Citrus Belt expands in Brazil due to Huanglongbing

The spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as greening, is forcing Brazilian citrus farming to reorganize. The disease, which significantly affects citrus crops, has mainly impacted the Citrus Belt, an area traditionally formed by São Paulo, Triângulo Mineiro and southwest Minas Gerais.

As the problem worsens, new regions such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Paraná and the Federal District are beginning to form part of the so-called Expanded Citrus Belt (CCE).

Embrapa and Fundecitrus have intensified research and actions to map climate and phytosanitary risks, seeking to support producers in adapting to these new areas. The goal is to minimize the impacts of the disease and promote the economic sustainability of the orchards.

The role of research

The Agricultural Zoning of Climate Risk (Zarc), a tool developed by Embrapa, has been essential in mapping climate risks for citrus growers. Zarc, which provides detailed data on the risk of production losses, is an essential guide for producers when deciding whether to move orchards to regions with lower risk of loss.

The study provides analysis ranging from the early stages of flowering to harvest, allowing citrus growers to better plan their crops in a changing climate scenario.

Maurício Coelho, a researcher at Embrapa and coordinator of Zarc Citros, highlights the importance of zoning for the expansion of citrus farming. The study showed that areas bordering the current Citrus Belt are at high risk of water deficit, especially in the Triângulo Mineiro region and western São Paulo, where the lack of water can compromise the flowering of trees.

The publication “Expansion of the Citrus Belt” provides an overview of the capabilities of the new regions and the climate risks involved in this migration.

Challenges and new technologies

In addition to climatic factors, HLB control is linked to the control of the vector psyllid (diaphorina citri) of the bacteria responsible for the disease. Embrapa, in partnership with Fundecitrus, is developing a specific zoning to map the presence of the psyllid and the occurrence of floral rot, another disease that harms citrus.

From 2025 onwards, risk maps for these pests should be made available, helping citrus growers make more informed decisions about where to plant.

HLB control requires an ongoing approach, involving constant monitoring of orchards and the adoption of integrated management techniques. The use of computational and mathematical models helps predict the incidence of diseases and pests, making management more accurate.

Expansion of the citrus belt

The migration of orchards to new regions is already a reality. Since 2023, citrus growers have been seeking areas with a lower incidence of HLB, especially in states such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás and Paraná.

In 2024, demand for these new regions increased considerably, despite the logistical challenges and the need for infrastructure. For producers, adapting to the new regions is a way to ensure the continuity of production and avoid the economic collapse caused by the spread of greening.

Fundecitrus and Embrapa also highlight the importance of zoning for planning new planting areas. Companies such as Cambuhy Agrícola and Agroterenas are investing in expanding to states with more favorable climates.

Cambuhy, for example, began its migration to Mato Grosso do Sul with the intention of generating 1.200 direct jobs and expanding production. Agroterenas plans to plant 1.500 hectares by 2026, based on guidance from researchers at Embrapa and Fundecitrus.

Overcoming obstacles

Although there are numerous challenges, such as high transportation costs, labor shortages and high temperatures in some regions, ongoing research and government actions have been a key support in ensuring the success of the migration. According to Danilo Yamane, a consultant at FortCitrus, guidance on climate and phytosanitary risks is essential to reduce investment risk.

The expansion of the Citrus Belt is a reflection of the changes imposed by the evolution of the HLB and an attempt to ensure the viability of citrus farming in Brazil. With ongoing actions and research, the adaptation of citrus farming to new regions and climates will be essential for the sustainability of the production chain and for the future of the sector.