The Asian Citrus Pysllid Strikes Again
By Andrea Peck
If you have ever stepped on a Lego barefoot, you know that power need not come in a large package.
Despite major efforts to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), San Luis Obispo County is once again forced to contend with the pest. The first sign of ACP occurred in March, 2014, when an adult was found in a residential neighborhood in Arroyo Grande. In early August, a second ACP was captured in another residential neighborhood in a northeast portion of San Luis Obispo. About a week later, an adult and all other life stages – eggs and nymphs – were located within a 1/3 of a mile from the previous find.
The Asian citrus psyllid is a small insect that feeds on the leaves of citrus trees and plants closely related to citrus. Though the insect itself does not always pose a threat, the disease it carries does. The ACP has a sorry reputation for being the vector of the hard-to-pronounce, huanglongbing (HLB) disease. HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, is a bacterium that is a death-knell for infected trees.
The pest, the disease and the commercial citrus business cannot be taken lightly. It is estimated that Florida, one of the first states to be shaken down by HLB, has lost 50% of its commercial citrus groves due to the disease. Though HLB does not affect the health of humans, there are economic repercussions. The University of Florida estimates 6,600 lost jobs, $1.3 billion in lost revenue to growers and $3.6 billion in lost economic activity for the state.
As an agricultural state, California relies heavily on the citrus industry as a provider of jobs and revenue. As a citizen, you can assist with this current plight – remember, all sightings have occurred in residential landscapes.
*When buying citrus trees, remember to buy local and keep alert to news of quarantines. A reputable nursery will be routinely inspected by the Agricultural Commissioner.
*Do not move citrus plants or plant parts into the county from quarantine areas. Because of ACP detection, many California counties have been forced to require quarantines. For information regarding quarantine areas, call 805-781-5910.
*Assist the county by checking your own landscaping. Make sure that you know what the ACP looks like and check your plants for signs. (See photos below: The ACP has an odd, aerodynamic tilt to its body when feeding. The second picture shows the tell-tale ‘waxy exude' that is the calling card of the ACP). This creature is small, so use a magnifying glass (or the close-up element on the camera of your phone!). *If you are asked, allow the Agricultural Commissioner's staff to place an insect trap in your yard.
For more information, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov
