Citrus Bacterial Canker Disease and Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening)

IntRODUctIOn Compared with the rest of the world, the California citrus industry is relatively free of diseases that can impact growers’ profits. Unfortunately, exotic plant pathogens may become well established before they are recognized as such. This is primarily because some of the initial symptoms mimic other diseases, mineral deficiencies, or toxicities. In addition, development of disease symptoms caused by some plant pathogenic organisms occurs a long time after initial infection. This long latent period results in significantly delayed disease diagnosis and pathogen detection. Citrus canker (CC) and huanglongbing (HLB, or citrus greening) are two very serious diseases of citrus that occur in many other areas of the world but are not known to occur in California. If the pathogens causing these diseases are introduced into California, it will create serious problems for the state’s citrus production and nursery industries.