Asian citrus psyllid update

Jan 13, 2012

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) continues to be found in several California counties.  New finds are being made on a weekly basis.  Ventura County and others with this pest remain in quarantine, which means fruit and plant material movement is restricted in these counties.

UC’s Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell has recently provided an update on LA’s urban infestation. The update can be found on UC ANR’s Citrus Bugs Blog.

UC researchers have begun releasing Tamarixia radiate in Riverside County and soon into Los Angeles county. Tamarixia radiate is a tiny wasp and a natural enemy of ACP. Details of the release and the program can be found on the ANR News Blog.

Invasive species cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage annually. As with all invasive species, it is primarily people who are responsible for ACP’s movement. Please do what you can to avoid moving these pests.

 

In addition to citrus trees related plants such as this orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata, are hosts to ACP. Photo by E. Grafton-Cardwell.
In addition to citrus trees related plants such as this orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata, are hosts to ACP. Photo by E. Grafton-Cardwell.