The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has announced an important surveillance program targeting citrus greening disease, following the recent detection of the African strain in residential areas around Gqeberha. This action is crucial not only for the local citrus industry but also for the broader agricultural landscape of the region.
Citrus greening, caused by a bacterial disease and primarily spread by the insect vector African citrus psyllid, poses a significant threat to citrus trees. Characterized by blotchy mottling and yellowing of leaves, the disease can severely diminish fruit quality, making it unfit for sale or processing. To combat this emerging threat, DALRRD, in collaboration with Citrus Research International (CRI), will conduct a delimiting survey to assess the geographic distribution of the disease.
Residents, nursery owners, and citrus growers are encouraged to cooperate with DALRRD and CRI officials, who will be seen working in the area over the coming weeks. Local communities are reminded of the importance of not tampering with the yellow sticky traps set up by the department, as these traps provide crucial information for the ongoing surveillance.
To safeguard the agricultural economy, officials emphasize that the movement of citrus plants and propagation materials from infested areas to non-infested regions is strictly prohibited without proper permits. Areas affected include portions of the districts of Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, and parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Fortunately, non-infested areas also exist, providing hope for the continued cultivation of healthy citrus crops.
As this surveillance program unfolds, the local community’s vigilance and cooperation will be key in safeguarding the future of citrus farming in Gqeberha and its surroundings.
