of the greening situation and control challenges. He addressed the disease’s characteristics, the difficulties the citrus industry faces in managing it, and the research conducted and ongoing projects at the Center for Applied Citrus Research.
“Greening is a difficult disease to control and requires an integrated approach,” Bassanezi said.
In addition to participating in the roundtable, Bassanezi was honored by the São Paulo Phytopathology Association with the São Paulo Phytopathology Award. The award recognized his contributions to the field of phytopathology through work presented throughout 2024.
GETTING INFORMATION TO THE GROVE
Sala emphasized that it is crucial that the information and recommendations resulting from research reach growers and are applied in practice.
“Technology transfer plays a fundamental role in this process,” Sala said. “Through meetings, alerts and outreach activities, we aim to bring information and knowledge to citrus growers, helping to turn technical recommendations into effective actions in the field. Tackling greening depends on this collaborative effort and the ability to convey information clearly and accessibly to those making decisions on the farm.”
GROWER PERSPECTIVE
Girotto presented the grower’s perspective on combating citrus greening. Drawing on his hands-on experience at the farms where he works, he outlined strategies adopted for various field scenarios and emphasized the importance of coordinated action among properties. He noted that infection levels in each region must be taken into account.
Source: Fundecitrus
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