Key Takeaways:
- Urgent Threat of Huanglongbing (HLB): California citrus is at severe risk from HLB, a disease with no cure, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP).
- Proactive Measures Required: Homeowners are urged to inspect trees, allow crew access for pest treatment, and practice safe cultivation to prevent disease spread.
- Quarantine Zones Established: Significant areas including Los Angeles and Orange counties are under quarantine to control the pest and disease spread.
- Community Cooperation Essential: Public participation in prevention and treatment initiatives is critical to protect the state’s citrus heritage.
- Educational Resources Available: Residents can visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org for comprehensive information and guidance on combating these threats.
Overview of the Invasive Threat on California’s Citrus Trees
As invasive pests and diseases like the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and Huanglongbing (HLB) continue to endanger California’s expansive agriculture, the importance of community awareness and participation in mitigation practices has never been more critical. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) is leading efforts to combat these threats, particularly during Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month (IPPDAM) this April and beyond.
The Peril of Huanglongbing (HLB)
HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, poses one of the most catastrophic threats to California citrus. Detected first in 2012, over 7,600 HLB-positive trees have been removed from Southern California to date to prevent further spread. The ACP transmits the disease as it feeds on citrus leaves and stems, leading to a gradual decline and eventual death of the affected trees.
Strategies for Prevention and Control
The CPDPD has laid out several guidelines for backyard citrus tree owners to follow in order to protect their trees and help prevent the spread of these invasive threats:
- Regular Inspections: Check trees for symptoms of ACP and HLB and report any suspicious findings to the CDFA pest hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
- Permit Crew Access: Allow agricultural crews to access your property for ACP treatment as needed.
- Safe Harvest Practices: Remove all stems and leaves when harvesting citrus fruits and wash them thoroughly before sharing with neighbors.
- Use Certified Budwood: Only use registered budwood with proper source documentation for grafting purposes.
- Proper Disposal: Dry or double bag citrus plant material before disposal to prevent ACP spread.
- Ant Control: Manage ant populations around citrus trees as they can protect and assist the spread of ACP.
Importance of Quarantine Compliance
Established quarantine zones include Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura counties. Residents within these zones are advised not to move homegrown citrus outside to prevent disease expansion. Moreover, other plant pests like invasive fruit flies have prompted additional quarantine measures throughout the state, further restricting the movement of produce.
Educational and Community Resources To Handle California’s Citrus Trees
For further details on combatting the spread of ACP and HLB, residents can visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org. This platform provides essential information, resources, and updates on the ongoing efforts to protect California citrus from these devastating pests and diseases.
Photo by Philippe Gauthier on Unsplash
