Asian Citrus Psyllid
One of the greatest fears of California’s citrus industry came true this month: an Asian citrus psyllid carrying Huanglongbing disease (HLB) was found in the state. This tiny insect has been found in California before, but never before has a psyllid been found with HLB. In fact, HLB has never before been found on the west side of the Rocky Mountains! HLB has devastated citrus crops in Florida and Brazil and has the potential to devastate California’s citrus industry, worth more than $1 billion annually, as well. Read more... (433 words, 1 image, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)
Pest detection and management is an ongoing and extremely important area of agriculture. San Diego County has a robust agricultural industry—which means we are also faced with an ongoing battle to manage agricultural pests. Everything from Asian citrus psyllid to the Diaprepes root weevil to the Mediterranean fruit fly, or Medfly, has been found in our area and could greatly damage our agriculture and backyard crops.
For example, some areas of the County are currently under Medfly quarantine. After several years of no Medfly problems, we’re experiencing the second outbreak this year. Both Spring Valley and Mira Mesa, near the Mira Mar Marine Corps base featured in “Top Gun,” are quarantined. Medflies were found in backyard trees through the ongoing fruit fly detection program conducted by the County with federal and state funding. Read more... (539 words, 2 images, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)
Author: Helene Wright, California State Plant Health Director, USDA - APHIS | Tags: