In the Noah’s Ark of Citrus, Caretakers Try to Stave off a Fruit Apocalypse
By News
Published 4 years ago on
February 20, 2020
Share
[aggregation-styles]
Los Angeles Times Subscription
It has been described as a Noah’s Ark for citrus: two of every kind.
Spread over 22 acres, UC Riverside’s 113-year-old Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection was founded as a place to gather and study as many citrus specimens as possible — right now, the inventory numbers at over 1,000. It’s an open-air temple where innovations in irrigation, fertilization, pest control, breeding and more have allowed California’s iconic $7-billion citrus industry to thrive for over a century.
When the trees blossom, or hang heavy with fruit of almost every conceivable shape and color — orange and yellow and purple; as small as a pinky nail or as large and gnarled as Grandpa’s hand — a stroll through the collection’s immaculately manicured orchards is downright heavenly.
But now, an apocalypse is nigh.
A bacterial infection known as citrus greening, or Huanglongbing, transmitted by the moth-like Asian citrus psyllid, has upended the agricultural world. It’s harmless to humans, but reduces trees to withered, discolored shells of their former selves that produce inedible, immature fruit.
Read More →
Los Angeles Times Subscription
It has been described as a Noah’s Ark for citrus: two of every kind.
Spread over 22 acres, UC Riverside’s 113-year-old Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection was founded as a place to gather and study as many citrus specimens as possible — right now, the inventory numbers at over 1,000. It’s an open-air temple where innovations in irrigation, fertilization, pest control, breeding and more have allowed California’s iconic $7-billion citrus industry to thrive for over a century.
When the trees blossom, or hang heavy with fruit of almost every conceivable shape and color — orange and yellow and purple; as small as a pinky nail or as large and gnarled as Grandpa’s hand — a stroll through the collection’s immaculately manicured orchards is downright heavenly.
But now, an apocalypse is nigh.
A bacterial infection known as citrus greening, or Huanglongbing, transmitted by the moth-like Asian citrus psyllid, has upended the agricultural world. It’s harmless to humans, but reduces trees to withered, discolored shells of their former selves that produce inedible, immature fruit.
Read More →
By Gustavo Arellano | 18 Feb 2020
RELATED TOPICS:
BTC Scammy Scams, Impact of Blockchain on Global Markets: Crypto The WonderDog Show
Economy /
11 hours ago
US Vetoes Full United Nations Membership for Palestine
World /
12 hours ago
Barbara Corcoran: 1% Interest Rate Drop Will Send Housing Prices ‘Through the Roof’
Housing /
12 hours ago
Cavinder Twins Are Returning to Miami for Their Last Season
Sports /
13 hours ago
Biden is Off on Details of His Uncle’s WWII Death as He Calls Trump Unfit to Lead the Military
Politics /
16 hours ago
US and UK Issue New Sanctions on Iran in Response to Tehran’s Weekend Attack on Israel
World /
16 hours ago
Will State AG Rob Bonta Jump Into 2026 Race for CA Governor?
Opinion /
17 hours ago
Latest
Videos
Business /
10 hours ago
City Council Finally Gives New NW Fresno Costco a Green Light
Economy /
11 hours ago
BTC Scammy Scams, Impact of Blockchain on Global Markets: Crypto The WonderDog Show
World /
12 hours ago
US Vetoes Full United Nations Membership for Palestine
Housing /
12 hours ago
Barbara Corcoran: 1% Interest Rate Drop Will Send Housing Prices ‘Through the Roof’
Sports /
13 hours ago