Test PB Collection: FTE

ACP is currently found only in Southern California. The majority of commercial citrus is grown in Central California. If ACP can be prevented from spreading, it minimizes quarantine and export issues and reduces the threat to Central Valley citrus production.

A multi-grafted tree in a Hacienda Heights backyard was the first in California to be found infected with HLB. Finding HLB-infected trees and eliminating them before ACP picks up the disease and spreads it to neighboring trees is a major challenge.

Managing psyllids with insecticides and biological control doesnt eliminate the entire population, and it is difficult to remove HLB-infected trees fast enough to stay ahead of the disease spread.

The ACP-HLB situation is complex because it involves a tree, an insect, and a pathogen. Homeowners need to understand the impact of HLB on their trees and participate in the management program.

Academics in UC ANR enjoy a network of colleagues across our system of local offices, statewide programs, 3 colleges and 1 professional school in the UC system. Our culture is characterized by collaboration and entrepreneurship in a vibrant working environment.

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Jim Bethke UC Cooperative Extension advisor in San Diego County, (760) 752-4715, jabethke@ucanr.edu. Bethke is screening additional organic insecticides on a greenhouse colony of ACP to find products that may have greater persistence and efficacy against ACP.

In 2008, the tiny, aphid-sized Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) was first identified in California. ACP injects a toxin when it feeds on citrus leaves or stems, causing shoot deformation and plant stunting. But this damage isnt the growers greatest concern.

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