Citrus Greening Bacteria Affects Pest's Sense of Smell

Andy Fell — November 14, 2023 - 12:45pm

A failed field test has led to a major discovery about the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that spreads the devastating citrus greening disease. According to new research, the bacteria that cause citrus greening can interfere with the insect’s sense of smell, rendering some kinds of insect traps useless. The work is currently available as a preprint.

Fresh Citrus at Risk From Devastating Disease

Amy M Quinton — December 11, 2017 - 7:00am

For the first time in 70 years, California has surpassed Florida in Citrus production. Florida groves have been decimated by a disease called huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease. University of California, Davis, researchers are working with farmers and fellow scientists to develop early-detection methods, boost tree immunity and find a cure for the disease, which is caused by a bacterium that is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid.

Asian citrus psyllid Content

Citrus Greening Bacteria Affects Pest's Sense of Smell

Fresh Citrus at Risk From Devastating Disease