The county’s agricultural commissioner Stephanie McNeill announced the start of an “extensive survey” in response to the detection of an Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) southeast of the city of Madera in the Bonadelle Ranchos area.
The small insect feeds on the stems and leaves of citrus trees and can spread an incurable bacterial infection, huanglongbing or citrus greening disease, that kills citrus trees and closely related plant species. Diseased trees produce bitter, misshapen fruit until they die after declining in health.
All host plants will be treated within 800 meters of the detected insect by California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) staff, according to McNeill. Residents in the area will be notified beforehand.
“The Asian citrus psyllid is a dangerous pest of citrus,” said McNeill. “We’re working to determine the full extent of this incident so that we can protect the state’s vital citrus industry as well as backyard citrus trees. We want to emphasize citrus fruit is safe to eat and the disease is not harmful to human health.” ...