citrus greening

Scientists in Tanzania used a recent workshop to call for urgent measures to contain the potential threat of citrus greening disease, according to a report by All Africa.

The disease is spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid, which was discovered for the first time in Tanzania last year, and has been observed in several areas such as Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and coastal regions.

At the workshop, Dr Chris Materu explained that the disease had caused losses in the US and Brazil, but pointed out it had not yet spread across Tanzania - although the hot and humid climate did favour the possible spread of citrus greening.

Stakeholders agreed that an action plan that raised awareness and included a nationwide survey to establish the presence of citrus greening should be put in place, All Africa reported.