All citrus trees in the golden state must undergo a thorough monthly inspection for Huanglongbing disease insects , deadly to these plants
Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images
A pest that kills citrus fruit poses a serious threat to California , where this type of Fruit trees are not only part of the landscape and private gardens but also have a great weight in the state economy.
The Huanglongbing disease also called “citrus greening” disease , can kill these trees and has no cure, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website citricosencalifornia.org . First detected in 2008 in San Diego, but currently there have been reported cases in much of the state .
What is Huanglongbing and how can it kill citrus
Huanglongbing is a disease transmitted by a pest called the Asian citrus psyllid . This pest is generated by an insect that, although it is size of a grain of rice, can kill the tree when spreading on its leaves and stems. CDFA indicates that HLB, as the disease is also known, is not harmful to humans but spreads rapidly through affected plants.
How to detect citrus disease
Adults can fly , making identification difficult. On the other hand, the eggs are so small that it is impossible to see them without a magnifying glass , as indicated by the University of California . This academic institution makes available to the public a map that indicates the places in the state with the highest incidence of the pest and the quarantine areas.
In the following image from the University of Florida you can see how they are small insects that cause disease in citrus.
Attractants for insect pests of agricultural crops play an increasingly important role in management programs.
Learn about attractants and traps for Asian # citrus psyllid management developed at @PHEW! ⬇️ https://t.co/z6xB0GIoNY pic.twitter.com / hRFh5A9Lg7
– Science for Citrus Health (@ sci4citrus) March 1, 2021
What to do to stop the infection in citrus trees
The California Department of Agriculture gives some recommendations and practices to continue to protect citrus trees and stop the spread of Huanglongbing disease and the Asian psyllid:
1. Inspect trees sheet by sheet once a month and whenever you water, spray, prune or tend the trees.
2. Do not move the plants, leaves or fruit of citrus fruits, not in the same area either. It is much less advisable to do it to other parts of the state or beyond international borders.
3. Acquire new citrus trees from a nursery licensed from the same area. In this place you can ask advice on products to protect trees from the Asian psyllid.
4. Cooperate with agricultural authorities to place insect traps , inspect trees and treat pests.
5. Dry the citrus tree cuttings or place them in a double bag before disposing of plant material.
7. Remove all sheets from the equipment from citrus orchards – including bags and vehicles – before leaving work areas.