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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Kateel G. Shetty, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environment, Florida International University

Trees’ own beneficial microbiome could lead to discovery of new treatments to fight citrus greening disease

Citrus is still big business in Florida, but the industry has taken a massive hit in recent decades. Joe Raedle/via Getty Images

Citrus trees showing natural tolerance to citrus greening disease host bacteria that produce novel antimicrobials that can be used to fight off the disease, our recent study shows. We found the trees at an organic farm in Clermont, Florida.

Citrus greening disease – known more formally as Huanglongbing, or HLB, is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. It is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid. There is no known cure for the disease.

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