Paraná confirms cases of greening and reinforces control measures

Cases of citrus greening have been confirmed in Doutor Ulysses and Cerro Azul, in the Ribeira Valley, Paraná State. In response, the State Agriculture System (Seagri) issued guidelines on mandatory measures to combat the disease.

HLB, caused by the bacteria Candidatus liberibacter, severely compromises the production of citrus fruits. The state's response seeks to contain the spread of the disease before it reaches a larger scale.

The government has scheduled a meeting between state representatives and the affected municipalities for Monday (23/6). The meeting will take place at the headquarters of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (Seab), in Curitiba.

On the 30th, a new edition of Operation Big Citrus begins, now focused on the Ribeira Valley. Coordinated by Adapar, the initiative has already shown good results in other regions of Paraná. The objective is to maintain the health of the orchards with inspection and specific eradication actions.

Technicians from IDR-Paraná will also intensify monitoring of the Asian psyllid (diaphorina citri), vector of the disease. Traps will be installed in productive areas. So far, the insect has not been found in the region.

The disease affects several citrus species, as well as plants such as myrtle, Fortunella spp. And poncirus spp.. Citrus farming has a significant economic weight in the Ribeira Valley, especially due to the production of poncã.

Renato Blood, director of Adapar, explained that, in case of confirmation of contamination, only the diseased plant will be eradicated. According to Blood, control is possible with quick action and collaboration from farmers.