PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Researchers use Lasers to Cure Trees Infected with Citrus Greening

Frank Tellez via Flickr

University of Florida researchers think they’ve found a way to cure trees infected with citrus greening. 

The treatment comes in three steps: first, a laser cuts small lines into the leaves of an infected tree, next an antibiotic is sprayed over the leaves, and then the leaves are covered in wax protect them from further damage. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson says the clock is ticking to save Florida’s dwindling crops.

“If they’re not successful then we’re in deep trouble because citrus is synonymous with Florida", said Nelson. "And this is an industry that even in its down cycle now is still worth $11 billion to this state.”

Tiny insects spread greening. The disease starves trees of nutrients, spoiling the fruit and eventually killing the tree.