Faced with redevelopment and hurricanes, many farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain citrus production, but there is something smaller than a fingernail that could deliver the final blow.
A gnat-sized insect named a "psyllid" is responsible for carrying the bacterium that causes citrus greening. Greening was identified in Florida in the early 2000s, and since its discovery, it is responsible for declining Florida citrus production by more than 90% from its peak just over 20 years ago.
Scientists and farmers have invested millions toward research to find a solution for citrus greening, but no cure for greening has been identified.
Nonprofit organizations like Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation hope volunteer donations can be the jump start farmers need to keep Florida's citrus history intact.
If you want to help protect Florida's citrus,
savefloridacitrus.org
.
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