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From ancient times to the present: How does citrus greening disease affect citrus agriculture in China?
Citrus greening disease, or Huanglongbing, has become a serious threat to the global citrus industry. The disease is spread by insect vectors that carry the pathogen, and there is currently no known cure. Since it was first described in 1929, variants of this pathogen have occurred in many countries, with a particularly profound impact on China's citrus agriculture.
Citrus greening disease is caused by bacteria of the Liberibacter spp. class and is mainly transmitted by the Asian citrus shrimp Diaphorina citri and the African citrus shrimp Trioza erytreae.
Symptoms and spread
The main symptoms of citrus greening disease include yellowing of leaf veins and surrounding tissues, followed by mottled fading of the entire leaf, premature leaf drop, branch wilt, and root failure. Eventually, the entire plant may die. Affected trees exhibit stunted growth, produce multiple flowers (most of which fall off), and produce small, irregular-shaped fruits with thick skin and a bitter taste. These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to nutritional deficiencies, but the yellowing pattern of Huanglongbing is characterized by asymmetry, whereas nutritional deficiencies are symmetrical.
The transmission mechanism of citrus greening disease is complex, and infection is possible in different climates. In some cases, different types of pathogens can even be cross-transmitted.
The situation in China
According to reports, citrus greening disease was first confirmed in southern China in 1943. As it spread throughout Asia, China's citrus industry was hit hard. Currently, farmers in China are faced with a difficult choice, as some common prevention and treatment measures may not be effective in controlling the disease.
According to reports, 33 countries have reported infections in citrus crops since 2009, including China, which has become a major supplier to the global citrus trade.
Preventive and control measures
Although there is no known cure, cultural management strategies such as removal of infected plants and regular inspections are currently important control measures. In addition, strengthening the management of citrus wood shrimp is also part of the preventive measures. In some specific environments, hybrid breeding of disease-resistant citrus varieties has become a research hotspot.
Future Outlook
In the 2000s, a number of studies were conducted in China and elsewhere aimed at identifying new genetic improvements to increase citrus resistance to Huanglongbing. Some scientists have successfully introduced spinach genetics into certain citrus varieties in the hope of improving their disease resistance. In the process, considering whether consumer acceptance will be challenged will become an important consideration for future development.
Conclusion
Citrus greening disease has a wide range of impacts, especially in China, which poses a serious threat to its citrus agriculture. Continued research and scientific and technological progress will be key to controlling this disease. How will future agricultural production models change to meet this challenge?
