Citrus greening recently has been confirmed in a tree at a retail nursery south of Houston. The disease, which is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid, has no cure and eventually kills infected trees, according to AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist Monte Nesbitt of College Station.

Fruit from infected trees is bitter but poses no health problems to humans. The disease exists throughout the world; the first case of citrus greening in Texas was discovered near San Juan in early 2012.

Nesbitt encourages tree owners in Harris County and throughout South Texas to be vigilant to help prevent the spread of citrus greening.

“If you have healthy trees today, you will keep them healthy if you keep psyllids off of them,” Nesbitt said. “It takes year-round monitoring and insecticide treatment if they are present.”

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