- Author: Chris M. Webb
On March 21, 2011 the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force sponsored a workshop for citrus growers, nursery operators and pest control advisors.
The presentations from the workshop have been archived on our website with sound. Titles and presenters are as follows:
- ACP update and overview of treatment protocol for commercial orchards: Beth Grafton-Cardwell, IPM Specialist and Research Entomologist, University of California’s Kearney Agricultural Center, and Director of Lindcove Research and Extension Center.
- Research update regarding biocontrol of psyllids: Raju Pandey, UC Riverside Department of Entomology.
- Research update regarding chemical control of psyllids: Joseph Morse, UC Riverside Department of Entomology.
Please click here to access the workshop recordings.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The citrus leafminer is an interesting insect.
They develop best when relative humidity is greater than 60%, and temperatures are between 70 and 85° F. Their entire life cycle takes about two to seven weeks to complete, depending on climatic conditions.
The larval stage is when the majority of the damage to citrus trees, and closely related species, occurs. Eggs, which have been laid on the underside of the leaves, hatch and immediately begin feeding. They feed by creating shallow tunnels (mines) in young leaves of citrus. As it feeds and develops, the larva leaves visible trails in the leaves. As the insect begins to pupate it exits the leaf, rolls the edge around itself, and continues its development to the adult moth stage.
Mature citrus trees can generally tolerate citrus leafminer infestations with no harm to growth or yield. Young trees are more susceptible to damage and growth retardation, but rarely die from citrus leafminer.
UC ANR has many resources available to help identify this pest, estimate potential damage, and provide management guidelines to citrus growers large and small.
- Home gardeners and landscape professionals can find help from UC IPM pest notes by clicking here.
- Commercial growers and production nursery personnel can view pest management guidelines here.
- Additional information and fabulous photos can be found here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Recent finds of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) have triggered a quarantine for Ventura County. ACP has the potential to spread Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterium fatal to citrus trees and closely related plants. This pest-disease complex has created havoc in citrus producing regions around the world. Early detection and treatment is of utmost importance in preventing the establishment of this destructive pest in our area.
Long before the local arrival of ACP, the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force was created to help educate commercial and home citrus growers. At this time the Task Force is coordinating with sate and local agricultural officials to ensure accurate and timely information continues to reach citizens and industry personnel.
In addition to the ACP-HLB Task Force local industry and residents alike can find much additional support. The situation remains fluid. Please do your part to help control this pest. It is vital to check trees regularly and follow quarantine protocols. As of today the following agencies and departments are available to provide assistance:
- Growers, packinghouse managers and nursery operators with questions about the quarantine or compliance agreements can contact the CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Cooperative ACP Quarantine Project at 555 Airport Way, Suite C in Camarillo. They can be reached by phone at (805) 388-4222.
- The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office can also provide information on quarantine and compliance agreements and can be reached at (805) 477-1620. Their website also has information for commercial and residential growers.
- To report suspected ACP finds (commercial and residential) please call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899.
- General questions about Task Force activities, including upcoming workshops, can be answered by calling the Task Force hotline at (805) 535-8641 or the Farm Bureau at (805) 289-0155.
A free workshop for commercial growers, nursery stock producers, and PCAs is scheduled for March 21. Please don’t forget to reserve your spot by calling (805) 289-0155 no later than March 14.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A free ACP workshop for conventional citrus growers, nursery stock operators and PCAs (pest control advisors) will take place on Monday, March 21 from 1-3:30 pm at the Santa Paula Community Center.
The workshop is intended to provide information about the pest, state quarantine regulations, the treatment protocol for commercial orchards and nurseries, and research into biocontrols and HLB resistance. The following speakers are scheduled to attend:
- Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell, IPM specialist and research entomologist at UC Riverside’s Kearney Agricultural Center, and director of the Lindcove Research and Extension Center.
- Dr. Raju Pandey, an entomologist who has been spearheading research into biocontrol agents for ACP at UC Riverside and in Pakistan.
- Nawal Sharma, supervisor of the Quarantine Response Program for the California Department of Food & Agriculture.
- Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales.
- Ted Batkin, president, Citrus Research Board.
The workshop is free, but RSVPs are required. Please call (805) 289-0155 no later than March 14 to reserve your spot.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
On December 20, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced that an Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) had been found in a trap in a commercial citrus orchard near La Conchita. On December 29, CDFA announced that a second ACP had been found in a trap in a commercial orchard near Santa Paula. The finds triggered establishment of a quarantine zone encompassing all of Ventura County and southern Santa Barbara County.
For up-to-date information on workshops and quarantines, please visit the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force Facebook page or the County of Ventura Agricultural Commissioner website.
As a reminder all citrus tree owners, commercial and home gardeners alike, should check their trees regularly for ACP and HLB (the deadly bacterial disease that can be carried by this psyllid). For additional information and instructions on how to check your trees, please click here.
Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force logo.