The spread of Asian Citrus Psyllid into California and the threat of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing or HLB) becoming established here has been all over the news recently. It’s an important issue and one that we are closely following. Sometimes there are interesting articles out there about this and other invasive pest topics, with new or different perspectives, that we would like to share with our audience. When we see those items online, we’ll provide excerpts of the article or blog post along with our perspective. One of those excerpts is below, on Asian Citrus Psyllid. Read on…

This column originally appeared in the Nov. 23, 2009, issue of The Packer in its entirety. Reposted with permission from The Packer and the author.

Commentary: Lessons from Florida Aid in California’s Asian Citrus Psyllid Fight

By Ted Batkin
California Citrus Research Board President and HungryPests Coalition member

As our citrus-growing counterparts in Florida suffer the loss of production because of Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing (HLB), California has the advantage of learning from their experience.

One warning comes through loudly — aggressive action to control the psyllid and constant testing for the bacterium causing HLB are critical to save citrus.

We’re heeding the warning.

The psyllid can be a carrier of bacteria that can cause the fatal tree disease known as HLB and citrus greening disease. While not harmful to human health, HLB destroys production, appearance and value of citrus trees, and the taste of their fruit and juice. Once a tree is infected with HLB, there’s no cure and the tree will die.

In Florida, the psyllid’s threat came when the industry was concerned about citrus canker, and little was done to control the psyllid’s population until it was too late and HLB was present. The disease was first found in two counties. Six months later, it was found in 12.

In less than two years, it was identified in 30 counties — Florida’s entire citrus-producing region. The rapid detection of HLB in Florida underscores the need for California to act now, before the disease makes its way into citrus-production areas, threatening our $1.6 billion industry.

Thus far, the psyllid has been found in backyard citrus in parts of San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, sparking quarantines in these areas. Tests have been negative for the disease, but the pest’s presence is a warning sign.

The citrus industry will continue to be viable well into the future, as technological advances find solutions.

Ted Batkin is president of the California Citrus Research Board.

Asian Citrus Psyllid and HLB are definitely on our radar. Thanks to both Ted Batkin and The Packer for keeping an eye on this issue. We here at Hungry Pests will do our part to continue to raise awareness of this important pest and keep people informed. Here are a few more resources for additional information:

Save Our Citrus
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Citrus Health Response Program: Citrus Greening Disease
HungryPests: Asian Citrus Psyllid