A group of Australian citrus representatives including growers, pathologists, horticulturists and biosecurity personnel have seen the devastating effects of Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, on a recent study tour of Florida.
The group also visited California to see how efforts are being made there to stop the invasion of the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector that carries the disease.
Citrus Australia technical advisor Pat Barkley said the trip was invaluable for the participants to see firsthand what the Australian industry could face if there was an incursion of HLB.
Senior plant health scientist with Biosecurity Queensland Ceri Pearce said she had not seen the disease before, and that it was educational to see its effects up close.
"It is critical that this insight into how Florida is attempting to manage HLB and psyllids, and how California is surveying psyllids, be used to improve our surveillance and response systems. We need to keep these pests out of Australia," Dr Pearce said.
Sue Brighenti, a New South Wales citrus producer said the industry needs to be proactive and put measures in place before an incursion takes place.
HLB and the Asian citrus psyllid pose a huge threat to the Australian citrus industry, and both are endemic to the Indonesian Archipelago, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, Citrus Australia, the peak body for citrus growers in the country, has appointed Andrew Harty as its general manager for market development.
Mr Harty will drive national committees to improve market access and encourage marketing cooperation, as well as overseeing national and regional projects focused on market development and promotion, information management and communication.
Citrus Australia CEO Judith Damiani said Mr Harty's appointment was a welcome addition to the organisation, bringing a strong citrus management, technical and marketing background.
"Andrew has extensive international experience from South Africa and New Zealand where he has been involved with the development of citrus marketing programs and the technical management of production and quality throughout the value chain," Ms Damiani said.
