The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has revealed that a new discovery of Asian citrus psyllids has been made in the State, this time as far north as Santa Ana in Orange County.
Asian citrus psyllids pose a huge threat to California's citrus industry as they can carry huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, which is incurable and can quickly spread and wipe out citrus groves.
The most recent discovery, which saw five of the psyllids detected in Orange County, represented the first time that the pest has been trapped north of San Diego and Imperial counties.
A quarantine has been triggered as a result of the detection, with CDFA subsequently restricting movement of regulated plant material at wholesale and retail nurseries within five miles of the site. Additionally, CDFA is planning a treatment programme.
'The Asian citrus psyllid is a dangerous pest of citrus,' said CDFA secretary AG Kawamura. 'We must move quickly to identify the full extent of the problem and do all we can to protect our state's citrus industry.'
The discovery came at the same time as news that a quarantine for Mediterranean fruit fly in Spring Valley, in place since 2008, has ended following the eradication of the pest.
'Fruit flies are dangerous pests for California farming and backyards,' Mr Kawamura added. 'I would like to thank the residents of San Diego County who helped us eradicate this infestation by cooperating with the quarantine.'
No comments yet