Disease-Spreading Plant Bug Found in Foster City

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA -- The detection of two Asian citrus psyllid sap-sucking bugs within Foster City and Redwood City have led to the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner and California Department of Food and Agriculture launching a survey and treatment program.

The identities of the insects were confirmed for the Foster City insect on Wednesday Jan. 23, and for the Redwood City psyllid on Friday Feb. 1, the office of County Agricultural Commissioner Fred Crowder said Feb. 20.

This pest is a serious concern, Crowder's office stated, because it can introduce and spread a deadly plant disease known as Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease. It can defoliate, decay and ultimately kill plants. It is fatal to all citrus and once infected, there's no cure.

Asian citrus psyllid is the only insect that can carry and transmit Huanglongbing disease. A diseased tree will decline in health and produce bitter, misshaped fruit until it dies. However, the disease is not harmful to humans or animals, and though unappetizing, infected citrus fruit is safe to eat, according to state agricultural officials.

The discovery of Asian Citrus Psyllid in San Mateo County has triggered the placement of insect detection traps throughout the area to determine the presence and extent of a larger breeding population, according to the agricultural commissioner's office.

Citrus host plants within 50 meters of the site where the insect was trapped will be treated, and residents within the treatment area will be notified in advance. Community outreach meetings are being planned, the commissioner's office said.

To prevent further movement of the contaminating bug in the area, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is establishing a quarantine regulating the movement of all citrus trees and citrus plant material. Homeowners should not move citrus trees, citrus plant parts, or foliage of citrus trees outside of the Asian Citrus Psyllid Regional Quarantine. A map of the quarantine area can be found at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/...

Residents who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call the county pest hotline at 800-491-1899. For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing disease visit:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/a... or CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.