How researchers from Guadeloupe are fighting HLB?

TROPICSAFE partners from Guadeloupe, CIRAD and ASSOFWI, explained in the radio programme “Kamannyok: La parôle au monde agricole” the main research activities being carried out in the TROPICSAFE project to reduce the impact of the huanglongbing (HLB) disease in the country.

HLB appeared in Guadeloupe in 2012, causing severe losses. Citrus production was reduced by more than 4,000 tons in 2015 because of the disease. For that reason, an action plan was launched in 2013 to combat HLB by eliminating infected trees and disseminating certified plants.

However, the bacterium has not been completely removed. The new areas that have been planted, which are 3 or 4 years old, have been infected for less than 2 years. Therefore, the objective must be to learn how to live with the disease. Raphael Morillon from CIRAD and Youri Uneau from Assofwi explained the main research activities in progress: 1) introducing and evaluating innovative material (rootstocks, hybridization of varieties), 2) improvement of the irrigation conditions; and 3) nutrition. Their presentation included some testimonies from producers and nurserymen. Listen to the complete interview of both TROPICSAFE partners and producers (only available in French):