California Gardening Blog
Repost: Asian Citrus Psyllid in Dinuba residential neighborhood
This is a repost from the Citrus Bugs blog and was written by Beth Grafton-Cardwell.
Following finds of several adults in yellow sticky cards in a residential area of Dinuba, young trees infested with all stages of psyllids were discovered nearby. The fact that all stages were found and the trees were young, suggests that the trees could have been infested when they were planted and the trees possibly came from outside the San Joaquin Valley or the infestation got started near these young trees a while ago (this is being investigated). This situation points out the need to educate everyone that they must never move plant material from ACP-infested areas that are under quarantine to areas such as the San Joaquin Valley where the pest has not yet established. Treatments of residences and commercial orchards in the area of the Dinuba finds have been initiated. See www.ucanr.edu/sites/acp for more information on where psyllids are found statewide and what to do to manage ACP from the grower and homeowner perspective.
Press Release from Tulare County Ag Commissioners office
NEW TULARE COUNTY ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID DETECTIONS IN DINUBA
TULARE, September 11, 2013 – The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture are conducting an extensive survey and treatment program in response to new detections of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) within the City of Dinuba in Tulare County.
Numerous ACP adults and nymphs (young ACPs) have been confirmed in the area. Treatment has begun and will be carried out on all citrus plants within 800 meters surrounding the site where the insects were trapped. Residents in the treatment area will be notified in advance.
The ACP is an invasive species of grave concern because it can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB). All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. There is no cure once a tree becomes infected. The diseased tree will decline in health and produce bitter, misshaped fruit until it dies. To date, HLB has only been detected on one property in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles County.
“We want to emphasize citrus fruit is safe to eat and the disease is not harmful to human health,” said Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita. “The Asian citrus psyllid is another example of the many invasive species that enter our state every year.”
Residents in the area who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call the Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner. For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/acp/.
/span>New UCANR Asian Citrus Psyllid website!
In California, the news has been buzzing about Asian Citrus Psyllid after 6 more were found in Tulare County.
All of us have to work together in this effort. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) has put together a great website that highlights the distribution and management of Asian Citrus Psyllid. This includes a great map and interactive cost estimators for homeowners and commercial growers.
Find it here! http://ucanr.edu/sites/ACP/
Terrific example of communities and researchers uniting
Californians are surrounded by plants that were developed by researchers. If you are from Santa Rosa, you are probably familiar with Luther Burbank. Burbank developed many varieties that we enjoy today including the plumcot, the shasta daisy and hundreds of other fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.
In addition to Burbank, researchers and California homeowners have brought new plants to our backyards. Right now, one of those plants is being threatened by the Asian Citrus Psyllid and the disease, Huanglongbing. A tree that was the original parent to the navel oranges we enjoy is located at the heart of the psyllid outbreak - in Riverside. Everyone is trying to save it.
Read how at http://plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov/wordpress/?p=4318
Listen to the California Report of this story at http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201307051630/b
IPM - updated guidelines for citrus
If you don't already have the UC IPM website bookmarked, you should take time to do it now! The website is among the easiest to use to solve pest problems. You will see photos and practical, scientific advice for both farm and home garden.
The Citrus IPM guidelines are updated to include more information about Asian Citrus Pysllid control!
Keep watching for Asian Citrus Psyllid - diligence pays off!
The restrictions on citrus groves in Tulare County have been lifted. They were in place because three Asian Citrus Psyllids were found in traps. Growers and government officials worked to monitor the pest and were hopeful that the three pysllids were the only ones.
The easing of restrictions means that growers don't have to treat fruit before shipment but it doesn't mean that we can let down our guard. Everyone can look for the psyllids.
Visit the California Citrus Threat website to see detailed photos of the pest. They are the size of an aphid. The nymphs create waxy tubules as they feed on young leaves that are easy to see. You will see them on new growth first!
So, now that summer is upon us, let's make an effort to look at all of our garden and landscape plants. Being outside is good for our health and we might be able to protect the citrus industry too!
Photo: California Citrus Threat and UC IPM