Despite a slowdown in Brazil’s citrus greening incidence growth rate in 2026, the severity of the disease continues to climb in trees remaining in the field, according to Fundecitrus’ annual citrus disease survey. Average severity rose from 22.7% to 27% across orchards of all ages, and from 25.9% to 31% when considering only orchards currently in production.
The survey also reveals a significant shift in the profile of diseased trees. The proportion of trees with more than half of their canopy affected increased from 22.5% to 28.5%.
On the other hand, the proportion of diseased trees showing symptoms on less than half of their canopy fell from 25.1% to 19.6%, indicating a reduction in the disease transmission rate to new trees and the removal of young, diseased trees.
“The rise in trees at a critical stage of infection is primarily linked to low eradication rates of diseased trees in older orchards,” said Fundecitrus researcher Renato Bassanezi. “Leaving these trees in the field contributes to a reduction in the number of fruits per tree and an increase in premature fruit drop.”
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
The survey showed that regions with the highest incidence of greening are also those where the disease is most severe. Average severity in the high-incidence Limeira region reached 54.7%, whereas in the low-incidence Triângulo Mineiro, it was only 0.04%.
The smallest increases in severity occurred in regions located in the North and Northwest sectors and in the Matão region. These areas are warmer and have lower incidences of both the psyllid vector and infected plants.
OTHER DISEASES
Fundecitrus’ 2026 citrus disease incidence survey reports on other diseases besides greening.
The incidence of citrus variegated chlorosis remains low across the citrus-growing region. The percentage of plants showing symptoms of the disease in 2026 is 0.14%.
Citrus canker is present in 36.26% of orange groves, representing a 10.9% increase in incidence compared to the previous period. The disease continues to spread across the Citrus Belt, albeit at a slower rate than observed last year.
The survey estimated the average incidence of orange trees showing symptoms of leprosis in commercial orchards is 6.61%, corresponding to 14.04 million affected trees.
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