First report of Liberibacter asiaticus in USA
In September 2005, the detection of huanglongbing (citrus greening) caused by Liberibacter asiaticus (EPPO A1 list) in Florida, was confirmed by USDA and Florida Department of Agriculture. L. asiaticus was detected on pummelo (Citrus maxima) leaf and fruit samples by using different PCR methods. Infected samples had been collected from 2 separate locations in the Homestead area (Miami-Dade county). It can be recalled that Diaphorina citri (a vector of huanglongbing) was first found in Florida in June 1998 (EPPO RS 98/159), and has since then spread in this State. Because of the very serious threat that huanglongbing represents to the Florida citrus industry, surveys are being conducted to delimit the extent of the outbreak, infected trees are being removed and restrictions have been imposed on the movement of citrus material from Miami-Dade county.
The situation of Liberibacter asiaticus in USA can be described as follows: Present, first found in Florida (Miami-Dade county) on a few trees in 2005, under eradication.
Sources
USDA-APHIS Press release of 2005-09-02. US Department of Agriculture and Florida Department of Agriculture confirm detection of citrus greening.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/2005/09/greening_ppq.html
New Federal Restrictions to Prevent Movement of Citrus Greening
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/citrus_greening/pdf_files/spro2005-30.pdf