Nevada lab certified to test citrus tree disease

SPARKS — The Nevada Department of Agriculture has been certified to diagnose a devastating citrus tree disease.

Certification of the department’s plant pathology laboratory by the U.S. Department of Agriculture was announced Tuesday.

Agency officials said the certification allows molecular diagnosis of a disease called citrus greening.

Normal, healthy citrus trees can produce for up to 50 years. Trees affected by the disease will decline within five to 12 years.

Citrus greening has not been found in Nevada but has been detected in several states, including Florida, California and Texas.

Citrus trees in Nevada are mainly grown in home yards in Clark County.