HLB reappears in South Africa

Published May 31, 2024

Tridge summary

Citrus greening (HLB), caused by the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter africanus, has been identified in a large area around Gqeberha, South Africa, spreading from an initial outbreak in East London in 2022. Despite the serious nature of the disease, which was not reported to the relevant authorities, it was not contained, leading to concerns about its impact on Europe, as the disease is transmitted by insect vectors and can affect citrus production. The Citrus Research International (CRI) and the Citrus Management Committee (CGC) have called for the immediate quarantine of the entire province and its removal from the EU export program, citing the disease's potential to spread and the lack of a cure. This situation is critical due to the presence of two insect vectors that can transmit the bacterium and the history of South African non-compliance with EU plant health regulations.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Citrus Research International (CRI) - the reference citrus center in South Africa, which is financed by this country's own exporters - confirmed last Tuesday the reappearance of Citrus greening (HLB) in a large area of up to 15 km from the municipality of Gqeberha ( in the southeast of the country), in private gardens with orange and lemon trees. However, the disease - specifically the African variant known as Candidatus liberibacter africanus, which has no cure - was identified much earlier, in 2022 in East London, more than 300 km away. So - despite it being an extremely serious and notifiable pathogen - it was not officially reported. It was in 2023 when - always according to the CRI's own account - the bacteria was confirmed again in the aforementioned municipality of Gqeberha. Given the worsening of the situation, given its proximity to one of the largest producing areas, Sundays River and especially to the facilities of the Citrus Foundation Block, where the buds are cleaned ...

Source: Agrodigital