Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination Group Update

The Huanglongbing (HLB) Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) framework was established in December 2013 by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to coordinate the federal, state, and industry’s immediate response to the effects of HLB on the citrus industry in the United States.  With $1 million from USDA and $20 million appropriated in the 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Act, the HLB MAC Group is charged with quickly putting practical tools and solutions into the hands of producers, allowing them to remain economically productive while longer term solutions continue to be developed.  As a method for seeking short term solutions, the HLB MAC Group solicited HLB Stakeholder Suggestions for projects that would have an immediate positive impact on citrus production in the United States. The more than 50 submissions were reviewed and scored by industry, academic, state and federal individuals based on the following criteria: timeliness of positive impact; utility to industry; technical merit/likelihood of success; scalability; appropriately resourced/scoped; adaptability of methodology/technology.

 

Nearly 20 suggestions received high scores from reviewers and will receive a total of up to $8 million in funding from the HLB MAC Group. Those suggestions fall into four categories and include:

·         Early Detection, such as standardization of antibody-based detection methods; high throughput diagnostics using root samples; and canine detection;

·         Sustainability, such as treatment of bicarbonates in irrigation water and soil in Florida; rapid propagation of HLB tolerant rootstocks; widespread field testing of new HLB-tolerant rootstocks; and several demonstration groves using integrated management approaches;

·         Treatment of infected trees, such as several field level thermotherapy delivery systems; and

·         Vector management, such as lures to attract and kill ACP; the release and establishment of several alternative biocontrol agents; and new methods for increasing production of Tamarixia radiata  

As work plans are finalized and cooperative agreements are signed, we will post details about each of the funded projects on our monthly updates page at http://www.usda.gov/citrus.