An adult Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) sample collected from a rural residential property outside the city of Imperial in Imperial County has tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacteria that causes Huanglongbing (HLB). The CLas-positive ACP sample was collected from a residential citrus tree on Oct. 30 and was confirmed positive for CLas on Nov. 13. This is the first confirmed CLas-positive adult ACP found in Imperial County.
An HLB quarantine zone will not be established because of this CLas-positive ACP detection. However, officials from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s office are swiftly surveying properties in the surrounding areas to identify the presence of any ACP and collect plant samples from all host plants.
Additionally, following the collection of plant material from the original detection site that will be used for further testing, the host tree where the CLas+ ACP sample was collected has received a foliar treatment and was voluntarily removed by the homeowner under the supervision of the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s office. This action supports ongoing efforts to safeguard surrounding properties.
As of today, HLB has not been detected in any Imperial County citrus trees. However, it is crucial that residents and industry members alike continue to control ACP populations to reduce future risk.
Growers in Imperial County may contact 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 pest hotline immediately.