60 mins
NationalArticled authored for the NSW Government Department of Primary Industries.
The NSW Government has partnered with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and Hort Innovation to prepare the citrus industry against the significant threat of an incurable citrus tree disease known as Huánglóngbìng (HLB).
Also referred to as citrus greening disease, HLB is caused by a bacterium carried by a small plant feeding insect, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), and is found in North and South America and is widespread in Asia, including Australia’s northern neighbours. It is not known to be present in Australia.
This collaborative research project, titled ‘Preparedness and Management of Huánglóngbìng,’ aims to leverage global knowledge and investigate effective and efficient options to manage citrus.
This project has also used diagnostic capacity generated from activities supported by the Crawford Fund to strengthen biosecurity and the sustainability of the Australian citrus industry.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Leader Southern Horticulture Systems Myles Parker said HLB is recognised as a National Priority Plant Pest by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as it poses a critical biosecurity threat to the Australian citrus industry.
“The project commenced in July 2022, with this five-year initiative focusing on safeguarding the future of the citrus industry across Australia, China, and Indonesia,” Mr Parker said.
“This initiative is not just about addressing current challenges but also about building a resilient future for the citrus industry.
“Two Indonesian institutions, Univeristas Gadja Mada and Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, are the main collaborators on the project and the Citrus Research Institute of China is also an international collaborator.
“Through research and collaboration, we hope to implement innovative solutions that can mitigate the impact of HLB, ensuring the sustainability of citrus production for generations to come.”
Since its commencement in 2022, the project has made significant progress, including importing Australian and US rootstocks for trialing their resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB) in Indonesia, where the disease is present.
Several PhD projects focused on HLB have also been completed by Indonesian students under the supervision of DPIRD, contributing to the global fight against the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) and HLB. Notably, new traps and lures have been tested, which could enhance surveillance efforts for ACP and help protect Australia from the potential threat of HLB.
During a recent trip to Indonesia for the project, Mr. Parker collaborated with local growers to assess current HLB management practices among smallholder citrus farmers.
Additionally, he investigated the agronomic performance, disease tolerance, and commercial viability of HLB-resistant rootstocks, as well as the effectiveness of high-density planting systems in the region.
Mr Parker said these activities aim to improve citrus growers’ understanding of HLB management principles and techniques in Indonesia and Australia.
“Working alongside smallholder citrus growers, I witnessed first-hand the challenges they face with HLB,” said Mr Parker.
“Their resilience and dedication to improving their practices are inspiring, and it’s clear that collaboration is key to addressing these issues.
“By prioritising biosecurity measures now, we can protect our growers and consumers from the devastating effects of HLB.”
This project is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), with co-investment from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and Hort Innovation (Citrus R&D Fund).
For more information, please visit – https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/hort-2019-164
Media contact: [email protected]
