Citrus is one of the key economic crops in our city, playing a crucial role in rural development and increasing farmers' income. In 2005, the citrus 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 other major citrus-producing regions in the province, is now facing a severe threat from Huanglong disease (Citrus Greening), which has led to widespread damage across thousands of acres of orchards.
In November, it should be a joyful time for fruit growers in Houyangyuan Village, Wangtai Town, Yanping District. But instead, local farmers are filled with despair. "We won't plant citrus anymore next year. We'll switch to fir trees," said one farmer. "Huanglong disease is getting worse every day. Our trees are almost dead." Their voices reflect the deep frustration and helplessness of those affected by the disease.
Huang Zhiyang, a long-time citrus grower who started planting in the 1980s, once had 20 mu of land producing about 15,000 kilograms annually, yielding nearly 20,000 yuan in profit after expenses. But over the years, his orchard has shrunk to just 10 mu due to the disease. This year, he only harvested around 7,500 kilograms, earning less than 6,000 yuan.
The impact of Huanglong disease isn’t limited to one family—it has devastated entire villages. Houyangyuan, once known for its thriving citrus industry, has seen its planting area drop from 2,000 mu in the 1990s to less than 1,000 today. The annual value of citrus production has fallen from 1.2 million yuan to just 500,000 yuan.
Similar situations are reported across Yanping District, where Huanglong disease has spread rapidly in areas such as Wuhu, Daheng, Xiayang, and Wangtai. According to Cao Haiqing, director of the Agricultural Technology Promotion Center, the disease prevalence among broad-leaved oranges and tangerines has exceeded 10%, and the region is in an outbreak phase. "If we don’t take action, citrus production in this area could collapse within three to five years," he warned.
Experts have identified three main causes behind the spread of the disease: the gradual warming climate, which creates favorable conditions for the vector insect; outdated farming practices and low investment in orchard management; and the use of unquarantined seedlings that may carry the pathogen.
To combat the disease, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. First, any diseased trees must be removed immediately, burned, and the holes disinfected with lime. Second, controlling the vector insect, the citrus psyllid, is essential. Farmers should target the nymphs during winter and early spring, and apply pesticides such as dichlorvos and trichlorfon. Lastly, improving orchard management through modern agricultural practices—like using virus-free seedlings, increasing organic fertilizer, and enhancing soil quality—can significantly boost tree resilience.
In Yandang Township, a citrus demonstration zone has been established, showing that with proper care, the disease can be controlled. Once a heavily affected area, the region has recovered after two years of fallow cultivation.
Cities like Shunchang and Jianye have also set up demonstration orchards, providing valuable guidance for local farmers. As the battle against Huanglong disease continues, the hope remains that with the right strategies and support, citrus farming can recover and thrive again.
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