Status and Significance of Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing) Disease in Ethiopia

Abstract

The huaglongbing (HLB) is the most feared disease and cause total yield loss citrus orchards under favorable environmental conditions. The Candidatus Liberibacter species is the cause of citrus greening which is carried on Diaphorina citri during feeding of leaves. In Ethiopia citrus are produced in large commercial and small scale farmers. However, the status of yield reduction has no more attention were given. The critical diagnosis is important task either the citrus tree has blotchy mottle or leaf yellowing due the deficiency of nutrient or HLB. The asymmetric mottle is produced when HLB affects the plant, which can be shown as atypical patches of light green or yellow in contrast to the normal green color of the leaf. When once infected the field the disease control is impossible rather than removing infected trees. Therefore, the government is better to establish strong quarantine policy for the inspection of exchanging materials from abroad or even within country exchanging citrus stocks or scions for breeding purpose without certification.

Keywords: Blotchy mottle, Candidatus Liberibacter, Citrus greening, Diaphorina citri, Huanglongbing

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-3-04

Publication date: February 28^th 2023