CITRUS GREENING: A MAJOR THREAT TO CITRUS GROWERS IN NEPAL

Abstract

Citrus is a high-value horticultural crop belonging to the family Rutaceae, contributing 27.27% of the total fruit area in Nepal. In recent years, citrus decline has been a multifaceted issue for most of the citrus growers, with abated production and productivity. Among the various causes of citrus decline, citrus greening is considered the most devastating, rapidly expanding, and highly incurable disease, which has wreaked havoc on the citrus industry across the globe. Citrus psylla is the major insect vector to spread this malady worldwide. There are still no proper strategies to cope with the impact of citrus greening. However, integrated pest management strategies could be adopted in Nepal like the use of tolerant rootstocks, a proper quarantine system, guava intercropping, nutrient management, the use of yellow sticky traps, and vector control methods to reduce the greening infestation in citrus trees. This study aims to review all the relevant information regarding citrus greening, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management practices that are pivotal for citrus growers.