Recent finds of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) have triggered a quarantine for Ventura County. ACP has the potential to spread Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterium fatal to citrus trees and closely related plants. This pest-disease complex has created havoc in citrus producing regions around the world. Early detection and treatment is of utmost importance in preventing the establishment of this destructive pest in our area.
Long before the local arrival of ACP, the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force was created to help educate commercial and home citrus growers. At this time the Task Force is coordinating with sate and local agricultural officials to ensure accurate and timely information continues to reach citizens and industry personnel.
In addition to the ACP-HLB Task Force local industry and residents alike can find much additional support. The situation remains fluid. Please do your part to help control this pest. It is vital to check trees regularly and follow quarantine protocols. As of today the following agencies and departments are available to provide assistance:
- Growers, packinghouse managers and nursery operators with questions about the quarantine or compliance agreements can contact the CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Cooperative ACP Quarantine Project at 555 Airport Way, Suite C in Camarillo. They can be reached by phone at (805) 388-4222.
- The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office can also provide information on quarantine and compliance agreements and can be reached at (805) 477-1620. Their website also has information for commercial and residential growers.
- To report suspected ACP finds (commercial and residential) please call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899.
- General questions about Task Force activities, including upcoming workshops, can be answered by calling the Task Force hotline at (805) 535-8641 or the Farm Bureau at (805) 289-0155.
A free workshop for commercial growers, nursery stock producers, and PCAs is scheduled for March 21. Please don’t forget to reserve your spot by calling (805) 289-0155 no later than March 14.