Climate Makes Citrus Susceptible to Many Diseases, Disorders

Florida’s citrus can fall prey to many diseases and disorders. Last time, we discussed Citrus Greening, which has already infected residential trees in Palm Beach and Martin counties, and learned that it has cost the state’s economy more than $3.6 billion in the last five years (The Greening of Florida Citrus, July 10, 2012). Because of Florida’s humid climate, fungi and germs multiply easily, which lead to citrus tree damage. The good news is that these predators don’t change very much and that by recognizing common symptoms, such as infections on tree leaves, including blemishes, roughness and damaged color patterns, gardeners can treat problems before more harm is done.

The Greening of Florida Citrus

When the Florida Dept. of Agriculture reported in 2005 that Citrus Greening had infected residential trees in Palm Beach and Martin counties, a University of Florida Extension Horticulture Agent commented that if on a scale of one to 10, Citrus Canker is a three, then Citrus Greening is an “imperfect” 10. Although the disease poses no threats to humans or animals, diseased trees can die within five to eight years and bear unusable fruit.

Many of us will recall the Citrus Canker eradication program begun in January 2000 when the state Dept. of Agriculture adopted a policy of removing all infected trees and all citrus trees within a 1,900 foot radius of an infected tree in both residential areas and commercial groves. By 2006, the program was suspended after the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture declared that eradication was not practical.