Scouting for Huanglongbing (HLB; Citrus Greening)1
This illustrated trifold brochure is best viewed in pdf format. It highlights the purpose of scouting, frequency, methods, grove conditions, tagging suspect trees, scout responsibilities, safety concerns, diagnostics, and what to scout for. Includes contact information for UF/IFAS Extension citrus experts.
Click here to download this brochure.
Purpose of Scouting
The purpose of scouting is to aid in managing HLB by:
Identifying HLB-affected trees
Planning a management program
When to Scout
Symptoms are most visible during the fall and winter months
Survey frequency would be determined by incidence and HLB management plan
Spring flush makes scouting more difficult
Methods
Walking
ATVs
Tractor- or vehicle-mounted platform
Scout Responsibilities
To locate and identify HLB symptoms
Operators of platforms and ATVs are responsible for transporting survey crews safely
Follow all company procedures for entering and exiting grove
Tagging Suspect Trees
Use one color of flagging tape to identify suspect trees
Choose colors or designs that cannot be confused with other commonly used flagging tapes
GPS or grove map should be used in conjunction with flagging tape to identify positive HLB-affected tree
Grove Conditions
Grove conditions which can hinder a scouting program include:
Unmaintained grove middles, tree size, and/or canopy
Nutrient deficiencies
Non-hedged rows
Disease or insect damage
Safety Concerns
Safety is a priority when scouting
Follow re-entry intervals for chemical applications
Be aware of weather, climate conditions, and grove conditions
Watch for power lines
Always keep a first aid kit in a readily accessible location
Employees should be trained in the proper procedures in case of an emergency
What to Scout For
BLOTCHY MOTTLE = GREENING
Yellow veins, vein corking, and green islands are not diagnostic alone. These symptoms should be coupled with blotchy mottle symptoms and a positive diagnostic test to determine a diagnostic test tree.
Diagnostic Labs
Southern Gardens Diagnostic Laboratory
111 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Clewiston, FL 33440
(863) 902-2249
Contact: Mike Irey
msirey@ussugar.com
Florida Division of Plant Industry
PO Box 147100
Gainesville, FL 32614-7100
(800) 282-5153
UF Plant Diagnostic Center
Building 1291, 2570 Hull Rd.
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-1795
Before sending samples, contact the testing facility to obtain proper sampling procedures, submission guidelines, and fees.
Contacts
UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center
Jamie Burrow
Canker & Greening Extension Education
(863) 956-8648
Megan Dewdney, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist
(863) 956-8651
Tripti Vashisth, Ph.D.
Horticulturist
(863) 956-8846
Lauren Diepenbrock, Ph.D.
Entomologist
(863) 956-8801
UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
Ozgur Batuman
Plant Pathologist
(239) 658-3408
Jawwad Qureshi, Ph.D.
Entomologist
(772) 577-7339
UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center
Liliana Cano, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist
(772) 577-7350
UF/IFAS Extension Offices with Citrus Agents
DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lake, Polk, St. Lucie, Sumter
Websites
UF/IFAS Extension Citrus Agents
http://citrusagents.ifas.ufl.edu
UF/IFAS Citrus REC
http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu
UF/IFAS Southwest Florida REC
https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/
Local UF/IFAS Extension Office
http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
For more information, please contact the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred (863) 956-1151
