Florida’s citrus industry expects one of its lowest production levels due to devastating hurricanes and the persistent citrus greening disease. This bacterial infection has slashed production by 74%. Citrus greening is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. The disease has been a relentless threat since its discovery in Florida in 2005. It causes trees to decline over two to three years, drastically reducing fruit quality and yield.

Hurricane Milton severely impacted 70% of the state’s most productive orange acreage in October. This further crippled growers who were still recovering from previous storms and disease.

Despite these challenges, there is renewed hope from scientific advancements. USDA researchers have developed gene-edited orange trees that could resist greening by enhancing their natural immune systems. Plant growth regulators like gibberellic acid and 2,4-D have also shown promise in improving tree health and resilience against fruit drop.

Argentina scientist María Victoria Coll Aráoz’s innovative push-pull strategy uses stimuli to repel pests from crops and attract them to other areas where they can be controlled. Curry plants have been used as a “trap crop” to lure greening-causing psyllids.

CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, Matt Joyner, remains optimistic that these breakthroughs, coupled with continued research and collaboration, can help restore Florida’s orange groves.

Read more about research to combat citrus greening here.