On October 18, FONTAGRO, in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of the Ministry of Economy of Argentina, the Agricultural Innovation Institute of Panama, the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) in Uruguay, held an important webinar aimed at sharing strategies and progress in the fight against Huanglongbing (HLB) or Citrus Greening in the Americas.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Eugenia Saini, Executive Secretary of FONTAGRO, and moderated by Dr. Alberto Gochez, an INTA expert on HLB. Discussions focused on the spread of the disease, which is linked to the movement of infected plant material and the propagation by the insect vector Diaphorina citri. Invited experts presented scientific advancements promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a comprehensive strategy to control the disease, highlighting the development of biocontrol agents and the implementation of remote monitoring technologies.

The webinar featured prominent professionals in the field. Dr. Ariel Singerman from the University of Florida shared insights on collective management efforts for psyllids in Florida. Dr. Matthew Mattia from USDA-ARS discussed the current challenges of HLB in the U.S. and advancements in citrus genetic improvement innovations.

Additionally, Dr. Francisco Márquez Pérez, Head of the Department of National Priority Campaigns in Mexico, provided an update on the current HLB situation in his country and phytosanitary actions for its management. Dr. Silvana Orozco Restrepo from the Colombian Agricultural Institute emphasized phytosanitary risk management of HLB in citrus crops. Finally, Dr. Renato Beozzo Bassanezi from the Citrus Protection Fund – Fundecitrus presented the current status and management of HLB in Brazil.

To access the webinar recording, visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/zEYtCSbrS0k?si=ltCL1-iGzoyg6InL