Subject: Distribution modeling and surveillance of a plant disease at large scales: the case study of the Huanglongbing in Citrus farming
Dates:  January 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025
CBGP manager: C. Meynard

Pedro is working on modelling the risk associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), a citrus disease caused by three species of bacteria (Liberibacter), which are listed as priority quarantine organisms in the European Union and are transmitted by two species of psyllids recently discovered in Europe.

His work is carried out as part of the PPR project “Cultiver et Protéger Autrement” (BEYOND) (2021–25), in coordination with the Plant Health Epidemiological Surveillance (ESV) platform, and in particular the group dedicated to HLB risk forecasting. Modelling is carried out on a large scale (continental/global) and at a more local level (Réunion, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana).

The aim is to develop a reproducible and dynamic forecasting system that can support field-based exploration and prevention/management efforts in a variety of contexts. Pedro is co-supervised by Christine Meynard (CBGP), Virginie Ravigné and Nicolas Sauvion (PHIM).