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/.