A team of researchers has observed how a deadly or incurable citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing (HLB) affects root systems. It is the first analysis to examine two varieties of citrus using a combined metabolomics and microbiome approach and confirms that scion influences root microbial community. They also observed that the useful bacteria Burkholderia increased considerably in navel plants but not in lemons, which differs from earlier studies. A key strategy for maintaining the health of an infected tree is root system management and a study on diverse responses to HLB may help devise new variety-specific preventative and treatment measures.