Citrus is one of the most significant economic crops in our city, playing a vital role in rural development and increasing farmers' income. In 2005, the citrus cultivation area reached 507,670,000 acres, with a total output of 408,700 tons, accounting for 61.7% of the city's total fruit area and 75.4% of its total production. However, the city, like many other major citrus-producing regions in the province, is now facing a severe threat from Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease.
Thousands of acres of orchards are currently suffering from this devastating disease. In November, Houyangyuan Village in Wangtai Town, Yanping District, should be a time of excitement for local fruit growers. But instead, they are filled with worry. "We won’t plant citrus anymore next year; we’re switching to fir trees," said one farmer. "Huanglong disease is getting worse, and our fruit trees are almost dying." Their voices reflect deep despair and helplessness.
Huang Zhiyang, a resident at the head of the village, has been growing citrus since the 1980s. At his peak, his 20 mu of orchard produced about 15,000 kilograms annually, yielding nearly 20,000 yuan after expenses. In recent years, however, HLB has taken a heavy toll. His orchard has shrunk to just 10 mu, and this year’s yield was only around 7,500 kilograms, bringing in less than 6,000 yuan.
The impact of HLB is not limited to one family—it has affected the entire village. In the 1990s, the village had about 2,000 mu of citrus land, generating an annual value of 1.2 million yuan and a per capita income of 2,000 yuan. Today, the planting area has dropped by more than 1,000 mu, and the annual output value has fallen by nearly two-thirds, now standing at just 500,000 yuan.
Similar situations are widespread across Yanping District. According to local agricultural authorities, HLB has been reported in key citrus areas such as Wuhu, Daheng, Xiayang, and Wangtai. The disease prevalence in broad-leaved oranges and tangerines has exceeded 10%, and the region is currently in an outbreak phase. “If we don’t take effective measures, citrus production in this area could collapse within three to five years,†said Cao Haiqing, director of the Agricultural Technology Promotion Center.
Experts have identified three main causes behind the spread of the disease. First, the citrus psyllid, the only known vector of HLB, thrives in warm conditions. With rising temperatures and frequent droughts and warm winters, the environment has become ideal for their proliferation. Second, outdated farming techniques, low investment in management, and cross-infection in fields have all contributed to the disease's spread. Many neglected or abandoned orchards have become breeding grounds for pests and pathogens. Third, the use of unquarantined seedlings has accelerated the spread of HLB.
To combat this crisis, experts recommend a three-pronged approach. First, any infected trees must be removed immediately, burned, and the holes disinfected with lime. Second, controlling the citrus psyllid is crucial. Farmers should conduct targeted control during winter pruning and when nymphs appear in April. Comprehensive pest management should also be carried out during summer and autumn. Pesticides such as dichlorvos, trichlorfon, and lesbenben are effective against the psyllid. Third, improving orchard management is essential. This includes promoting high-standard orchard construction, using virus-free seedlings, increasing organic fertilizer, and enhancing soil quality through deep plowing and integrated pest control.
Practical experience has shown that with proper management, HLB can be effectively controlled. For example, in Yandang Township, a citrus demonstration zone has been established in the former Shazhoukeng Pagoda area. Once heavily affected by HLB, the area has now recovered after two years of fallow cultivation. Local demonstration orchards in counties like Shunchang and Jianye have also provided valuable lessons for managing the disease.
With continued efforts and better farming practices, there is hope for the future of citrus in the region.
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