Summary:
Nagpur: The Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) is linking the ‘greening’ disease of citrus, especially oranges, to the non-implementation of the Nursery Act by the state agriculture department. The bacteria can spread from pathogens present in planting material, and also from one plant to other through an insect pest called as Citrus Psylla, a vector. The act ensures supply and sale of disease-free planting material to farmers from all nurseries.CCRI scientists are also trying to bail out farmers from the crisis by reaching out to them with control measures. Integrated application of tetracycline hydrochloride 600 ppm (6g/10 lit of water) plus zinc sulphate and iron sulphate (200 gm each). Ensuring disease-free planting material and management of Citrus Psylla are the only solutions for controlling the disease.The greening this year has affected about 40-45% area under crop in Achalpur-Paratwada belt, and about 18-20% in Nagpur district..