Citrus farmers in Florida and California are struggling with getting product to consumers but for different reasons.
In California, a freeze several weeks ago caused 40% crop loss of navel oranges, and significant losses in cara cara oranges.
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Due to these losses in crops, supply of these items are tighter and they are more expensive.
Florida's citrus problems are due to a disease called citrus greening. The greening disease has been a problem in Florida for over five years. It had previously been observed in citrus in Asia, Africa, India and Brazil, and now has migrated to Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and California. It is caused by an invasive insect that spreads the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus, while feeding, from infected tree to non-infected tree. "The bacterium that causes greening is hard to treat because it flourishes deep inside the tree, in its vascular system...it disrupts the flow of the nutrients trees need to survive."
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Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing) On Mandarin Oranges (Photo USDA ARS) |
The fruits on infected citrus trees often never grow to full size and never change from green to orange in color before falling off the tree. In Florida, 135,000 acres of citrus groves have been abandoned due to the greening, and over $4.5 billion dollars and 9,000 jobs have been lost. For more information, on citrus greening in Florida, check out the links below.
Time Is Running Out To Save Florida's Oranges
Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing)
Florida citrus growers worry that deadly bacteria will mean end of orange juice
UF researchers are taking a three-pronged approach to fighting a potentially devastating citrus disease