What is the impact of bactericides on Florida citrus groves?

Abstract

In an attempt to manage HLB, streptomycin and oxytetracycline were allowed to be used in Florida’s groves a little over a year ago after a citrus crisis was declared. The basic tenet for their use is not to eliminate the bacteria within HLB-affected trees, but to reduce its load. The reduction in load is expected to improve the trees’ condition, which, in turn would make them more productive. But, have streptomycin and oxytetracycline been effective from a biological standpoint after one year? And, if so, does their use make economic sense? 

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