The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is an insect that feeds on citrus plants and can spread a deadly plant disease called Huanglongbing (HLB), which has been found in San Bernardino County. While the disease is not harmful to people or pets, once a citrus tree is infected it will die. This disease has had a devastating impact on the citrus industries in Florida and Texas, so this threat to local growers has been monitored closely over the past few years. Recently, populations of ACP were detected near commercial groves in Highland, Mentone, and Redlands, which has resulted in the Proclamation of an Emergency Program from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
ACP, and the disease it can carry, threaten loss and damage to not only citrus crops but also backyard citrus trees and food supplies. The recommended treatment plan for the ACP detections will be implemented within a 250-meter radius of each ACP detection site.
Residents in the treatment area will be contacted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which will complete the treatments at no cost. All Third District residential citrus owners can find answers to their questions about citrus management here and here. For any questions related to this program, please contact the CDFA toll-free telephone number at 800-491-1899 for assistance.
Commercial growers can find treatment schedules, and the University of California’s recommendations on citrus treatment products listed at CitrusInsider.org. Commercial citrus pesticide applications must be applied by a licensed pesticide applicator. For referrals on providers in the area, contact Sandra Zwaal, ACP/HLB Grower Liaison, at szwaal2@gmail.com or (949) 636-7089.
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