California Citrus Research Board Takes Action Against Asian Citrus Psyllid
Board to Increase Trappings and Testing of Pests,
While Continuing Research
VISALIA, CALIF. – Nov. 2, 2009 – As the Asian
citrus psyllid continues its spread in Southern California, the California Citrus
Research board has a strong message to send — we are putting up a fight.
The Asian citrus psyllid, which was confirmed Oct. 29 to also be in Pomona,
Calif. and Valley Center, Calif., can be the carrier of a fatal tree disease,
called Huanglongbig, also known as HLB or citrus greening disease. While not
harmful to human health, HLB destroys production, appearance and value of
citrus trees, and the taste of their fruit and juice. Once a tree is infected
with the disease, there is no cure and the tree will eventually die.
Asian citrus psyllids have been found in parts of Imperial, San Diego, Orange and
Los Angeles counties. Tests have confirmed psyllids found in Southern California
trees are not carrying the disease, thus far.
“This pest threatens not only the ability of homeowners to grow citrus in their
backyards, but also the entire California citrus industry, and for that reason,
we need to be aggressive in our fight,” said Ted Bakin, president of the
California Citrus Research Board. “Increased trappings for the pest and testing
for the disease are just a few of the things we are doing to protect California
citrus, and to augment the programs of the county agriculture commissioners,
California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Food
and Agriculture.”
“We’re also continuing research to find ways to fight the bacteria
itself.”
The California Citrus Research Board — which has set its own traps to supplement
those set by CDFA — opened a diagnostic laboratory in Riverside, Calif. in September
to allow for rapid and mass testing of psyllids and plant material. In addition, the board
has plans to open a second lab in the San Joaquin Valley sometime in 2010.
All detections of the psyllids in Southern California trees have been in residential citrus.
Homeowners are asked to inspect their citrus trees often. For more information and to find out
what to look for, visit www.CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.
If you think you have found a psyllid, act fast. Time is critical. Call the California Department of
Food and Agriculture hotline at 800/491-1899.
The pest and the disease have already caused devastation in Asia, India, parts of the Middle East,
and South and Central America. The pest and the disease have been found domestically in Louisiana,
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In Florida, the psyllid and HLB are ravaging the citrus industry.
In fact, Florida growers are losing production of about 10-12 percent per year from this pest and
disease. The insect pest, in the absence of disease, is also found in Hawaii, Texas and California.
