ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID DETECTED IN LOS ANGELES

An Asian citrus psyllid has been detected in a trap in the Echo Park neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles.

The detection will trigger a quarantine. CDFA will restrict movement of host plants at wholesale and retail nurseries within five miles of the find site prior to the establishment of the quarantine.  Additionally, CDFA is planning a treatment program and is trapping and surveying in the area to attempt to detect additional psyllids. 

"The Asian citrus psyllid is a dangerous pest of citrus, and its recent spread is urgent," said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. "We’re doing all we can pinpoint the full extent of the problem and protect our state’s vital citrus industry."

The pest is 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 until it dies.  HLB has not been detected in trapped Asian citrus psyllids or trees in California.    

The state of Florida first detected the pest in 1998 and the disease in 2005, and the two have now been detected in all 30 citrus producing counties in that state. The pest and the disease are also present in Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina. The states of Texas, Mississippi and Alabama have detected the pest but not the disease.

For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/acp/

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