Citrus Greening: From Threats To Solutions – A Strategic Approach For Nepal

Citrus, a valuable horticultural crop belonging to the Rutaceae family, constitutes 27.27% of Nepal’s total fruit cultivation area and holds significant importance in the country’s agricultural trade. Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly referred to as citrus greening, is a highly destructive, rapidly expanding, and highly incurable disease of citrus that has caused significant damage to citrus orchards and is the leading factor contributing to the global decline of citrus. Citrus psylla, the major insect vector responsible for spreading citrus greening globally. Despite the lack of effective strategies to combat the disease, comprehensive pest management approaches may yield significant benefits. These include using tolerant rootstocks, the establishment of pathogen-free nurseries, intercropping with guava, nutrient management practices, appropriate quarantine measures, the implementation of yellow sticky traps, and vector control strategies to mitigate this disease in citrus orchards. This review article highlights the characteristics of Huanglongbing encompassing its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and essential management practices for citrus producers.