Huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors: recent research advances and future challenges
Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting the global citrus industry. It is caused by bacteria of the Candidatus Liberibacter genus, primarily C. L. asiaticus (CLas), C. L. africanus (CLaf), and C. L. americanus (CLam), transmitte...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Language: | Inglés |
| Published: |
Schweizerbart Science Publishers
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11939/9044 https://www.schweizerbart.de/papers/entomologia/detail/prepub/106392/Huanglongbing_HLB_and_its_vectors_recent_research_advances_and_future_challenges?af=search |
| Summary: | Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting
the global citrus industry. It is caused by bacteria of the Candidatus Liberibacter genus, primarily C. L. asiaticus (CLas),
C. L. africanus (CLaf), and C. L. americanus (CLam), transmitted by Asian citrus psyllid [Diaphorina citri (vectors CLas)]
and African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae [CLaf]), which likely can vector all three C.L. species. HLB causes severe
symptoms in citrus trees, including leaf mottling, deformed fruits, and tree decline, leading to significant economic losses
and tree death in citrus-producing regions across Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Controlling HLB progression remains
challenging due to the lack of effective curative treatments and the ongoing global spread of psyllid vectors. This review
provides a comprehensive overview of biological and epidemiological aspects of HLB and its vectors, focusing on recent
advances in understanding of the biology of the pathogen and vector-host interactions. Additionally, we explore the case
of Florida (USA), one of the most adversely affected regions, where HLB has drastically impacted commercial citrus production.
The review highlights recent technological and biological advances aimed at mitigating HLB’s impacts and discusses
current research focused on enhancing vector control, improving plant resilience, and advancing detection methods.
Finally, we address future challenges, including the need for sustainable management strategies, international cooperation,
and the integration of new biotechnological tools to manage HLB-causing pathogens and disease progression, all of which
are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the global citrus industry |
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