Brazil's Citrus Defense Fund (Fundecitrus) has estimated Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, could reach 14% of orange plants in the state of São Paulo this year.

The projection is based upon previous analysis, such as in 2012 when a survey showed the disease was present in 64% of orchards and 6.9% of plants.

If the disease goes uncontrolled, Fundecitrus believes the disease will be affecting 19% of plants in 2015.

In a release, Fundecitrus researcher Renato Beozzo Bassanezi said it was necessary for growers to remove diseased plants to stem the advance of HLB, and participate in the group's warning systems and monitor vector insects in conjunction with neighboring properties.

"It is important that the grower operates in and out of his orchard, in a regional collective way," Beozzo Bassanezi said.

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