Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllids

Last week, I attended a specialist training class on citriculture, with a special emphasis on Citrus Greening (CG) and Asian Citrus Psyllids (ACP).  Citrus Greening is an incurable bacterial disease that affects all kinds of citrus and related plants.  It is spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a small insect that transmits the disease while feeding on the sap of the host plant.

Asian Citrus Psyllid, Photo: David Hall, USDA

CG is a devastating disease that originated in the Far East but is now spreading throughout the New World.  The disease is currently present in Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia, as well Belize, Cuba, Jamaica and parts of Mexico.  The psyllids that transmit the disease are present in these states, as well as Alabama, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Texas and the Virgin Islands.   It is likely that hurricanes play a role in spreading the disease by translocating infected insects.

Symptoms of Citrus Greening, Photo by J.M. Bové, bugwood.org)

We can't do much about hurricanes but we can help prevent the spread of Citrus Greening and the migration of Asian Citrus Psyllids.  All areas where either the disease or the insect have been found are under quarantine.  It's against the law to move citrus or other related plants from an area with either CG or ACP to another area.  Please don't move citrus plants, leaves or fruit into or out of a quarantine area.  If you purchase citrus, make sure you are dealing with a reputable supplier who understands and complies with federal and state regulations.  This disease has the potential to eradicate the entire citrus industry in Texas. 

As part of my training, I'll be inspecting citrus trees around here, looking for signs of the disease or the psyllids themselves.  I hope I don't find them!  For more information about citrus greening, see the websites listed below.  Check back frequently as the situation changes rapidly.

USDA APHIS Plant Health

Florida Department of Agriculture Citrus Health Response Program

California Citrus Research Board

LSU Ag Center Asian Citrus Psyllid and Greening Disease

Clemson University Citrus Greening

Texas Department of Agriculture Citrus Greening