Uruguay launches campaign to protect citrus sector from HLB

Uruguay has launched a national campaign to help prevent the spread of HLB, one of the most damaging citrus diseases worldwide. The campaign, called “Uruguay protects its citrus from HLB,” was presented during the opening of the 2026 citrus harvest in Paysandú.

HLB has no known cure and can seriously damage citrus trees, including orange, mandarin, lemon and grapefruit plants.

Public awareness

The campaign is focused on communication and prevention. It will use social media content, border signage, local radio spots and community activities to explain how the disease spreads and what symptoms people should watch for.

It also asks people not to buy uncertified citrus plants, not to move citrus plants or plant parts between gardens, and to report any suspected symptoms to MGAP’s agricultural services.

Reports can be sent through a chatbot that allows users to share images and the location of the suspected case.

Key citrus regions

The campaign is already being carried out in citrus-producing areas such as Artigas, Salto, Paysandú, Canelones and San José. Actions are also planned for Rivera and Cerro Largo, especially because of their dry border areas during summer.

Sector protection

Uruguay’s citrus industry covers around 13,000 hectares and supports about 15,000 direct jobs. The country produces around 300,000 tonnes of citrus fruit per year and exports more than half of its output.

Matías Carámbula, Uruguay’s acting minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, said indirectly that keeping HLB under control requires coordinated work between public institutions, researchers and the citrus sector.

He also linked plant health and genetics to Uruguay’s position as a food-exporting country.

Institutional support

The campaign is being developed under an agreement involving MGAP, INIA and UPEFRUY, with support from the Comisión Técnica Mixta de Salto Grande. INIA said the initiative is designed to reach producers, technical teams, local communities and the general public, with the aim of strengthening prevention and early detection. The institute has also been working on HLB control strategies, including field monitoring, low-impact products, biological control of the insect vector and citrus production under protective mesh.

source and photo: gub.uy, inia.uy