Adult Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. Photograph by Douglas L. Caldwell, University of Florida.
One Adult Asian citrus psyllid was confirmed on May 7, 2015 from a trap in a citrus tree in the Bakersfield College area (Panorama Drive / Eton Street) of Bakersfield. This interception is North East of the last find on April 21, 2015. This makes the sixth (6) detection of Asian Citrus Psyllid in Kern County. Visual surveys have begun on all properties within a nine (9) square mile area surrounding the initial find. In conjunction with this survey, additional delimitation traps have been placed throughout this same area. Placement of 244 traps was completed on May 10. Visual surveys are ongoing and once completed, a treatment program will be carried out on all citrus host plants within 800 meters surrounding the site where the insect was trapped. Residents in the treatment area will be notified in advance.
The pest is of concern because it can carry the plant 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 and produce bitter, misshapen fruit until it dies. To date, HLB has only been detected in one backyard tree and one psyllid in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles County.
Florida biologists first detected the pest in 1998 and the disease in 2005. The two have now been detected in all 30 citrus producing counties in Florida. The pest and disease are also present in Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. Biologists in Mississippi, Arizona, and Alabama have detected the pest but not the disease.
Residents in the area who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call the Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease visit:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/acp/.