Topics in Subtropics

ITHACA, N.Y.

The roof rat (Rattus rattus, also known as a citrus rat, fruit rat, black rat, or gray rat) is an introduced species of rat native to southern Asia. It was brought to America on the first ships to reach the New World.

Date growers in the California deserts have many insects to worry about such as carob moth, hibiscus mealybug, and giant palm borer. Now the industry is under threat from another potential pest, the highly damaging and invasive South American palm weevil (SAPW) (Rhynchophorus palmarum).

HLB Confirmations The number of trees confirmed as being infected by HLB has reached 520 (300 in Orange County, 217 in Los Angeles County and 3 in Riverside County). All were in residential settings, not commercial groves.

This month, the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program is hosting free workshops in the Central Coast to educate front-line leaders about best practices to prevent the spread of Asian citrus psyllids in the field.