An Analysis of the Potential Economic Impact of Huanglongbing On the California Citrus industry

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ag Science and Natural Resources

Date of Award

Summer 2012

Abstract

The disease Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as Citrus Greening, was first discovered in the United States in 2005, in a Florida commercial citrus grove. HLB is a phloem limiting bacterium that reduces the life span of affected citrus orchards. Since its discovery in Florida in 2005, HLB has not only decreased citrus production, but has drastically increased production costs. With California contributing over 80% of the nation's fresh oranges, it is important to attempt to keep HLB from being introduced to the state. Quantifying the potential economic impact of HLB under different management approaches is essential in developing the most appropriate mitigation actions to take if HLB is discovered in California. The total avoidable damages by keeping HLB out of California over a 20 year period is simulated under two different scenarios. If HLB is allowed to spread throughout the state without any attempts to limit its spread (i.e., a do-nothing or pessimistic scenario) for a period of 20 years, today's total loss in production value, on average is estimated to be and2.7 billion. However, if California orange growers take aggressive actions attempting to limit the spread of HLB (i.e., an optimistic scenario), today's total damages over the 20-year period considered are on average estimated to be and2.2 billion.

Advisor

Jose Lopez

Subject Categories

Agriculture | Life Sciences

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