- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
The expanding presence of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) threatens the California citrus industry. However, this tiny, flying insect that can transmit the harmful and incurable Huanglongbing (HBL) disease may have met its match-a wasp from Pakistan.
The UC Hansen Fund provided $53,000 to support the biological control of ACP research efforts of entomologist Dr. Mark Hoddle, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist and his team from UC Riverside. "The work Hansen funded will play a key role in the ACP suppression program throughout California, and it will become integral to the IPM program for commercial operations that Ventura County pioneered", said John Krist, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County.
The Los Angeles Times reports release of the wasp in residential areas of Southern California, including Ventura County.