CLas-positive Asian citrus psyllid found in commercial grove in Pauma Valley, San Diego County

An Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) sample confirmed positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) – the bacteria that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) – was collected from a commercial citrus grove in the Pauma Valley area of San Diego County. This confirmation marks the first CLas-positive ACP found in a commercial grove in San Diego County and only the second grove detection in California.

The ACP sample was collected during a routine commodity survey conducted by Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) staff. Five adult psyllid samples were pooled and tested for CLas, resulting in confirmation of the bacteria by Citrus Research Board’s Jerry Dimitman Laboratory, and later verified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

An expansion of the HLB quarantine zone in San Diego County will not be established as a result of the CLas-positive ACP detection and CPDPD staff are swiftly conducting intensive surveys and collecting samples per the ACP/HLB Action Plan from the perimeter of all commercial groves and residential HLB host plants that are located within a 250-meter radius around the find.

While treatment is not mandatory as a result of the detection, all growers within 250 meters of the find site will be notified by their local Grower Liaison and encouraged to apply insecticides to all HLB host material within the designated area with materials recommended by the University of California (UC).

It is more crucial than ever that we prevent HLB from potentially impacting commercial citrus groves by working to eradicate ACP populations now. The cost to manage the ACP is far less than any potential costs or loss to the industry should HLB take hold in our commercial groves and throughout our state.

Currently, the best way to prevent HLB from infecting California’s citrus groves is to stop the spread of the ACP. To do so, we must restrict its movement and suppress existing psyllid populations. It is critical to follow best practices and review recommendations from the UC on how to protect commercial citrus groves from HLB. Regulations are in place to help prevent the spread of the deadly pest and disease. All growers, packers, haulers and nurseries must comply with all California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), county and federal regulations, including quarantines.

Growers in San Diego County may contact their local Grower Liaison Sandra Zwaal, the County Agricultural Commissioner’s office or the CDFA Pest Hotline at 800-491-1899 for additional information. If you see or suspect ACP or HLB symptoms in your grove, please notify the CDFA .