Survey of Citrus Huanglongbing （greening disease） on the Amami Islands. 3. Transition of diseased tree distribution after the second survey

A significant decline in the distribution of citrus trees infected with Huanglongbing (greening disease), caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las), was observed on Tokunoshima and Yoron islands between 2009 and 2012. During the third survey, only 258 symptomatic trees across 120 areas tested positive for Las, a marked reduction compared to previous findings. The study, conducted by examining 143,782 citrus trees at 22,866 sites, used PCR testing to confirm infections and calculated odds ratios to compare infection rates over time. This research highlights the effectiveness of ongoing monitoring in managing the spread of this devastating plant disease, particularly on UNESCO World Heritage Sites where citrus groves are culturally significant.

(Ed.). (2014). Survey of Citrus Huanglongbing （greening disease） on the Amami Islands. 3. Transition of diseased tree distribution after the second survey. Kyushu Plant Protection Research, 60(0), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.4241/kyubyochu.60.37