- Author: Ben Faber
News from the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force
Winter 2019 area-wide treatment cycle has begun
This is a reminder that the Winter 2019 area-wide management (AWM) treatment window opened Jan.7. You are encouraged to file pesticide use reports (PURs) electronically through CalAgPermits, Agrian, or another system that allows treatments reports to be rapidly filed and recognized. Treatment reminders will be emailed (mailed for those without an email record) about 2-3 weeks prior to the treatment window. In some instances, our contact list may only have contact information for your farm manager, pest control advisor, or pest control operators. If you are not receiving emails, please contact one of your grower liaisons (see contact information below) to receive information about ACP, HLB and your citrus.
Website redesigned
The Citrus Pest & Disease Program (CPDPP) launched a redesign of its website to provide members of California's citrus industry easier access to the key maps, regulatory updates and events they need to stay informed on the fight against HLB in California. The website is at www.citrusinsider.org.
HLB confirmations continue to increase
At least 1,024 residential trees had been confirmed as infected with HLB as of January 2019. No HLB-positive trees have been found in commercial groves. The HLB quarantine boundaries and the latest tally of HLB confirmations, updated weekly, is available online at https://citrusinsider.org/maps-and-quarantines/.
Report neglected and abandoned citrus
Help prevent neglected and abandoned citrus from serving as a breeding ground for ACP and the spread of HLB by reporting its location County Agricultural Commissioner's office at (805) 388-4222. If your citrus is not worth the resources required to protect it from ACP and HLB, it may be a good time to consider removing the trees. Tree-removal assistance is offered to small growers through the California Citrus Mutual and Bayer's ACT NOW program. For more information contact Joel Reyes at jreyes@cacitrusmutual.com or (559) 592-3790.
Calendar
UCR Citrus Day (Jan. 29)
This year's UC Riverside Citrus Day will be on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Agenda and registration information can be found by clicking here.
International Research Conference on HLB/Citrus Virologist Conference (March 10-15)
The joint International HLB and Citrus Virologist conference will be at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, CA. Registration and more information can be found here.
Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee meeting (March 12)
The CPDPC is charged with advising the state on management of the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program. The CPDPC and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, and options for participation include in person or by webinar and conference call. Click here to view and register for upcoming committee and subcommittee meetings. Attendance is free.
esources
University of California ACP area-wide materials list and ACP monitoring protocols
Movement of bulk citrus materials list
Ventura County AWM maps and schedule
Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program
Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force mailing list signup
Contact your grower liaisons if you have additional questions:
Sandra Zwaal
(949) 636-7089
Cressida Silvers
(805) 284-3310
- Author: Ben Faber
Interested Parties should email a resume to jobs@citrusresearch.org
DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019
CALIFORNIA CITRUS RESEARCH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: CRB Canine Project Manager
REPORTS TO: CRB President
CLASSIFICATION: Regular – 12 month, exempt, at-will or Independent Contractor
LOCATION: Riverside, CA or Remote
WORK HOURS: Typically Monday through Friday; frequent extended hours and weekends, travel subject to operational demands
SUMMARY: The Citrus Research Board Canine Project Manager provides important support to the CRB for follow-through and implementation of a strategic plan developed by citrus HLB diagnostic stakeholders to transition canines for use and commercialization in California. Problem-solving, communications, writing, priority setting, time management and business development skills are necessary.
The Citrus Research Program(a.k.a. Citrus Research Board) is a grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as a mechanism for enabling the California citrus growers to sponsor and support needed scientific and technical research to further the goals of the California citrus industry. The program is administered by the Citrus Research Board, which is commonly referred to as the CRB.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Serve as the lead support staff for the implementation of the strategic plan described in the summary above.
- Work as a liaison with the detector canine owners (USDA-APHIS), trainers (F1 K9), researchers and California citrus HLB diagnostic stakeholders (CRB, Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program/Committee, California Citrus Mutual and others) to communicate progress in implementation of the plan.
- Serve as a member of the CRB staff, unless established and designated as an independent contractor.
- Under the direction of the President and/or the Chief Research Scientist, write “white papers”, reports, concept documents and other canine detector-related documents.
- Provide staff and organizational assistance to the HLB Detector Canine Transition Team. This involves working with representatives of the various stakeholder groups, researchers, government officials and others.
- Draft transition team meeting notices and agendas. Prepare and submit minutes in a timely, correct and professional manner.
- Provide vision, ownership, accountability and leadership for project management. Details include involvement in strategic planning, follow-through on the subsequent strategic plan, reporting to the CRB and other stakeholder groups, negotiating contract terms with vendors and commercialization of the canine detector teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Research Scientist and/or the President.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Clear, effective written and oral communication.
- Self-starter and can-do spirit with pride in the outcome of the final project.
- Leadership, thoroughness, accuracy, objectivity and integrity.
- Knowledge, experience and ability to relate the science of HLB detector canines to the citrus industry and the public in order to establish their credibility and gain confidence in them as an early detection technology.
- Ethical conduct and the ability to exercise confidentiality.
- Ability to create, organize and publish data.
- Ability to meet deadlines and organizational goals.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
B.A. or B.S. in a relevant science field is required. PhD preferred. Industry experience in science communication, entrepreneurial commercialization, and/or research project management may be substituted. Solid experience and knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, DropBox, Office 365, PowerPoint and Excel is strongly advised. Must have legal authorization to work in the U. S.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License and clean driving record.
- Frequent out-of-town, multi-day business trips will be necessary.
- Preparing and delivering oral presentations and written progress reports.
- Ability to work both independently and in group settings for problem-solving, coordination and collaboration.
- Competent use of standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, database management software, telephones and photocopiers.
- Lifting of boxes and other field materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to spend significant time in citrus orchards and training facilities, including the observation of canine detector teams during extended periods of heat and cold.
EOE STATEMENT:
The Citrus Research Board is an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or veteran status or other characteristics protected by the law.
- Author: Ben Faber
The best way to delay arrival of HLB in our area and minimize its impact is to keep ACP suppressed down to the lowest level possible. By treating in coordination with neighbors in an areawide approach, grower ACP treatments can have a greater impact on ACP populations than treating independently and out of sync with neighbors. Best Management Practices, such as making sure all equipment arriving and leaving your grove is free of citrus stems and leaves, can also greatly reduce the risk of HLB-positive psyllids entering your grove.
CITRUS REMOVAL PROGRAM: Citrus trees that are neglected or abandoned may harbor ACP and HLB, increasing risk to other citrus in the area. Abandoned and neglected trees may be reported to Cressida Silvers at 805-284-3310, or the county Ag Commissioner's office. The Citrus Matters ACT NOW program may be able to assist in citrus removal. For more information contact Joel Reyes at jreyes@cacitrusmutual.com or (559) 592-3790.
Asian Citrus Psyllid / ACP
There have been no ACP detections in San Luis Obispo County since our last update.
Huanglongbing / HLB
The most recent map and totals for HLB detections are posted at the website https://citrusinsider.org/maps/. As of November 16, the total number of trees that have tested positive for the HLB bacterium is 948, still all in LA, Orange, and Riverside Counties. All HLB detections have been on residential properties and the infected trees have been or are being removed. No HLB has been found in commercial groves to date.
Clarification on Field Cleaning Requirements for Movement of Bulk Citrus
To clarify the approved mitigation measures for bulk citrus fruit movement, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has updated the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)-Free Declaration form. The current options that allow growers to meet the ACP-free standard when shipping fruit to a different ACP regional quarantine zone are the “spray and harvest,” “field cleaning with machine” and “wet wash” methods. Field cleaning must be done by machine, not by hand.
To read the full article, click here: https://citrusinsider.org/2018/11/clarification-on-field-cleaning-requirements-for-movement-of-bulk-citrus/
Upcoming CPDPC Meetings
- Joint Science and Technology Subcommittee and Regulatory Task Force meeting Thur., December 6 at 1:30 pm in Sacramento. Agenda attached, including link to join by webinar/phone.
- CPDPC Operations Subcommittee meets Wed., December 12 at 9 am in Visalia. Agenda attached with link to join by webinar/phone.
- The next meeting of the CPDPC Full Committee will be January 9 in Visalia. Agenda is pending.
- All meeting agendas and eventually the minutes are posted at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citruscommittee/ . All meetings are free and open to the public, and accessible via webinar.
Additional Resources
- General information on the ACP/HLB program, including quarantine information: https://citrusinsider.org/
- Biology of ACP and HLB, detection maps and recommendations for monitoring, eradication and management : http://ucanr.edu/sites/acp/
- Summaries of the latest research to combat HLB: http://ucanr.edu/sites/scienceforcitrushealth/
And Now it's in Marin County
SACRAMENTO — Marin County has been placed under quarantine for the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) following the detection of one ACP in the City of Novato. The entire county is included in the quarantine zone.
The ACP is an invasive species of concern because it can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. All citrus and closely related species, such as curry leaf trees, are susceptible hosts for both the insect and disease. There is no cure once the tree becomes infected. A diseased tree will decline in health and produce bitter, misshaped fruit until it dies. In California, HLB has been detected at residential properties in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. This plant disease does not affect human health.
Residents with backyard citrus trees in the quarantine area are asked not to transport or send citrus fruit or leaves, potted citrus trees, or curry leaves from the quarantine area. For commercial citrus, the quarantine prohibits the movement of citrus and curry leaf tree nursery stock, including all plant parts except fruit, out of the quarantine area. The quarantine also requires that all commercial citrus fruit be cleaned of leaves and stems prior to moving out of the quarantine area. An exception may be made for nursery stock and budwood grown in USDA-approved structures that are designed to keep ACP and other insects out.
ACP quarantines are in place in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Monterey, Placer, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, Yolo, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, as well as Marin.
Residents in the area who think they may have seen ACP or symptoms of HLB on their trees are urged to call CDFA's Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or a local agricultural commissioner's office For more information on the ACP and HLB, please visit: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/acp. Residents are also asked to follow these steps:
- Inspect trees for the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing monthly, and whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending trees. Psyllids are most noticeable when new leaves are growing on the tips of the branches.
- As part of your tree care, visit your local nursery or garden center to get advice on products that can help protect your citrus tree.
- Do not move citrus plants, foliage or fruit into or out of your area, and especially across state or international borders. This could unknowingly contribute to spread of the pest and disease.
- When planting a new citrus tree, be sure to get your tree from a reputable, licensed nursery in your local area.
- When grafting citrus trees, only use registered budwood that comes with source documentation, such as the budwood offered through the Citrus Clonal Protection Program.
- Be sure to dry out citrus tree clippings or double bag them before removing the plant material from the property.
–California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Author: Reggie Ellis @Reggie_SGN
VISALIA – Last week's California Citrus Conference marked a major milestone for growers, and it wasn't just the 50th anniversary of the Visalia-based Citrus Research Board (CRB). It was a resounding revelation that new research may cure the greatest threat to the citrus industry in the next few years.
Michelle Heck, PhD, told the crowd of citrus growers at the Wyndham Hotel on Oct. 10 that her team might only need that much time to inbreed a generation of Asian citrus psyllids that are incapable of transmitting the deadly tree disease known as huanglongbing (HLB). The disease has already destroyed China's citrus industry, decimated Florida and Texas growing regions and is currently killing the citrus industry in Brazil.
One grower commented, “China's been dealing with this for 100 years and Brazil for 14 years. We've had this for four to five years in California and we are already knocking on the door of nailing it. That's impressive!”
Heck, a molecular biologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, was the first to lead a team of scientists to study the proteins involved in the interaction of the pest, plant and pathogen. One of those proteins creates a blue color in the blood of some psyllids. Her research revealed that psyllids containing the blue protein are far less efficient at transmitting HLB to the plant than others. She then bred those psyllids and took their progency and raised them on orange jasmine hedges, better known as Murraya, a plant the psyllids are attracted but is HLB resistant. The combination of the pest and plant reduced transmission of HLB to healthy citrus leaves from 32% to 2.9%.
Heck said the next steps are to continue breeding the pests that are poor transmitters of the disease to create a line of psyllids that do not transmit HLB at all. She said it would take another two years to breed an “optimized line” of the psyllid but once that was complete, that line could begin mass breeding for release.
“By sheer numbers, we can tip the scales [in the fight against HLB],” she said, “but it's unknown if these lines will out compete other psyllids [in the field].”
One grower asked if the non-transmitting line of the pest would be considered a genetically modified organism, or GMO, a distinction that could hurt fruit grown in groves with the new pest. Heck said all of the psyllids would be bred natuarally, so there is no genetic alteration of the insect itself.
“This is something the anti-GMO groups should feel good about,” Heck said.
Best Case Scenario
Victoria Hornbaker, Statewide Citrus Program Manager for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), called the current HLB situation in California a best case scenario. She said the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program's (CPDPP) No. 1 priority is to quickly detect and remove diseased trees. Shortly after the discovery of the first HLB tree in 2012, California's myriad of citrus agencies worked together to quickly implement measures to control movement of fruit and nursery stock, monitor and suppress the ACP population, and begin working on ways to detect the disease and possibly cure it.
“Instead of all commercial groves being covered by a quarantine, we said we're going to quarantine the whole state,” Hornbaker said.
By limiting the movement of citrus in and out of different quarantine zones, there is less likelihood of transporting trees from an infected area to an uninfected area. If any infected trees are discovered, they are removed, destroyed and replaced with a healthy tree. There are many early detection techniques (EDTs) being studied throughout the country, including looking for patterns in leaves, chemicals produced by trees in response to HLB, and studying molecules of the bacteria causing the disease. A recent analysis of these EDTs showed that most are about 95% effective in identifying an infected tree, and that losing 5% of healthy trees is an acceptable loss compared to devastation caused by the disease spreading unchecked.
While early detection methods of ACP are still being perfected, the fight to control the spread of the psyllid is not. After research identified the microscopic parasitic wasp radiate terminaxia as the natural enemy of the psyllid, they began working to mass produce and release them. To date, more than 11 million wasps have bee released in citrus growing regions since 2013, the closest being in Kern County.
Reproduced from Sun Gazette:
http://www.thesungazette.com/article/news/2018/10/17/pests-that-spread-citrus-disease-are-key-to-cure/
- Author: Ben Faber
This is a friendly reminder that the Fall ACP Area Wide Management treatment windows for Santa Barbara County are currently under way -- schedule provided below. Please be sure to notify beekeepers in your area before treating, and file your use reports with the county ASAP after finishing to ensure your treatment is acknowledged.
Thank you to those who have already treated and filed, and those with pending treatments scheduled. The rain forecasted for this week may delay treatments, please just treat when you are able to get back into your orchard. Thank you.
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2018 Fall Treatment Schedule
Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito : Sept 16 to Sept 29
Santa Barbara, Goleta, Gaviota, Santa Maria etc : Sept 23 - Oct 6
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CITRUS REMOVAL PROGRAM: If you have, or know of, unloved citrus that is not being cared for, the Citrus Matters ACT NOW program through CCM may be able to assist in removing it. Call 1-844-STOP-HLB (1-844-786-7452) for more information, or contact Joel Reyes at jreyes@cacitrusmutual.com or (559) 592-3790. Abandoned or neglected citrus can also be reported to the County Ag Department.
Huanglongbing (HLB) Update
The most recent map and totals for HLB detections are posted at the website citrusinsider.org/maps/ . As of September 28 the total number of trees that have tested positive for the HLB bacterium is 874, all in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties, plus a single ACP from San Bernardino that tested positive. The most recent expansion to the HLB quarantine area is in Tustin, in Orange County. All HLB detections have been on residential properties and the infected trees have been or are being removed. No HLB has been found in commercial groves to date.
UPCOMING MEETINGS -- Agendas Attached
- The CPDPC Operations Subcommittee meets Wed., October 3 at 9 am in Visalia. Field cleaning protocols are on the agenda again.
- The CPDPC Outreach Subcommittee meets Wed., October 3 at 1:30 pm in Visalia.
- Regulatory Task Force meets October 12 at 1 pm via webinar. Mitigations for moving bulk fruit across quarantine zones will be reviewed, including field cleaning.
- All meetings are open to the public and free to attend. Agendas for all program meetings, including webinar information, can be found here, along with minutes from previous meetings: www.cdfa.ca.gov/citruscommittee/
Useful Links for Area Wide Management
Summaries of the latest scientific research on combating HLB: http://ucanr.edu/sites/scienceforcitrushealth/
UC recommendations for checking your trees for ACP:
http://ucanr.edu/sites/ACP/Grower_Options/Grower_Management/Monitoring_15/
UC-recommended ACP insecticides and treatment protocols, including broad, soft and organic options:
http://ucanr.edu/sites/ACP/Grower_Options/Grower_Management/ACP_Effective_Insecticides/
http://ucanr.edu/sites/ACP/Grower_Options/Grower_Management/Residual_Activity_of_Insecticides/
http://ucanr.edu/sites/ACP/Grower_Options/Grower_Management/Managing_Established_Populations/
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r107304411.html
For general updates and information on the state ACP/HLB program and regional activities, go to http://citrusinsider.org/
ACP Regional Quarantine Information for Santa Barbara County:
To move bulk citrus outside of your quarantine zone (Santa Barbara/Ventura County) you must have a compliance agreement from CDFA and follow the instructions therein. A copy of the compliance information for growers is here: http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/PE/InteriorExclusion/pdf/acpgrowerinformation.pdf
Contact the County Ag Department/Ag Commissioner's Office (805 681-5600) for more information on the regional quarantine for bulk fruit movement.
Please keep in mind that the quarantine compliance program for moving bulk fruit is a separate and distinct program and protocol from the Area Wide Management program detailed in this email. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the ACP Area Wide Management program.
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Cressida Silvers
ACP/HLB Grower Liaison
Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
805 284-3310