Diagnostics
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the only way to positively identify citrus greening
Testing Sites
• Southern Gardens Diagnostic Laboratory
111 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440
(863) 902-2249
Must submit a sample submission form
Sampling Protocol for Submission of Huanglongbing (syn=Greening or HLB) Samples to the Southern Gardens Diagnostic Laboratory
• UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
2686 SR 29 N., Immokalee, Florida 34142
(239) 658-3400
http://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/plant_path/hlb_lab
• Florida Division of Plant Industry
1-800-282-5153
Field Test
• The iodine-based starch test is used to aid in the selection of leaves for PCR testing
• Greening infected trees and various other citrus diseases show an increased level of starch accumulation
• By using an iodine and water solution, it can be applied to a leaf to exhibit starch levels
• This does NOT verify a positive greening infected tree
• An Iodine-Based Starch Test to Assist in Selecting Leaves for HLB Testing
