[Scpg] Area Residents asked to be on the Lookout for a Citrus Killer

[Master Gardeners Ventura County]

The Ventura County Master Gardeners are working with local organizations to
educate the public about the threat of the Asian Citrus Psyllid.  The
following announcement provides further information about this insect, the
disease it carries, and steps that can be taken to reduce its impact on the
California citrus industry.  

 

As the point of contact for your gardening organization, please distribute
this important announcement to your members and associates.

 

Thanks very much for disseminating this information.

 

Bill Marlatt

Ventura County Master Gardener Program

 

 

Residents of Ventura County are asked to be on the lookout for a tiny insect
that could wipe out California's citrus industry - and with it, every lemon,
lime, orange, grapefruit and mandarin tree in every urban and suburban yard.

 

This tiny insect, known as the Asian citrus psyllid, carries a deadly
bacterial disease that is harmless to humans but inevitably fatal to all
varieties of citrus. There is no treatment or cure. The disease has already
destroyed millions of trees in citrus-producing regions around the world,
including Florida. 

 

The pest has been found in San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Los Angeles
counties, and is expected to reach Ventura County this year. The disease is
not far behind - infected trees have been found in western Mexico, and the
disease is moving steadily closer to California.

 

The only way to stop this plague is to quickly find and kill the insect pest
whenever it reaches a new area. If you have citrus trees in your yard,
inspect them often. The insect feeds on the new leaves and stems of all
citrus varieties. Twisted, stunted new growth is a sign your tree may be
infested by the psyllid (SIL-lid), which looks like a small, brown grain of
rice. You may also notice the tiny nymphs feeding on tender young growth.
Look for sticky white secretions, like honeydew, or sooty mold clinging to
the leaves.

 

If you think you have spotted this invasive pest in your trees, report the
sighting immediately by calling 1-800-491-1899.

 

For more information about the pest and the disease it carries, call the
Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force at 805-535-8641, or visit
www.farmbureauvc.com/pest.html.   

 

 

Ventura County Master Gardener Program 

University of California Cooperative Extension

669 County Square Drive, Suite 100

Ventura, CA 93003 

 

Master Gardener Contact Information:

       Email mgventura at ucdavis.edu  <mailto:mgventura at ucdavis.edu%20%20>  

       Phone: (805) 645-1455 

       Fax: (805) 645-1474

       Website: http://groups.ucanr.org/VCMG  

 

Master Gardener Helpline Hours: 

       Tuesday and Thursday - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m

 

 

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