News Releases

Invasive Citrus Pest Discovered In Orange County

Asian Citrus Psyllid Endangers California Citrus; Homeowners Encouraged to Inspect Backyard Trees

VISALIA, CALIF. – Aug. 24, 2009 – The discovery of Asian citrus psyllids in Santa Ana, Calif., is raising fears of the effects a fatal citrus disease spread by the pest could have on California’s citrus industry.

The Asian citrus psyllid – an aphid-like insect that feeds on the leaves of citrus trees and other citrus-like plants – can be a carrier of a fatal citrus tree disease, Huanglongbing, also known as HLB or citrus greening disease.  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, destroying acres of trees and putting the state’s $9.3 billion citrus industry at risk. The insect pest in the absence of disease is also found in Hawaii, Texas and California near the Mexico border.

“With confirmation of the disease in Mexico and Belize, and continued discoveries of the Asian citrus psyllid north of the border, we know it’s only a matter of time before the disease makes its way into California,” said Ted Batkin, president of the California Citrus Research Board. “The Orange County discovery is really another shot across the bow. The pest is spreading quickly within the state, but we need the industry’s and consumers’ help to minimize the dangers.”

The pest has also been found in San Diego and Imperial counties, which are currently under quarantine.

Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, is a bacterial plant disease that – while not harmful to human health – 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.

Samples of the five adult psyllids, which were found in a single lemon tree in a homeowner’s backyard in Santa Ana, are undergoing laboratory tests this week to determine whether the invasive pests carry the citrus greening disease. The insects were discovered Aug. 18 and confirmed to be Asian citrus psyllids Aug. 24. Presently, tests of psyllids found in Southern California have found no presence of the disease, but officials warn it is only a matter of time as the disease migrates toward California.

The Orange County discovery follows last week’s confirmation that HLB had been found in six citrus trees in El Cuyo, Mexico, which is located on the Yucatan peninsula and near the city of Merida.  Merida, located several hundred miles north of Belize, is the site where a positive HLB psyllid was found in early July.  At a U.S.-Mexico summit in late June, where scientists, industry leaders and regulators discussed collaborative efforts, attendees learned HLB had also been discovered in Belize.

“Our first line of defense against this devastating disease are homeowners, who have been critical in identifying the recent findings of psyllids in California,” said Batkin. “Homeowners are being diligent about inspection, and we need them to continue these efforts to ensure the protection of backyard citrus.”

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.