Innovation in Plant Protection in the Citrus Industry ^†

Abstract

Citrus production is a significant component of the Australian horticulture portfolio. The value and volume of production of citrus in Australia is ~$7–800 M and ~750,000 tons, respectively, but Australia is a minor contributor to the estimated global citrus production volume of ~50 million tons. Australia’s relatively small industry must therefore compete on parameters of quality, rather than volume. However, producing a high-quality product is constantly challenged in Australia and abroad. Internationally, nationally and locally these challenges to production come in many different forms, requiring a diversity of innovations to mitigate them. Internationally, the ‘huanglongbing’ or ‘HLB’ disease, caused by the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibater asiaticus and its Asian citrus psyllid vector Diaphorina citri, is threatening production and profitability in all locations the disease is found. Nationally, our industry is challenged by the need to keep threats such as HLB and citrus canker away from our shores, while at the same time maintain and grow export market access. While locally, we must respond to the issues that impact our bottom line today and into the near future. For 2.P.H. Farms, all these challenges are a reality to be face proactively, rather than reactively. Establishing an in-house R&D program is a key component of this proactive approach.