A bacterium decimating citrus trees across the nation reached the University of Florida this week.
Close to 150 trees may be removed from campus in order to prevent further spreading of the highly contagious disease that stops nutrient flow in the trees. This causes the leaves to turn yellow and the fruit to go bad.
The Asian citrus psyllid, an aphid-like insect, first came to Florida in 2005. The insect carries the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter, which causes citrus tree greening (huanglongbing).
Tree removal starts Friday. WUFT News will be on location with the story.