Bacterial greening disease infects nearly half of Brazil’s citrus belt

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Greening disease, caused by bacteria transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, has infected nearly 48% of Brazil’s citrus belt, according to new data from industry-funded research group Fundecitrus on Wednesday.

Such infections have grown for an eighth year in Brazil, the world’s largest orange producer and orange juice exporter, hurting orange production, Fundecitrus said.

In the United States, Florida has also grappled with citrus greening disease for more than a decade, shrinking the state’s output. The disease also made the U.S. more dependent on orange juice imports from Brazil.

The infected trees produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice.

According to CropLife Latin America, a trade group representing