Bayer CropScience and Brazil's Fundecitrus have finalized a five-year, €3 million (US$4 million) investment directed at combating citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB).

The so-called "Citrus Unidos" agreement will focus on new methods to control HLB and prevent Diaphorina citri, the psyllid behind this devastating disease.

One sustainable control method will be the propagation of Tamaraxia radiata, a natural enemy of the psyllid. The team will also explore new diagnostic methods and organize trainings to keep producers up-to-date with scientific advances.

Bayer CropScience Brazil said the partnership with Fundecitrus would bring a new perspective to citrus management through advanced research and educational techniques, explained crop protection director Gerhard Bohne.

"We are developing new products and technologies to control disease and insects, like the psyllid Diaphorina citri, to provide farmers innovative tools that contribute to better production," Bohne said.

"This partnership will help the Brazilian agricultural sector to maintain a worldwide leadership position in citrus. This will be beneficial, however, not only to Brazil but also to other citrus-producing countries."

Fundecitrus president, Lourival do Carmo Monaco, said the agreement will speed up the technological response to sector demands.

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