CDA launches channel for reporting pests in orange plantations

The Agricultural Defense Coordination (CDA) of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SAA) launches this Wednesday (25) a direct channel so that the population, especially rural producers, can report cases of "citrus greening", which is a pest in orange plantations. The measure aims to contain the spread of the disease called Huanglongbing (HLB).

The existence of this type of orchard, without psyllid control (Diaphorina citri), which is the vector of greening, or without eradication of plants contaminated with the disease for up to eight years, is problematic for the citrus industry, as it acts as a source of contamination. 

The initiative is part of a series of actions that will be adopted by the government to control greening, following the meeting held on October 16th between the government, SAA technical staff and citrus industry leaders. On the occasion, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas pointed out that controlling greening must be treated as a priority, with short, medium and long-term actions.

The reporting channel aims to inform the Agricultural Defense of the location of these abandoned or poorly managed citrus groves, so that education and awareness actions can be put in place for producers and, thus, the necessary measures to control greening can be adopted.

In accordance with Ordinance SDA/MAPA nº 317, of May 21, 2021, and SAA Resolution nº 88, of December 08, 2021, in all orchards with citrus plants it is mandatory to carry out efficient control of the psyllid, and in orchards up to eight years old, the producer must eliminate symptomatic plants.

For agricultural engineer Alexandre Paloschi, director of CDA's Department of Health Defense and Plant Inspection (DDSIV), this interaction with society is important to direct Agricultural Defense actions. “Producers must be aware that all CDA actions are aimed at defending the health sustainability of São Paulo’s citrus industry.”

greening

Greening is caused by bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp. and spread by the psyllid (diaphorina citri). The disease affects all citrus plants and has no cure: once contaminated, it is not possible to eliminate the bacteria from the plant, which acts as a source of inoculum for contamination of other plants. Greening is currently the disease that most threatens citrus farming in the world.