La The Venezuelan citrus industry in times of Huanglongbing. View and future challenges

Abstract

In Venezuela, citrus fruits constituted an important item of the national fruit activity. Oranges, mandarins, limes, and grapefruits are the most important by the area planted and production. An analysis is presented on the aspects related to citrus production and the drastic changes arising from the epidemic caused by Huanglongbing (HLB). This disease caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, and transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Psyllidae), together with some factors, contributed to the decline of this productive sector. A review was carried out on the general aspects of citrus farming in the country, the introduced cultivars, the Citrus Plant Certification Program carried out in the country, agronomic management, main pests and diseases, and the behavior of citrus production until the arrival of the HLB. Also information about this disease and the Asian psyllid vector, for Venezuela. Additionally, the practices used in other countries to face HLB are presented, such as management of high densities, genetics, and resistance to the disease, new rootstocks, and the use of antibiotics and resistance inducers. Finally, a vision is presented about the citrus business and the challenges that the sector will have to face in its different areas and components to restart its activities in the country. The situation that has affected the citrus growing area of ​​the country should be seen as a great opportunity for the resurgence of the sector.