Monitoring and Evaluation of Huanglongbing (HLB) Disease of Calamansi

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, is one of the serious diseases of citrus industry. Knowing the latest incursion of the disease and its vector, there is a need for us to be aware on the calamansi industry scenario in terms of disease incidence, to formulate solutions that may help protect and save the calamansi production particularly in Oriental Mindoro to maintain its name as “Calamansi King”. This study aimed to come up with the initial data as to the level of awareness of Calamansi farmers on HLB disease, the extent of incidence of the disease in five (5) municipalities in Oriental Mindoro using Starch Iodine Test and the determine the effect of rainfall on the occurrence of HLB. The survey was conducted in 140 citrus farmers representing the 5.91% of the total calamansi farmers of the five (5) municipalities in Oriental Mindoro. Results showed that the calamansi farmers in the five (5) municipalities lack awareness and familiarity on the occurrence of HLB.