In 2008, the tiny, aphid-sized Asian citrus psyllid (ACP)
was first identified in California. ACP injects a toxin
when it feeds on citrus leaves or stems, causing shoot
deformation and plant stunting. But this damage isn’t
the growers’ greatest concern. ACP is a vector of the bacterium associated with huanglongbing disease (HLB),
the most serious citrus disease in the world. HLB causes
leaves to yellow and fruit to become small, misshapen,
and develop a bitter taste.