Confirmation of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in Asian Citrus Psyllids and Detection of Asian Citrus Psyllids in Commercial Citrus in Georgia (U.S.A.).

Abstract

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB), one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. The citrus industry in Georgia (U.S.A.) is in the process of a rapid expansion, and based on experiences with HLB in Florida, there is great concern about the potential impacts of HLB on this emerging industry. Prior to 2023, ACP had been identified in residential citrus trees in isolated Georgia counties but little to no testing of psyllids for CLas had occurred. However, in 2023, one individual psyllid collected from Chatham County was confirmed positive for CLas by PCR and sequencing. Furthermore, during 2023, ACP adults and nymphs were identified for the first time in a Georgia commercial citrus grove. The finding of ACP in a commercial planting represents a significant risk for CLas dissemination, and thereby has the potential to stall the rapid expansion of Georgia's citrus industry. In the coming years, surveillance and testing of ACP from commercial groves will be essential for the early detection and management of HLB and its vector to reduce HLB spread within Georgia's commercial groves.