Citrus Greening Disease
Also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), Citrus Greening Disease is the most devastating of all citrus diseases.  It is caused by the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter, which is carried and spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid.  Mature trees decline rapidly, and cease fruit production, while young trees which become infected will never come into fruit production.  Symptoms generally manifest as non-symmetrical yellow blotches across the two halves of the leaves, as well as non-symmetrical fruit growth, coupled with a decrease or cessation in fruit production.  The most effective, and least harmful management practice is the introduction of beneficial insect predators to the psyllids, such as ladybeetles and the parasitic wasp, Tamarixida radiata.

General Citrus Problem Reference
With all of the different insects, fungi, and bacteria which can affect citrus crops, it can be hard to keep track of them all.  Luckily, the University of Florida's IFAS Extension Office has compiled a great reference, which is a must for any homeowner with a citrus plant on their property.  While the large number of potential issues with citrus may seem daunting, it is very rare that a new, unknown condition arises, which means that over time you can easily begin to recognize any problem may be affecting your crop.

Avoiding Chemicals with Citrus
Avoiding the use of chemicals on consumable crops is not only environmentally responsible, but cost effective as well.  The use of Integrated Pest Management Practices, such as those offered by Biological Tree Services, reduces the need for chemical insecticides and fungicides, while still maintaining the good health of your citrus plants.  Integrated Pest Management involved a combination of biological control, cultural practices, and pesticides when absolutely necessary.  It helps to maintain the balance of the delicate biological control systems enacted by nature, without upsetting them as Chemical Control can.

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• Shows above are leaves suffering from greening on the left, compared to healthy leaves on the right.

• Here you can see a healthy orange on the right, compared to an asymmetrical, much smaller orange on the left.

Photo credit goes to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Office