- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) has recently received a lot of media coverage and for good reason. ACP carries the deadly Huanglongbing (HLB) bacteria, the most serious citrus plant disease in the world. The disease kills all varieties of citrus trees and related plants such as orange jasmine and Indian curry leaves. The psyllid, about the size of an aphid, does not always carry HLB, but once an ACP feeds on an infected plant the psyllid will carry the disease for life to each plant on which it feeds.
What is particularly troubling about this pest-disease complex is that it can take years for the infected citrus trees to die; therefore, owners of the infected trees may not be aware they have the disease. While fruit from infected trees can be bitter, misshapen, and inedible, the tree stays up and can continue to be fed upon by psyllids, causing HLB to spread further.
People and our global economy are moving this insect. ACP has spread through Asia, parts of the Middle East, South and Central America. It has been found in Mexico, Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and arrived in southern California in 2008. None of the ACP’s found in California have tested positive for HLB. However, it is highly likely that HLB-infected plants, brought from infected areas, are already here.
What can you do? Do not bring in plant materials from areas known to be infected with ACP. If our area becomes infected, do not move any plant materials out of our area. Purchase only certified pest- and disease-free trees from a reputable nursery. Stay informed. Check your trees regularly for signs of ACP. Report suspected ACP and/or HLB to the County Agricultural Commissioner or the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Today we share a recent press release. The Ventura County Master Gardeners are working hard to educate home gardeners about the Asian citrus psyllid and the deadly bacterial disease it carries.
Residents of Ventura County are asked to be on the lookout for a tiny insect that could wipe out California’s citrus industry — and with it, every lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and mandarin tree in every urban and suburban yard.
This tiny insect, known as the Asian citrus psyllid (SIL-lid), carries a bacterial disease that is harmless to humans but inevitably fatal to all varieties of citrus. There is no treatment or cure. The disease has already destroyed millions of trees in citrus-producing regions around the world, including Florida.
The pest has been found in San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Los Angeles counties, and is expected to reach Ventura County this year. The disease is not far behind — infected trees have been found in western Mexico, and the disease is moving steadily closer to California.
The only way to stop this plague is to quickly find and kill the insect pest whenever it reaches a new area. If you have citrus trees in your yard, inspect them often. The insect feeds on the new leaves and stems of all citrus varieties. Twisted, stunted new growth is a sign your tree may be infested by the psyllid, which looks like a small, brown grain of rice. You may also notice the tiny nymphs feeding on tender young growth. Look for sticky white secretions, like honeydew, or sooty mold clinging to the leaves.
If you think you have spotted this invasive pest in your trees, report the sighting immediately by calling 1-800-491-1899.
For more information about the pest and the disease it carries, call the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force at 805-535-8641, or visit their Facebook page.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A team of scientists from the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center are studying the use of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) to fight Huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is a bacterial disease that threatens citrus crops worldwide. The bacteria is spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid.
The scientists infect the periwinkle plants with HLB and then run experiments on the diseased plants in an effort to find a way to return the plants to good health. They have used nutrient and soil treatments to regenerate infected plants and have placed cuttings in chemical compounds to search for HLB treatments.
Further information on this research and more can be found in the May 2010 edition of the Topics in Subtropics Newsletter on our website.
Yellowing leaves is one symptom of HLB
Periwinkle shows promise for solutions
to problems caused by HLB
- Author: Chris M. Webb
There is much community and grower support to stop the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) from becoming established in Ventura County. While it has not yet been identified in our county, it is very close. An ACP was found recently in Van Nuys.
This is an extremely dangerous pest because it can carry the vector for the disease, Huanglongbing (HLB, also known as citrus greening), that destroys citrus trees, orchards and related industries in locations were ACP becomes established.
Invasive pests and disease, such as the ACP/HLB pest-disease complex negatively affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity and our own backyards.
Thank you all for your support. Please contact our office if you would like hard copy outreach materials for yourself or for groups.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) continues its advance through Southern California. This is an extremely destructive pest. The disease it carries is capable of destroying citrus trees, orchards, and related industries.
An ACP Task Force has been formed in Ventura County. Top priority is to reduce the spread of the psyllid, which in turn will reduce the spread of disease. Your help is needed to stop this pest. You can help in the following ways:
- Do not bring citrus trees, other plants, or fruit into the state from other counties, states, or countries.
- If you have citrus on your property, please check regularly (at least monthly) for signs of infestation. Details on what to look for can be found here.
- Encourage your friends, neighbors and relatives to do the same
- A suspected ACP infestation should be reported immediately to the CDFA hotline at 800.491.1899, or your county agricultural commissioner. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner can be reached at 805.933.2926
The Ventura County ACP-HLB task force will be conducting a workshop on February 25, 2010 designed for growers and pest-control advisors. More information about the workshop can be found here.
Our office has outreach materials available to help spread the word. Please contact us if you would like some.
Psyllid eggs and nymphs tucked into crevices and folds.
Asian Citrus Psyllid nymph
Asian Citrus Psyllid adult