The Mexican government has declared the state of Veracruz free of citrus greening disease, following laboratory tests after an outbreak in the municipality of Tempoal, website Hoytamaulipas.net reported.

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development and Fishing (SAGARPA) delegate José Vicente Ramírez Martínez, told the website one case of the disease, otherwise known as Huanglongbing (HLB), was found on a lime tree in a backyard and was isolated from large commercial orchards.

He said tests were performed in different zones and it was concluded the disease had not spread, highlighting that the disease had been dealt with following all the correct protocols, the story reported.

SAGARPA and the Veracruz State Committee for Plant Health (CESVVER) have now lifted restrictions on the area, providing an official guarantee that the state is HLB-free which will open up trade opportunities for local growers.

Photo: Apsnet

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