- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
![An adult Asian citrus psyllid](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/102155small.png)
Residents urged to check their citrus trees for Asian citrus psyllid
An insect carrying the huanglongbing bacteria, a pathogen that kills citrus trees, has been found on a residential citrus tree in Ventura County, according to the California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program.
“This really is a devastating find,” said Ben Faber, UC Cooperative Extension subtropical crops advisor for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. “It means that Asian citrus psyllid that is infected with the HLB bacteria is...
/h3>- Author: Mike Hsu
![An adult Asian citrus psyllid](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/96108small.jpg)
Preliminary results indicate 3.5% of ACP collected showed signs of bacterium that can cause huanglongbing
An ongoing study in the commercial citrus groves of coastal Southern California is looking at whether Asian citrus psyllids – the insect vector of huanglongbing “citrus greening” disease – are carrying the bacterium that can cause HLB.
Thus far, the project has tested more than 3,000 adult ACP collected from 15 commercial citrus sites across the...
- Author: Olga Kuchment, Communications Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
- Author: Mike Hsu
![Tree showing signs of HLB disease](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/87580small.jpg)
UC ANR part of team led by Texas A&M AgriLife combating huanglongbing disease
Citrus greening, or huanglongbing disease (HLB), is the most devastating disease for orange and grapefruit trees in the U.S. Prevention and treatment methods have proven elusive, and a definitive cure does not exist.
Since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005, Florida's citrus production has fallen by 80%. Although there have been no HLB positive trees detected in commercial groves in California, more than...
/h3>- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Jean Suan harvests persimmons, fruit that is easy to grow and creates a beautiful landscape display.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/62704small.jpg)
Southern California's mild Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for growing fruit trees in backyards, community gardens and school gardens. The trees provide wholesome fruit along with shade, beauty and enrichment for families and communities.
“With fresh fruit close at hand, it's easier to follow dietary guidelines that encourage filling half our plates with fruits and vegetables for good health,” said Rachel Surls, UC Cooperative Extension sustainable food systems advisor. “Besides, gardening is a great activity. Tending fruit trees teaches natural science, responsibility and appreciation for fresh food. And a garden gets people outside and engaged in physical...
- Author: Sean Nealon
![Leaves on a Florida tree show symptoms of HLB disease. The new biosafety lab at UC Riverside will help scientists battle the disease. (Photo: Beth Grafton-Cardwell)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/36803small.jpg)
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, will soon have a new resource to help them fight a disease devastating the citrus industry.
On June 6, citrus industry, university and government leaders gathered at UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection to announce a joint effort to fight huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. Huanglongbing is a bacterial plant disease fatal to citrus trees
The effort will result in construction of a biosafety-level 3 plant facility in Riverside, about two miles north of UC Riverside.
The biosafety-level 3 plant facility will allow researchers, including many from UC Riverside who are experts on citrus pests, diseases and breeding, to conduct work with...