- 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
The Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office is coordinating a pesticide container recycling day. The event is scheduled for September 23. The program is by appointment only with the first available appointment at 10:00 am. The event will be held at Fruit Growers Supply located at 980 West Telegraph Road in Santa Paula.
There is no cost for commercial growers, landscape professionals, and pest control advisors to participate; however, they must be registered and/or permitted with the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioners office to do so.
Containers must conform to program requirements. Container requirement details can be found here.
To set up an appointment or to inquire about the program, please contact the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office at (805)933-2926 ext. 246.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB) attacks healthy trees of certain species in the laurel family, including avocado trees. What makes this insect so dangerous is the disease-causing fungus it carries. The fungus, commonly called laurel wilt, is carried in sacs located in the beetle’s mouth. Once the beetle carries the fungus into the wood of a tree, the fungus moves through the water and nutrient transport system of the tree, plugging the flow of water and causing the tree to wilt. Leaves typically turn a reddish or purplish color. Most trees infected with the fungus die quickly.
RAB is about 2 mm long, and is dark brown to black in color. Female beetles fly and greatly outnumber the smaller, flightless males. Unfortunately there is not much to detect before the tree becomes infected. After infection RAB tends to attack the tree in large numbers and can leave sawdust tubes protruding from their bore holes.
RAB is native to India, Japan, Myanmar, and Taiwan. The origin of laurel wilt fungus is uncertain, but it is presumed to have been introduced with the beetle. Neither the beetle nor the fungus is known to be a pest in its native range.
This pest-disease complex is a big problem in the southeastern U.S. It likely arrived on infested wood packing material such as a crate or pallet used to ship commercial goods. It has spread quickly through Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. It has not yet arrived in California, but is expected.
What can you do to help? Don’t purchase firewood, tree trimmings or mulch from areas infected with RAB. Purchase only insect- and disease-free containerized avocado trees from reputable nurseries. Stay informed. If your tree shows signs of laurel with disease, please contact our office or the County of Ventura Agricultural Commissioner.
Photos of this pest can be found at this University of Florida website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The County of Ventura Agriculture Commissioner’s office has recently released the 2009 Ventura County Crop Report.
In addition to listing the top 10 county crops, the report includes:
- Agriculture acreage broken down by crop
- Value of crops
- Value of related items such as beneficial insects and apiary products
- Number of registered organic growers
- Million dollar crops.
Please take a few minutes to look at this report. Ventura county residents are often surprised at the variety of commodities grown in our county. While agriculture is no longer our top industry, it remains strong and vital to our communities.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The global marketplace increases the likelihood of invasive pest and diseases entering California. Invasive pests and diseases can affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity, and water quality and quantity.
The threat of invasive pests and disease is real in Ventura County. Please do your part in minimizing the potential impacts by:
- staying informed about local invasive pest and disease threats.
- notifying the CDFA or County Ag Commissioner if a suspected invasive pest is found.
- following guidelines and procedures designed to minimize the spread of pests and disease.
The current top invasive pest and disease threats to Ventura County, and what you can do to help, can be found on our previous blog posts.
Monitoring waterways for invasive quagga and zebra mussels
Invasive species in the Santa Clara River