Citrus Greening

Vicky BoydCitrus from greening-infected trees (top) tend to be smaller than fruit from healthy trees.

Since 2006, citrus greening has cost the Florida economy $3.6 billion in lost revenues and 6,600 jobs, according to a new study from the University of Florida.

The study marks the first time that numbers have been put to the disease's impact, according to a news release.

Jack Payne, university senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, says the study is important because it shows legislators and funding agencies why the disease is one of the state's biggest challenges.

Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing, was first detected in Florida in 2005.

Asian citrus psyllid spread the bacterial disease rapidly.

Citrus greening is harmless to humans but it causes fruit discoloration, premature frit drop, tree stunting and even tree death.

The study compares the actual harvest of oranges used to make orange juice with projected harvesets had greening not become endemic.

It covers the seasons from 2006-07 through 2010-11.

The study was led by citrus economist Tom Spreen and Extension specialist Alan Hodges.

To estimate lost revenues and jobs, the two factored in direct losses to growers, indirect industry losses, and the resulting spending cuts by employee households and government.

Just looking at juice-orange production, the two found growers lost $1.36 billion in revenues.

Lakeland-based Florida Citrus Mutual funded the study.

The complete study can be viewed at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.