Growers Urged to Participate in Kern County Coordinated Treatment

A significant number of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) detections in Kern County – more than 115 since this time last year – is a stark reminder to remain vigilant against the pest and the deadly disease it can spread, Huanglongbing (HLB). Last week, an adult ACP was confirmed from a commercial citrus trap in the east Edison area. This detection, along with two recent detections in Arvin residential properties, provides more urgency for growers with citrus east and south of Bakersfield to participate in the upcoming coordinated treatment.

The preferred timing of the treatment is mid-August through mid-September to prevent ACP populations from building on the fall foliar flush. Coordinated treatments like this were done during the same time period in 2018 and 2019 with great success in significantly suppressing ACP populations in commercial citrus orchards.

The San Joaquin Valley ACP/HLB Task Force recommends growers treat all commercial citrus orchards located south or east of Bakersfield – including young, non-bearing trees. For more information on ACP treatments and effective materials, see the University of California’s UCIPM Pest Management Guidelines for Asian Citrus Psyllid.

Past coordinated treatments in the county have been successful in suppressing ACP populations. By participating in this late summer/early fall treatment, Kern County can greatly reduce the number of psyllids, and thus reduce the risk of HLB being transmitted to our commercial citrus.

If you suspect ACP in your orchard, please notify the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. For questions, contact Kern County Grower Liaison Judy Zaninovich at jsleslie@msn.com or 559-730-8691 or the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 661-868-6300.