Two-for-one deals are usually something to get excited about, but not when talking about insect and disease pressure. Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) arrived in southern CA nearly 10 years ago. This pest is one of the biggest challenges for growers because it can transmit Huanglongbing disease (HLB), also known as citrus greening, a devastating bacterial disease. With ACP pressure and HLB infection on the rise, Chris Boisseranc, pest control advisor for Southwest Ag Consulting Inc., encourages growers to be constantly vigilant and maintaining an ACP suppression program throughout the season.

Scouting for ACP:

• When scouting for ACP, look for winged adult insects that feed from a vertical position with black-tipped wings rising into the air, as well as flat, yellow-bodied nymphs that leave behind white honeydew and distorted leaves as they feed.
• Scouting is a key first line of defense to help control ACP. A single Asian citrus psyllid can transmit HLB, so it’s important to stay ahead of this damaging pest.

Managing ACP:

• If you suspect that trees have been fed upon by ACP, quickly quarantine the trees to prevent the spread of possible HLB infection.
• To preserve fruit quality, do not mix fruit harvested from the presumably infected tree with that of uninfected trees.
• Avoid runoff from irrigation that passes from the suspected infected to uninfected trees.

Minecto® Pro insecticide offers excellent efficacy on ACP. The premix formulation of cyantraniliprole and abamectin offers robust control of key citrus pests, including Asian citrus psyllids, mites and leafminers. A tree infected with HLB does not show symptoms during the first year of infection, but the tree is still a source of bacteria that can spread to other trees via ACP. The disease’s devastating effects make it vital to be proactive in controlling and minimizing the impact of ACP on California citrus orchards to prevent HLB from taking hold.

Sign up for the Know More, Grow More Digest to receive twice-monthly agronomic e-mail updates pertinent to your area.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Syngenta hereby disclaims liability for third-party websites.