The citrus greening disease,huanglongbing (HLB), is a devastating condition that has been reported in 40 countries across the globe. Citrus trees infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) develop HLB symptoms such as reduced plant height, and yellow shoots,blotchy mottled leaves, canopy thinning, and premature abscission of fruits. Citrus fruits severely affected by HLB can be small,lopsided, and poorly colored, or with bitter or sour tasting juice. As HLB severity increases,preharvest fruit drop becomes increasingly problematic, contributing to declining crop yields. HLB is a very serious issue for the citrus industry, and as it can abolish or debilitate citrus trees quickly,and no effective treatment has been identified.
Source: phys.org