Bacterial greening disease infects nearly half of Brazil’s citrus belt

Greening disease, caused by bacteria transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, has infected nearly 48% of Brazil's citrus belt, according to new data from industry-funded research group Fundecitrus on Wednesday.

Such infections have grown for an eighth year in Brazil, the world's largest orange producer and orange juice exporter, hurting orange production, Fundecitrus said.

In the United States, Florida has also grappled with citrus greening disease for more than a decade, shrinking the state's output. The disease also made the U.S. more dependent on orange juice imports from Brazil.

The infected trees produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice.

According to CropLife Latin America, a trade group representing chemical firms, the disease has caused $120 million in losses each year in Brazil.

Greening is believed to be responsible for the death of more than 50 million trees in Asia and 10 million in Africa over the last seven years, CropLife's website says.

In Brazil, favorable weather conditions for the proliferation and survival of the bacteria have made greening a persisting problem.

Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais state compose Brazil's main citrus belt.

In the 2024/2025 season, Brazil's orange output is estimated at 230.9 million 40.8 kilogram boxes, the smallest in several years, according to Fundecitrus.

Orange groves are expected to recover, however, with production seen rising to 314.6 million boxes in the next season, Fundecitrus data shows.